ON REPEAT PLAYLIST: Fall 2026
There’s something about a new season that calls for a new soundtrack. We asked the Rock 101 crew what songs have been stuck in their heads, playing in their cars, inspiring their teaching, or simply sounding really good lately. As usual, the answers are all over the musical map.
Here’s what our staff and instructors have On Repeat this fall. Give the playlist a spin, find something new, and let us know what song you can’t stop listening to right now.
ON REPEAT
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ON REPEAT •
Adam Hooks
Song: “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” by Crash Test Dummies
Why: I’ve become re-obsessed with this one lately. I’m even working on a cover of it with The Huckleberries!
Allison Sherrill
Song: “Rain When I Die” by Alice in Chains
Why: Been jamming this one a lot lately. Sometimes you just need some Alice in Chains.
Athena Escoto
Song: “Partridge” by Clairo
Why: This song is so beautiful. The instruments work so well together; it feels like they’re speaking to you.
Brandon Cordova
Song: “Footsteps in the Dark” by The Isley Brothers
Why: An all-time classic. One of the most iconic hip-hop songs ever samples this beat, but the original is pure greatness on its own.
Brittney Cavit
Song: "Same Old Story" by Naethan Apollo
Why: I love it because I have a soft spot for a good honking saxophone part since I played alto and bari sax many years ago. I also love when music can send a good message to people while being enjoyable.
Donny Kruse
Song: “Take Me with U” by Prince
Why: It’s catchy. What more do you need?
Dustin Harvey
Song: “Estrela” by Marcos Valle
Why: Great samba grooves and a kick-ass album cover.
Eddie Brewer
Song: “Computer Love” by Kraftwerk
Why: My favorite song right now. Kraftwerk forever.
Emily James
Song: “Oh Klahoma” by Jack Stauber
Why: This one has been on repeat lately.
Gabe Gambino
Song: “Sculptures of Anything Goes” by Arctic Monkeys
Why: This song has been an earworm for me since 2023. I feel like I’ve grown up alongside Arctic Monkeys, from their bratty, angsty years into something more mellow and experimental. I love how tense this song feels. It’s a great example of how “heavy” music doesn’t always require distorted guitars. The swells, sudden rests, and push and pull give it so much weight. They continue to try new things while still sounding completely like themselves.
Song: “staring at the sun” by manhigh.
Why: Yep, I’m putting my own song on here. manhigh. has been my baby for 10 years and has been there through some of my greatest triumphs and deepest tragedies. This song came out of frustration and directed rage, and recording my own music has never come easily to me. But this is one of the few songs I’ve released where I can close my eyes, take the journey, and get out of my own head. I’m proud of that.
Issac Trujillo
Song: “Chlorine & Wine” by Baroness
Why: I love “Chlorine & Wine” this week. Ask me again next week, and it might be something completely different.
Jabez Ledres
Song: “Deep Green” by Christian Kuria
Why: Smooth, soulful, and currently getting plenty of spins.
Jameson Ray
Song: “Sounds We Cannot Hear” by Protomartyr
Why: This is the one for me right now.
Jay Forsythe
Song: “When You Awake” by The Band
Why: A classic from The Band that’s made its way back into my rotation.
Justin Salazar
Song: “Solar Impulse” by Decrepit Birth
Why: I love the way they blend a melodic atmosphere with extreme metal. That soundscape creates an amazing backdrop for the guitar solos and keeps moving the song forward. Every time I hear it, I want to hear it again.
Kat Racca
Song: “Stupid Song” by Olivia Rodrigo
Why: I’m going with “Stupid Song.” Hehe.
Kayla Martinez Herig
Song: “Hawk is Listenin’” by AJ Woods
Why: A beautiful song with the love of nature at the core. Local musician for the win!
Ken Broyles
Song: “Hanginaround” by Counting Crows
Why: I recently rediscovered this one. I listened to it a ton as a kid, so hearing it again brought back some serious nostalgia.
Ken Easton
Song: “Theologians” by Wilco
Why: Wilco. “Theologians.” That’s the pick.
Kendall Jones
Song: "I'm Trying" by K.L. Hamilton
Why: I really like the vocal and guitar solo! Feel like it's super unique to hear that texture.
Kevin Herig
Song: “Die Young” by Kevin Morby
Why: This one got me. Kevin Morby’s new album is just quite lovely, and I think this one is my favorite at the moment.
Lucy Wang
Song: “Lose Again” by Alison Krauss
Why: It’s such a beautiful song. I’ve been hearing it sung at bluegrass jams lately and have really fallen in love with it.
Nick Aragon
Song: “CITRINE” by Immanuel Wilkins
Why: This is what I’ve got on repeat right now.
Ricardo Sanchez
Song: “You Wish” by Unida
Why: This song is epic, and it absolutely has fall vibes because fall is the coolest of all the seasons. It starts with a hypnotic bass line that draws you in, then John Garcia’s powerhouse vocals take over. The whole band blends together perfectly. Required listening for anyone who loves to ROCK.
Sharon Eldridge
Song: “Swing, Swing” by The All-American Rejects
Why: It has a really cool floor tom groove in the verse. Gotta love a song with a good drum part!
Sofia Beals
Song: “Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves
Why: A beautiful song that’s been in my rotation this fall.
