Spotify Playlist |
Snowy Nights & City Lights – A Pittsburgh Winter Playlist
Reaching into the vault of Pittsburgh artists past and present, this month, I present your ears with a mix of cozy, moody, and uplifting songs for navigating February in Pittsburgh—that almost spring allure combined with the dreadful knowledge that there’s still at least a month left of cold weather. (And this winter has been especially taxing.)
Whether you're braving the cold, enjoying a quiet night in, or dreaming of sunnier days, this hip-hop and R&B heavy playlist captures the serene beauty of snowy streets, neon reflections on the rivers, and the energy of the city at night, blending wintery vibes with hints of warmth and anticipation for a Pittsburgh spring.
Featured songs:
Mac Miller – "Objects in the Mirror"
A smooth, jazzy meditation on love and self-reflection from the late hip-hop great, perfect for a solo winter drive.
Benji. – "Rain"
This song feels like staring out a frost-covered window as streetlights blur in the drizzle. Take special notice of the song’s spoken intro, sampled from Life is Ticking Away, a talk given by popular Indian yogi and guru Sadhguru.
Livefromthecity – "Strange"
Laid-back, thoughtful bars float over smooth instrumentals, capturing the feeling of wandering the city at night.
Chalk Dinosaur – "Clear My Mind"
Swirling like a winter storm, this song is ideal for deep thinking in the cold, while its upbeat electronic flourishes elicit warm body fuzzies.
Clara Kent – "EUPHORIA"
A warm, neo-soul track that melts through the chill like a cup of coffee on a freezing morning. For the sad boys and girls, Kent’s refrain, “I just want to feel something,” resonates deeply.
Wiz Khalifa – "Glass House"
A vibey, late-night anthem that echoes through the empty streets when the city quiets down.
Owey – "Ice Attack"
Cold and hard-hitting, this trap track mirrors the streets iced over in winter’s grip.
INEZ and Clara Kent – "Clouds"
Matching the hush of snow falling over the city, this R&B ballad evokes floating and weightlessness.
Kahone Concept – "Trashy State of Mind"
Speaking of floating, let all thoughts go during this lo-fi indie/R&B blend.
P.K. Delay – "Float"
Soft rap flow layered over silky beats, embodying that perfect late-night winter drive.
Cam Chambers, Nice Rec – "Caught Up"
Never failing to provide velvety, sultry vocals that erase every thought, prepare for Chambers’s voice and Nice Rec’s production to roll over you like waves of mist rising from the river.
Jordan Montgomery, Big Jerm – "Zamboni"
A laid-back but punchy hip-hop track that mirrors the city glowing after dark.
Le Siren - “harm u”
Previously releasing music under the moniker The Childlike Empress, November marked the first release from the artist in five years. Experimental and haunting, this song drifts like whispers in the cold air.
Montell Fish – "Destroy Myself Just for You"
Soul-infused indie gospel music that sounds like heartbreak echoing in an empty room. I’m not crying; you’re crying. (OK OK, we cry together.)
Swampwalk – "Cloud - Old Time Version"
Lo-fi electro-pop with a dreamlike feel, like being caught in a snowfall at midnight.
Jack Swing – "Like Water"
An alt-R&B groove that oozes calm, as if the city is exhaling.
Glo Phase – "Arctic City"
This ambient, chillwave instrumental feels like staring at the frozen Allegheny River.
Andre Costello & The Cool Minors – "She Took My Hand"
A folk-rock lullaby reminiscent of a cabin fire burning on a cold night.
The Gotobeds – "New York’s Alright (If You Like Sex & Phones)"
Replace New York with Pittsburgh in this track, and let the post-punk energy shake off the season’s gloom.
Billy Pilgrim, Unsung, Shad Ali – "The Road"
Carrying the weight of experience, “The Road” unfolds like a late-night drive through Pittsburgh’s winding streets, where every turn holds a story.
Najj Andrea – "Touch Me"
Sultry and atmospheric, this R&B track flows like warm breath on frosted glass, blending desire with an intoxicating winter evening vibe.
Devin Moses & The Saved - “Sunday Best”
Like stepping into the warmth of a soulful church service on a crisp winter morning, “Sunday Best” is a rich fusion of gospel, blues, and hip hop.
Moemaw Naedon, C. Scott - “Star Time”
Hypnotic, spacey lo-fi hip-hop that drifts like clouds of breath in the cold air.
Want to recommend a Pittsburgh-based musician or band for us to consider in a future roundup? Email us their Spotify link!