In this episode, Rowena and Jason dive into a curated 17-track summer mixtape created as an homage to the support system that carried Ro and Ed through a challenging year.
The conversation spans music from 2026 releases to classics from Ro and Jason’s youth. Rowena shares why these tracks move her (literally and figuratively) and Jason shares her enthusiasm as well as his AI assisted research into the backstory of various tracks.
Together they home in on their shared love of music and its cathartic, transporting power as medicine.
A few highlights:
- A Dedication of Gratitude: Rowena dedicates the summer mixtape to the community, family, and friends who provided care and support throughout Ed’s cancer treatment and recovery.
- Unconventional Sound Structures: Jason reveals his Top 5 most mindblowing tracks of Ro’s mixtape — tracks that include acoustic piano interludes and unusual string-striking techniques — which leave him wondering where the song is going to go next.
- Intergenerational Collaborations & Genre Crossovers: Ro and Jason “fangrrl” unique pairings across generations and styles, such as Olivia Rodrigo with Robert Smith, and mega K-pop group collaborations.
- Personal Nostalgia & Milestones: Rowena walks Jason through some formative musical memories, from childhood radio favorites to songs associated with family milestones and San Francisco life.
YouTube Music listeners: Here's the full playlist.
Apple Music listeners: The first track on Rowena's playlist is not available on Apple Music. You can find that track here. The rest of the playlist is here.
Spotify listeners: We're sorry! We haven't taken the time to school ourselves in the ins and outs of exporting / importing playlists. Maybe you could figure it out and tell us how?
Rowena’s Summer Mixtape ‘26 Track List:
- "Adore You x Watermelon Sugar" (Harry Styles Mashup by Adamusic): Sets an energetic, sun-drenched tone for the mixtape opening.
- "Slip & Slide" by Masicka & Di Genius: A playful dancehall party anthem with generational reggae roots.
- "Summerboy" by Lady Gaga: An unsentimental pop-rocker showcasing early alternate genre paths.
- "Houseboy" by Aluna, Will Sass & Timbaland: Classic Chicago piano house beat dedicated playfully to household gratitude.
- "One Afternoon in Summer" by Luke Faulkner: A contemplative piano instrumental acting as a right angle.
- "Standing Next to You" by Jung Kook: High-energy K-pop solo release drawing on 70s disco and 80s funk influences.
- "Ne Plus Ultra" by ear: Experimental electronic track featuring gritty bass and intense forward momentum.
- "Burn the Witch" by Radiohead: A 16-year production effort featuring striking col legno bow techniques on strings.
- "Silly Love Songs" by Paul McCartney & Wings: A classic track tied to personal memories and an upcoming family wedding.
- "what’s wrong with me" by Olivia Rodrigo & Robert Smith: An intergenerational crossover exploring bittersweet romantic themes.
- "ICONIC BY MISTAKE" by LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT & KATSEYE: A high-powered K-pop collaboration uniting 16 vocalists across three groups.
- "U-Huh" by Tkay Maidza: Funky, whimsical electronic hip-hop track with a catchy hook.
- "Choosin’ Texas" by Ella Langley: A record-breaking country crossover ballad with raw, down-to-earth storytelling.
- "Human Nature" by Michael Jackson: A soft, agile vocal showcase written by Toto's Steve Porcaro.
- "The Tide Is High" by Blondie: Reggae-influenced classic featuring a rich mix of horns and strings.
- "Free Your Mind" by Prosper & Cloonee: An upbeat tech-house track revived years after its initial creation.
- "Crying" by Björk: A summer-vulnerable track reflecting on raw human emotion and personal history.
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