Podcast Summary: All Songs Considered Episode: Roséwave: Summer's Simple Pleasures
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Robin Hilton
Guests: Lars Gottridge, Marissa LaRusso

Introduction to Rose Wave

Robin Hilton opens the episode by acknowledging the audience's eagerness for the return of the Rose Wave playlist after a two-year hiatus. The Rose Wave series, initiated by Lars Gottridge and Marissa LaRusso, is celebrated for its summery, breezy vibes that encapsulate the essence of carefree summer days.

Robin Hilton [00:22]: "They've had it with all the waiting and the wondering and they're just not gonna do it anymore. They want their Rose Wave playlist. They want it now."

Defining Rose Wave

Lars Gottridge elaborates on the concept of Rose Wave, emphasizing that it’s not confined to a specific music genre but rather embodies a "summery feeling" characterized by ease, breeziness, and emotional depth akin to artists like Carly Rae Jepsen.

Lars Gottridge [01:03]: "It's just that summery feeling. It's a little easy, it's a little breezy, it's a lot of feeling, it's a lot of Carly Rae Jepsen style emotion."

Marissa LaRusso adds that the Rose Wave playlist serves as a global compilation, featuring hundreds of handpicked songs from various eras, making it a versatile soundtrack for summer.

Marissa LaRusso [01:46]: "You will find literally hundreds of songs handpicked by y'all going back to 2017."

Featured Songs and Discussions

1. "Elderberry Wine" by Wednesday

Marissa introduces Wednesday, a band from North Carolina, highlighting their fall album Bleeds, which blends noisy guitars with country influences. She describes "Elderberry Wine" as the most "easy, breezy, warm, young love" track on the album, perfectly fitting the Rose Wave aesthetic.

Marissa LaRusso [02:58]: "It is perhaps the most easy, breezy, warm, young love kind of song on the record. So that all feels very wave canon to me."

Robin reflects on the evocative nature of the word "wave," appreciating how it encapsulates complex emotions beyond just pop tunes.

Robin Hilton [05:03]: "What a vibe."

2. "Come on Home" by the Lajadu Sisters

Lars shares a nostalgic moment at a community pool where "Come on Home" by the Lajadu Sisters perfectly matched the summer setting. He praises their fusion of Afrobeat, funk, and folk, along with their subtle feminist messages.

Lars Gottridge [07:12]: "They're very proud to be from Nigeria... kind of have this, like, funky, folky and joyous beat."

Marissa elaborates on their significance, noting their influence and the challenges they faced as female musicians in Nigeria during the 60s and 70s.

Marissa LaRusso [08:38]: "They were also, like, this feminist message."

3. "Aftertaste" by Katie Gavin

Marissa introduces Katie Gavin’s solo album What a Relief, describing "Aftertaste" as a "breezy, sitting by the pool" song that embodies the essence of Rose Wave.

Marissa LaRusso [10:28]: "It is extremely breezy, sitting by the pool with your girlies gossiping kind of vibe."

Robin connects the song’s wistful and melancholic undertones to the broader themes of summer memories.

Robin Hilton [11:20]: "This feels like Summer to me because everything's just a little wistful, just a hint of melancholy."

4. "Looking My Subtle Double Eyelids" by Haku

Lars introduces Haku, a Japanese band whose song "Looking My Subtle Double Eyelids" combines indie pop melodies with introspective lyrics. He appreciates the emotional depth juxtaposed with upbeat instrumentation.

Lars Gottridge [20:18]: "It's a feeling. It's a certain kind of sweetness. It's a certain kind of sadness, too."

Marissa expresses her affection for the track and its relatable themes, enhanced by its catchy melody.

Marissa LaRusso [22:39]: "I am obsessed. I'm so glad you brought it, Lars."

5. "My Song" by Labby Sifri

Marissa presents Labby Sifri and his track "My Song" from the album Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying. She highlights its universal appeal and heartfelt lyrics, making it a perfect addition to the Rose Wave playlist.

Marissa LaRusso [23:25]: "It's pretty much music that you could put on. And, like, no one would be offended by it."

Lars adds a personal touch by sharing his admiration for the song’s longevity and its deep emotional resonance.

Lars Gottridge [24:30]: "This is my song and no one can take it away."

6. "Diet Pepsi" by Addison Rae

Marissa concludes her song selections with Addison Rae's "Diet Pepsi," discussing its place in the pop tradition and its alignment with Rose Wave's focus on simple pleasures.

Marissa LaRusso [35:56]: "As a lover of diet soda, for better or worse, I'm gonna push back on that and say artificially sweetened, but feels amazing."

Robin humorously remarks on the song's title, linking it to the playlist's theme of light and refreshing experiences.

Robin Hilton [38:25]: "I guess Diet Pepsi feels like an appropriate name to me because it's artificially sweetened and a largely empty experience. But okay."

Insights on Wave Music

Throughout the episode, Robin, Lars, and Marissa delve into the emotional layers of Wave music, emphasizing its balance between joy and melancholy. They discuss how Wave serves as a soundtrack not just for fun in the sun but also for navigating summer's more introspective moments.

Lars Gottridge [20:16]: "A large part of Wave is actually sadness and being willing to be vulnerable about your sadness."

Marissa LaRusso [20:30]: "There's an emotional range to Wave. It's not just about fun in the sun..."

Conclusion and Upcoming Segments

As the episode wraps up, Robin teases upcoming discussions with Stephen Thompson about the top songs of 2022, tying it into the podcast’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with the Rose Wave playlist available on various streaming platforms, promising a diverse and inclusive selection of tracks from around the globe.

Robin Hilton [39:29]: "I'm gonna put it in as many streaming services as I possibly can. I love being inclusive with Rose Wave."

Robin Hilton [40:43]: "And until next time, thanks, Stephen thank you, Robin. And for NPR Music, I'm Robin Hilton. It's All Songs Considered."

Notable Quotes

• Robin Hilton [05:03]: "What a vibe."
• Lars Gottridge [01:03]: "It's just that summery feeling. It's a little easy, it's a little breezy..."
• Marissa LaRusso [23:25]: "No one would be offended by it."
• Lars Gottridge [20:18]: "It's a certain kind of sadness, too."

Takeaways

• Rose Wave is more than a playlist; it's an emotional journey that captures the multifaceted experiences of summer.
• The curated selections blend classic and contemporary tracks, offering a global perspective on what makes a song quintessentially "wave."
• The conversation highlights the importance of music in framing personal and collective summer memories, balancing upbeat tempos with reflective lyrics.

For those looking to immerse themselves in the Rose Wave experience, the playlist is accessible on major streaming platforms, offering a seamless blend of old favorites and fresh discoveries to soundtrack your summer days.