While I’ll stop short of calling this a protest playlist, I’m super comfortable acknowledging that we are all feeling compelled to use our voices (and our hearts and minds) a bit more these days to stand up for what we believe in – no matter what that is. So wherever you stand, and whatever you believe, here are some tunes on this “Using Our Voices” playlist to motivate, inspire or perhaps even calm you. (And if it’s peace and positivity you’re after, I’ve got you covered with a different playlist here.

One of our current favorite virtual escapes on YouTube is following a boat called La Vagabonde and its crew – a cute couple – sailing around the world. We first fell in love with the La Vagabonde crew, Riley and Elayna, because they were new, adorable, and real—AND because their videos and pictures were so amazing and engaging. However, we quickly got hooked on their music too, which is perfectly curated and edited, while quite chill and sometimes ethereal.

We’re now totally inspired by their adventures (and tunes), and plan someday on having our own (watch this space!) In the meantime, check out the La Vagabonde channel or simply sail away with their awesome playlist.

I was going to compile my “favorites of 2016” playlist when I discovered WFUV’s list of Top 90 Songs – which I couldn’t top. So give a listen and see what you think.

And here’s a supplemental list of “20+ Best New Songs of 2016” from my friend Jane Seymour of New Music Matters

What would be at the top of your favorites from 2016?

WFUV Top 50 Albums

When the world goes low, I go to a playlist. So here is my “post-election peace & positivity” playlist, to help get us through this challenging time of transition, frustration and uncertainty.

Thanks to all of you on Facebook who helped me crowdsource this one so quickly.

What else would you add here?

I’ve been feeling a little out of touch with new music this year, so I’ve focused on what’s been piquing my interest from the radio (thank you WFUV!). Some of my favorite artists have new albums out (Shovels & Rope, Bon Iver, Dawes) and there are some new names on my radar (Teenage Fanclub, Before You Exit).

Listen in and let me know what you like the best. Also, I’d love to know what new tunes are you listening to this fall? What would you add to this list?