Elemental Rhythms

Vol. 26 | Listening to Fundamental Soundbending Mixes

Author

Valerie S.
March 26, 2025

Hello again,

We’re about to wrap up Q1 of 2025! 😄 How much have you locked in so far?

Work’s been keeping me busy these past few months, especially with a major exhibition event happening this week. Weeks of heavy design work were giving me headaches and draining my productivity — until I randomly threw on some old-school K-pop from the 2010s.

And then boom. Instant productivity boost. My migraines were gone, ideas were flowing, and I had a solid concept nailed down to a T. Now that’s soundbending.

So whether you’re taking a chill pill this quarter or hustling towards your goals, don’t forget to tune in to your comfort hype playlists. They’re always a surefire way to restart your engine, have your energy flowing and get back in the zone ⚡️

On a side note, I’ve been really hyped about a new Avatar series centering on an Earthbender Avatar. So this week, I’ve curated some songs inspired by the 4 core forces of nature. Take your pick and see which one makes you feel in your element.

Are you drawn to currents, sparks, breezy tunes, or a more grounded vibe? Let’s find out your bending style 🌊⛰️🔥💨

Until the next newsletter,

Val ♫

(P.S If you are reading this in your email, please click “Read Online” at the top-right corner next to the date for a better reading experience!)

In this week's setlist:

🌊 Ridin’ the Waves

Not all water-inspired music is calm and slow — it’s about movement, the ebbs and flows. It can feel like droplets even when it’s not about rain.

Dive into this whirlpool of melodies with these tracks:

⛰️ Groundbreaking Sounds

How would you describe earthy music? To me, it’s where heavy bass and steady, booming drum beats create a sense of weight. And even without them, the music still feels as if gravity is anchoring you to the ground.

If you’re in the mood for something that feels deep, rich, and grounded, here are some beats to root yourself in:

🔥 It’s Flameo Hot, Man!

When we think of fiery music, chances are we all picture something bold — red-hot, intense and full of big, powerful sounds. Fire-related music always has that passionate side to it, but it doesn’t always have to be wild and explosive.

Just as firebenders Zuko and Azula can bend lightning in Avatar: The Last Airbender, it can take on any shape or form. Fire can crackle or it can manifest as static energy, emerging as short pulses or sparks.

Here are some tracks that bring the heat or spark in different ways:

💨 Breath of Fresh Air

When I think of air-like music, I imagine the effortless lightness of air itself — the breeze, the gust, and everything in between. You'll be surprised to find that even some songs that aren't quiet and calm at all can capture this feeling, too.

Embody that weightless, feather-like feeling with these tracks:

🎶 New Music This Week

thankful for you by Chelsea Cara: This feels like the kind of song that plays in my head when I’m lost in thought about past lovers, while slow synthpop echoes through the club, lights blurring as the crowd moves in long exposure slow motion. The feels and the music just melt into this nostalgic, dreamy bubble 🫧

Over & Over by Adrian Milanio: The anxious chills left my body after listening to this track — it’s got the smoothest electone-diffused piano intro ever. It’s the perfect song to ease into the rest of the week 👌🏻

weight of the water - demo by dani ip: This one feels like drifting weightlessly on water — just you, the slow guitar strums, and laying with your face towards the sky, unbothered.

Inspired by this week’s music picks?

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