Snake, Rattle and Roll!

Hello music musers,

We’ve officially entered the Year of the Snake — how are you sliding into your playlists for the long holiday weekend?

I’m back in the motherland for my own family festivities, but this time, I’m hearing wedding bells. Check out the rest of my newsletter to find out what it’s all about 👀

Festivities aside, here’s my red packet mixtape filled with thick notes (as in money or music, if you get the pun) to bring in good music fortune to your playlists 🧧

Wishing you luck and good vibes in the year ahead,

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:

• 🧧 Lucky Beats, based on your Zodiac Sign

• 🎎 Double Prosperity

• 🔁 This Week’s Songs on Repeat

• 🎶 New Music This Week

🧧 Lucky Beats, based on your Zodiac Sign

The year of the Wood Snake is associated with wisdom, intuition and strategic growth – this is your new year memo to trust your instincts and grow where it works on your favour 🪴

Here are some key areas to focus on this year, along with a track that could bring you luck based on your zodiac sign:

(Note that these predictions are for entertainment purposes only! If you're looking for the real fortune vibes, it's best to consult a professional astrologer. 😀)

🐭 Rat

• What’s in store for you: There’s a big plot twist happening for your career advancement — this is a good sign to network more.

• Your Lucky Song: rocketship by Adriel and yuji

🐮 Ox

• What’s in store for you: It’s going to be a year of both good fortune and potential setbacks. Be patient and be gentle with yourself — your hard work will pay off.

• Your Lucky Song: Float On by Modest Mouse

🐯 Tiger

• What’s in store for you: Personal relationships is your key focus this year. Remember to check in with your family, friends and loved ones!

• Your Lucky Song: Paradise by Over October

🐰 Rabbit

• What’s in store for you: There’s plenty of opportunities this year in terms of love life and creative pursuits — go ahead and seize them all!

• Your Lucky Song: Gotta Do Something by flor

🐲 Dragon

• What’s in store for you: Financial and achievement stars are upon you this year — expect BIG money moves and solid returns on your investments 💰

• Your Lucky Song: Make Money by RIMON and Mereba

🐍 Snake

• What’s in store for you: It’s your breakthrough year! And that means big business – you’re going to need a lot of introspective work to make this truly your year.

• Your Lucky Song: The New Me by Tonal Graffiti

🐴 Horse

• What’s in store for you: This is a great year to turn your professional and travel goals into reality, but don’t forget to maintain work-life balance to keep the burnouts away.

• Your Lucky Song: Here I Go by Wildflowers and Jason Dering

🐐 Goat

• What’s in store for you: There’s a high potential for your artistic expression to blossom this year. Focus on your creativity and trust the process!

• Your Lucky Song: Good Days’ll Come by John-Robert

🐵 Monkey

• What’s in store for you: Your ideas will flourish and attract the attention of pretty famous people. Get ready to step into the spotlight and make sure you get the timing right!

• Your Lucky Song: DOING IT AGAIN BABY by girl in red

🐔 Rooster

• What’s in store for you: Career and romance are on your side this year! Balance these aspects wisely, and you’ll be on your way to living the best of both worlds.

• Your Lucky Song: Sunny Days by Reality Club

🐶 Dog

• What’s in store for you: There’s a big focus on health and loyalty this year — make sure to nurture your friendships and take care of your physical well-being.

• Your Lucky Song: Doing Alright (Clear Skin) by Greta Lovisa

🐷 Pig

• What’s in store for you: Lots of opportunities are out there, but watch out for hidden challenges. Stay sharp – your intuition is your best friend.

• Your Lucky Song: All the Time You Need by Sleepy Soul

🎎 Double Prosperity

This week, I’m dedicating this section to my cousin and future cousin-in-law, who will be getting married in the heart of Chinese New Year 🥹🥹 #TheGreatADventure

According to some, this is called a 囍 (pronounced shuāngxǐ, 双喜), which means “double happiness”. More than this phrase being a staple at weddings, I’m honoured to witness an event that really brings double the joy to this season of beginnings.

I asked the soon-to-be newlyweds to share some music for their new life together, and here are some of their recommendations:

• Home by Reese Lansangan

• Love You For A Long Time by Maggie Rogers

• Your Universe by Rico Blanco

• At the Beginning by Christy Altomare and Derek Klena (listen at 0:36)

🔁 This Week’s Songs on Repeat

It’s The Way You Make Me Feel by Steps: Currently on a 2000s mood trip – think Backstreet Boys and the likes!

Baby Maybe by Girls’ Generation: Song so good I thought it was released recently, and then I remembered that this song is over a decade old! I will always be a 2nd generation K-pop stan 😭

🎶 New Music This Week

Eusexua by FKA Twigs: It’s giving futuristic celestial pop – the staccato synths are tripping my brain out.

ひゅるりらぱっぱ (Hyururirapappa) by turi.: It carries the fiery energy and pace of an advanced level in Guitar Hero. Think you can keep up and beat this stage?

Inspired by this week’s music picks?

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