December Monthly Mix 23

Fritz Weatherbee: Music Moves Within

Meet Fritz Weatherbee, California-based multi-instrumentalist who plays live sets with keni can fly and crafts beats for summertime memories.

READ: EXPLORE CALIFORNIA’S PSYCHEDELIC HIP HOP UNDERBELLY

“This set of four playlists contains songs that I have come to enjoy over the past five years. Songs that lift me up, free my mind and force me to move. I apologize (not really) if one manages to get stuck in your head. I want to thank my friends for showing me some of these tunes and making memories with these songs playing in the background. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without it!” -Fritz Weatherbee.   

LA OLA

“The world produces waves. Surf or drown. You decide,” (Virgil Abloh, 2017). The connection between surfing and living has always intrigued me. The combination of having faith in your abilities while surrendering to the chaos and undeniable power of Mother Nature is all too reminiscent of the journey of any creative. While I am not a trained surfer, riding waves with my body or a boogie board achieves that similar sensation of freedom and elation. As I get older, making music seems to be one of the waves I will be riding on the longest, and I wouldn’t be in the position that I am without listening to art that activates my buzz to create. This playlist is meant to capture some of the inspirations that drive my passion for making music. Look out for the impeccable flute of Bobbi Humphrey, the trippy guitar melodies of Shintaro Sakamoto, and the musical genius of Thundercat. 

ESCAPE TO SUN

If you’ve gotten to spend time with me you know I have a soft spot for bumping music in the car with the windows down. Driving through the streets of San Diego, I want people to pick up on the sounds I’m enjoying and feel my excitement and joy. That’s also why on a typical sunny day you will see me at the beach with my JBL speaker full blast relaxing and probably indulging in some sort of smokable. This playlist is all about feeling yourself and enjoying your surroundings! Hopefully, after a listen you’ll be ready to book a trip to somewhere where the sun never stops shining and the drinks are strong. Sample chops from Karriem Riggens, funky lyrics from Berhana, and beautiful rhythm from Mbiri Young Stars are standouts on this one.

LOOKING INWARD

I know I’m not alone when I say that music is an important tool for healing and experiencing the complexities of being. When I put myself in certain sonic spaces I become more contemplative and sentimental of my past experiences while visualizing new ones. Sometimes all you need is the right song to make your body buzz with gratitude and hope for the future, and a lot of these songs do just that for me. This playlist is chock full of beautiful melodies from the likes of Hiatus Kaiyote, Lafayette Afro Rock Band and Los Retros to name a few. All I ask is that you don’t overthink it and listen with care! 

STANK FACE SMOOTHIE

Sometimes I need to feel my face squish and my muscles tense as I ride out the vibes of a groovy toon. It’s this kind of music that makes me feel that I am part of something bigger than myself, empowered and cool. When I am feeling low or in my own head, it’s the stank-face music that gets me out of whatever unhappiness I’m feeling. I chose to add the word “smoothie” at the end because I think a lot of these songs each have a distinct element of smoothness. Whether it be Anderson Paak’s vocals or the potent synergy from the Jazzbois, they still pack a funky punch but have light and airy melodies. 

Check out Fritz Weatherbee on Spotify or Instagram to keep up with his musical tastes and beachy vibes! Stay tuned by following The Curio Cabinet on Spotify and look out for the first set of mixes in 2024.