[Invisible Children Music: We firmly believe that music has a necessary role in giving social movements tremendous amounts of momentum. It is a universal language, and at Invisible Children, it’s important for us to be a part of that language.]
This photo defines Bethany Bylsma. She’s bright, matronly (in a caring way, not in like an elderly woman type way), and joyous. She was a staple at Invisible Children for years, shaping both our internal and external company culture and voice. (Sidebar: As annoying as it became, every phrase Bethany started saying became office-wide lingo. “Woof.” “Hurt.” “I only care.”)
She is currently living and attending school in Seattle, and she is forever missed inside the walls of Invisible Children.
When we re-booted this Five Songs That Matter To series, we knew Bethany had to be involved. 1) We love her 2) She has great taste in music 3) She feels absolutely anything, so her choices were going to be monumental.
So, here they are – the five songs that mater to Bethany Byslma. We only love them.
01. “Oh My Sweet Carolina” – Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams is the soundtrack of every rich and lonely road-trip I’ve ever taken. He sings America like it was meant to be sung, and paints an ache into people’s souls that doesn’t get out. This song has been my alarm clock, my ring tone, and stuck in my head for a long time. Pair Ryan with the likes of Emmylou Harris, Mandy Moore, or in the case of this video – Laura Marling, and you have a soul ripping match made in heaven.
02. “From the Ground Up” – Sleeping At Last
I heard this song when I was trying to figure out whether or not I needed to leave my life, community, job, friends and security at Invisible Children and start a new path. I couldn’t make a decision and couldn’t find the answers I was looking for. This song hit me up the side of the head and said exactly what I wanted and needed to hear at that exact moment in time.
03. “The Very Thought Of You” – Billie Holiday
Who doesn’t love (read: OBSESS) over a good Billie tune? She makes me feel like a woman, like I have something to offer and that I’d better offer it with some soul. She is timeless. She is instant summertime. She is rainy nights. She is nostalgia and this song in particular takes me back to a very real, very beautiful few weeks in the mountains I spent with friends.
03. “Top of the World” – Patty Griffin
Every piano I’ve played has at some point sang this song with me. It’s the one song that doesn’t leave me, that I can’t shake off, and that continues to have meaning in the realest, rawest way, even 10 years after I heard it for the first time. Patty Griffin cannot be matched, even when the Dixie Chicks are the ones making her songs famous.
05. “Fairytale of New York” – The Pogues f/ Kristy MacColl
This song is an anthem, a karaoke win, a friendship bracelet and my instant happiness. It ties me to friends near and far and I will never, not love it. Its place on the greatest songs of all time list and every mix tape ever made is not up for discussion. Period.
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If you want to be featured as part of Five Songs That Matter To, e-mail us your submissions to [email protected].
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