GL.25.02: ISABEL VERMAAK
GL.25.03: Jem Stirling
GL.25.04: Nora Tang
GL.25.05: Tony Schoenberg
GL.25.06: Mario Sanders
GL.25.07: Darrin Shillair
GL.25.08: Scott Lawson
GL.25.09: Erik Kristjanson
GL.25.10: Curt Trnka
***
Isabel’s 2025 Playlist
This year was crazy, both in the sense of the amount of things that happened, and the speed at which it all happened. A lot of travel ‘firsts’ this year; first time in Asia, first time using a plane to commute on a bi-weekly basis (AMS-Berlin), first time flying private, first time getting to the gate without checking-in and having to rebook through EasyJet 3 hours later. First time in Hollywood too, and now I’m spending the majority of my life there, in between the palm trees and emotionally unstable entertainment executives.
One thing that hasn’t changed; my stress levels. It feels like summer never ended, because it's still 85 degrees in Studio City in mid-November, which almost tricks my mind into thinking that I’ll be heading back to my ‘normal-life’ in Rotterdam/Amsterdam soon.
Like the last 3 months have just been some fever dream after a few too many marg’s and an edible. And as you start to sober up, you start thinking about that big meeting you have tomorrow, so even though you’re fucked up and feeling good, you’re like still a little paranoid you’re not going to deliver tomorrow? That kind of fever dream.
Either way, it’s been a wild ride and I’m excited to see what 2026 has in store. I hope it involves less travel. I’m willing to hand in my priority boarding group status for a chance to stop and eat another delicious Mexican street taco (or smell the flowers).
I hope everyone is hangin’ in there. Thanks to Aaron for letting us share music with each other, I’m looking forward to reading some bangin’ EOY reflections!
- Isabel
Oh yeah! Criteria is the same as my previous submissions; all music that is listed has been released in 2025, and I usually do 1 honorable mention (i.e. it missed the 2025 cut-off, or just wasn’t good enough to actually make the list).
Honorable Mention: HUMAN ERROR - “ÜBERHOLSPUR”
This doesn’t make the cut because it was released in 2024, but honestly, nothing described my 10+ work-trips to Berlin better this year than this song. This is a metaphorical representation of my poor, poor body clock and consistently elevated heart rate.
(1) Harry T, BBYx - “Kiss Me”
Definitely the banger of this summer. A good song to drive to, and even better song to get fucked up to. Perfect combo (?)
(2) Amine - “Vacay”
It felt pretty great to listen to this song during a nice beach vacation this spring. Takes me on a little vacation every time I listen to it now :)
(3) jigitz, INJI - “Tell you straight (INJI’S Version)”
INJI is great, and this mashup makes me feel like I too, am cool and nonchalant.
(4) John Summit, Alok, CLOVES - “Focus” (feat. CLOVES) [Alok remix]
Okay, I know I said that ‘Kiss Me’ was the banger of the summer, but this one is giving it a run for its money. It goes unreasonably hard. The build up is chef’s kiss, and the drop delivers.
(5) Trobi, ADF Samski, Milolaathetlukken - “Haver Cappu” (feat. Milolaathetlukken & ADF Samski)
My boy Kevin didn’t make the list this year, this is his placeholder for ‘25
(6) SIDEPIECE, Bobby Shmurda - “Cash Out”
Trap house tune, the list wouldn’t be complete without one.
(7) Big Z - “Designer & Champagne”
This is an accurate statement of things I like. But I like the beat of this even more than both of those things. Also, this is my sleeper hit, you heard it here first. This is defo going to be popular soon.
(8) Nappy Roots, GRIP - “Life Happens Quickly”
Nappy Roots came back just to dunk on us and GRIP makes a feature?! GRIP and Nappy Roots are friends?!! So cool.
(9) Central Cee, 21 Savage - “GBP” (feat. 21 Savage)
Yes, the price does go up if it’s USD. I had to move to LA to find that one out. Shit’s expensive.
(10) Knox - “Pick Your Poison”
I know I was miserable during high school, but this song is how I imagine how ‘cool’ feels like in high school, and it’s cute. Sometimes you just need a little pop punk to bring you back down to earth, ya know?
(11) Big Sean, Eladio Carrion - “Branzino”
This song magically made me understand Spanish, it’s like, all of a sudden so easy..? Idk man this song is poetry in motion and I fucking love it.
(12) LYVIA - “Trippin”
Breezy AF, great airpod city-stroll vibe.
(13) Gravagerz, kiki wera - “Pool” - Gravagerz Version
“I just wanna vibe. Sometimes, but not all the time.” YES finally! A song that captures it. I’m pretty sure this song was internet famous too.
(14) Connor Price - “Too Easy”
If AOL Messenger was still a thing, I would copy and paste this into my profile.
(15) Lupe Fiasco - “SOS”
Good god, where does this man get his energy from? The flow is just like, really smooth. Take me away, Lupe. Whipped out the sax for this too? sheeeeesh.
(16) d00mscrvll, Diplo, Juicy J, Project Pat - “Flashlight” (ft. Project Pat & Juicy J)
Fun fact: I face-timed with Project Pat once. But he’s right, and it’s true; “the game ain’t the same, man, these streets ain’t got no rules now.”
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