How KATSEYE, Sabrina Carpenter, and Susannah Joffe Turn Songs Into Obsessions
From unserious songs that hit a little too close, Nico’s picks reflect a listener who stays close to what’s new and what’s next.
Nico (@vinyls_by_nico) moves through the April 20 to 22 prompts as someone who keeps music playing through every part of his day, always in tune with the latest releases. His picks move from a recent unserious anthem to an album that exceeded his expectations, and into a song that’s been on repeat lately.
The prompts offer a window into how Nico engages with music, shaped by the rhythm of everyday student life. One looks at the most unserious track in his library, where his answer embraces chaos, fandom, and the kind of song that doesn’t need to make sense to work. Another turns to an album that exceeded expectations, highlighting a release that did so through addictive moments, standout tracks, and songs he couldn’t stop replaying. The final prompt focuses on a song he’s been playing all week, tying music to feeling, repetition, and the kind of track he wants to experience in the same place as the artist: Texas.
What’s the most unserious track in your library?
I instantly thought of “Pinky Up” by KATSEYE: the literal definition of unserious. The title refers to a way of drinking tea politely, and while it may not seem like a fitting concept for KATSEYE, it somehow works.
I discovered KATSEYE through the Gnarly and Gameboy music videos and have been a fan since then. My favorites releases are this song and their latest EP, “Beautiful Chaos.”
As a true Eyekon, I absolutely LOVE this song. When I first heard “Pinky Up” before its official release, I was like: “The f*ck is that!!!” and to be 100% honest, I was the biggest hater. The whole Manon on hiatus situation had me angry at HYBE, so when they first announced it, I was happy because I thought she would be on it… but as it turns out, she’s not.
But I’m over this now, and I just can’t stop listening to the song. When I listen to that song, I just want to shake my ass in the parking lot with my girlies. Pinky Up is truly a state of mind.
Which album exceeded your expectations?
Like a lot of fans, I thought it was too early for Sabrina to release a new album, after the major success she had had not long ago with Short n’ Sweet.
However, after the first listen, I realized Sabrina proved that she had found her sound. The album starts with one of Sabrina’s most iconic songs, “Manchild.” I’d say both the beat and the lyrics are extremely addictive for reasons I really don’t know. Now whenever someone around me says something like “hey man,” I can only think of Sabrina.
“Tears” is another of Sabrina’s most iconic songs. I love the 80’s vibes, the “shikitah” vocals that appear throughout the song, and the iconic dance break at the end that everyone knows. But I’d say my favorite one on the album is “House Tour.” It is SO addictive and I just simply can not describe how I love that song, especially the intro where she says… “take your shoes off.” I feel like I need this song in my veins because of how catchy and fun it is.
For the cherry on top, Sabrina ends the album with the masterpiece that is “Goodbye.” I love how she says goodbye in different languages, even mine, when she says “Au revoir!” This one of a kind album really needed an insane song to finish it and I think she achieved it with this one. The outro is simply perfect!
What’s a song you’ve played a lot this week?
I discovered Susannah a few weeks ago with the release of “Your Mother’s Name” on picture disc by Vertigo Vinyl. Shout out to Susannah and VV!
“Texas Baby” is genuinely one of my favorite songs of ALL time. “I love when you call me a lady, then run me over on the freeway… You burn so bright, but I can't turn a blind eye.” I think the song is addictive mainly because of that chorus, it’s a total earworm… it always gets stuck in my head!
The lyrics are also incredibly relatable: that feeling of hating home yet you always want to go back, even though you hate it. I hope one day, I’ll visit Texas (where Susannah is from) and I’ll keep playing that song on repeat, like I already do.
Susannah is a criminally underrated artist. Her voice is so pretty and the vocals in this song are absolutely insane, especially towards the end. If you haven’t tried Susannah’s music yet, I recommend you to listen to her song “Your Mother’s Name.” It’s her best one.
Between school days, headphones, and whatever’s queued up next, there’s rarely a moment where the sound cuts out in Nico’s life, maybe during classes. Songs come in fast and fresh, some louder than others, but the ones that stay don’t need much explaining. If it hits, it stays. And if it stays, that’s reason enough.
A young listener who keeps music playing through every part of his day, always in tune with what’s new and what’s next. Instinct-driven, endlessly curious, and never too far from his next favorite song.
