Compiled by Noemi Ladak and Maya Davison
Illustrated by Jessica Chan and April Yang
A person’s Spotify Wrapped can tell you more about them than their manifesto, so we’re sharing what some of your societies’ execs are keeping on their nightstands, listening to on their walks to campus, and watching on their weekends!
Music
ARTIST · Madra Salach
Josh Buck, Co-president — PuLSE
Heavily inspired by Irish folk music, Madra Salach, meaning “Dirty Dog” in English, were one of the best bands I saw this summer. Their music isn’t always cheery, but their set was lively, funny and emotional. They’re playing in Camden in October, and I couldn’t recommend them enough.
SINGLE · brand new chanel$, Slayyyter
Sofia Kam, Wellbeing and Inclusions Officer — Crafts Society
In her new single “brand new chanel$”, Slayyyter blends electro- and dance-pop to convey the heartbreak of infidelity. The song serves as the continuation of her 2025 hit “BEAT UP CHANEL$” and is the lead single for her upcoming brother album to her project “WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA”. The vocals feature a blend of belted-out and breathy delivery, over club-ready production that builds towards a euphoric ending. With a combination of Chappell Roan’s theatrical vocals and Charli xcx’s party girl attitude, the song sets itself up as this generation’s “Dancing On My Own”—a young woman’s anthem of devastation and bliss.
EP · Fête de la Vanille, Lucy Bedroque
Eshal Tanwir, Co-founder & Marketing Director — The Melting Pot
Lucy Bedroque’s EP ‘Fête de la Vanille’ has 6 tracks but infinite genres. Although it carries a distinct, consistent sound, it takes influence from experimental electronic, art pop and cloud rap. Every song features their soft but hard-tuned vocals over airy, upbeat, progressively intense instrumentals. The title translates to ‘Vanilla Party’, capturing the bright, sweet sonic aesthetic, but the term semantically represents relationships and social themes covered throughout the EP: from one-sided affection (Knot Me) to material success at the cost of loneliness (Mimosa). For first-time listeners, start with ‘How to Pretend’, like every track – it’s confrontational and incredible.
ALBUM · Yana, Exit Strategy
Shreya Gupta, President — The Beaver
For so long I’ve kept my favourite hidden gem a secret: folk pop artist Yana, someone I think deserves so much more credit-especially for her latest album, Exit Strategy. Her voice has this rare ability to cancel out all the noise around you within seconds. Tracks like “Pendulum” bring a quiet stillness wherever you are. Then there’s “Undo Me” which opens with a rhythm unlike anything else on the record, and it’s the song that made me fall in love with the entire album. I’d recommend this album to anyone who loves powerful lyrics-both relatable and poetic-which is exactly what Yana does best.
FILM
FILM · La Chimera
Zuzanna Darowska, President — Photography Society
Recently I re-watched one of my all-time-favourite films – Alice Rohrwacher’s La Chimera, which I recommend during every film-related conversation. It seems like a delicate, slow-paced love letter to the ancient Etruscan world. I loved Josh O’Connors performance as a melancholic archaeologist guided by an almost addiction to grave-hunting, fuelled by a deep appreciation and fascination with the ancients. The film explores the value of the ancient world in a capitalistic society and isn’t afraid to show Italy’s imperfections. It has won a spot in my Letterboxd top 4 with the beauty of its visuals and its storytelling.
FILM · Past Lives
Aleesha Zaidi, Co-founder & President — The Melting Pot
Past Lives (2023) is about connection, choice, and culture, questioning what we do when confronted with a life path not chosen. With all paths not taken, a sort of romanticism exists in the unknown, but the film’s cultural lens asks: how do you confront a past life rooted in a culture you are increasingly disillusioned with? The protagonist Nora, a Korean-American, reconnects with her childhood sweetheart, Hae-Sung, and explores feelings of otherness – being too Korean for America and too American for Korea. It beautifully explores the paradox of diaspora, where your sense of belonging can feel like shedding your defining history.
THEATRE
THEATRE · Cabaret
Saniya Mathur, President — Visual Arts Society
I recently watched Cabaret on the West End. The cast was so energetic, and the songs were super memorable (you can even see the orchestra on the balcony!). I went in knowing very little about the plot, so I loved being caught off guard as the playful, comical vibe gradually turned very disconcerting. The show makes you think about what happens when we choose self-preservation over standing up for others, something that still feels relevant today.
LITERATURE
BOOK · The Time in Between, María Dueñas
Ekaterina Stolnaya, President — Literature Society
Reading The Time in Between by María Dueñas was the literary highlight of my summer. An inspiring story of an ordinary woman whose life takes an unexpected turn at the culmination of the Spanish Civil War. Faced with a heartbreaking betrayal, she uses her courage and talent to become a prestigious couturier and then an undercover agent during World War II. If you love historical fiction, this book is impossible to put down, and reading it felt like reliving her life alongside her. When you feel powerless against the gushes of fate, it’s reassuring to know you still have control over your life.
