UPSAHL, a rising force in pop, has been pushing her creative limits and expanding her creative horizons, and audience, lately with a project titled THE PHX TAPES. The series of mixtapes, which releases a third volume today, pays homage to mixtape culture of the ’90s, both in function and in feeling. Each volume, featuring an A-side and a B-side, is loaded with addictively vibrant tracks, and packed with UPSAHL’s uniquely expressive, authentic iteration of pop.
Read more: 10 iconic alt ’90s movie soundtracks
In celebration of her throwback-themed release, we asked UPSAHL to tell us her favorite songs of the ’90s.
Weezer – “El Scorcho”
This was one of my favorite songs growing up, and the guitar riff in the verses inspired a lot of the guitar riffs that we put in my song “Drugs.”
Radiohead – “High and Dry”
This will forever be my favorite song of all time. I associate this song with so many pivotal parts of my life.
Jawbreaker – “Fireman”
This was the first song my dad taught me on guitar. It was in drop D tuning, so it made it really easy to play. Made me feel like I could actually be good at guitar one day.
Sheryl Crow – “If It Makes You Happy”
This song. The lyrics of the chorus give me so much perspective whenever I’m in a funk. This is also just a fun one for me to scream in the green room when we’re getting ready for a show.
No Doubt – “Spiderwebs”
I absolutely shredded this song on Guitar Hero as a kid. This era of Gwen Stefani inspires me so much, still to this day.
Ms. Lauryn Hill – “Doo Wop (That Thing)”
This song always puts me in the best mood. We took a lot of inspiration from this song when writing Dua Lipa’s “Good In Bed.”
Fiona Apple – “Criminal”
Fiona Apple is so badass, and the vibe of this song makes me feel badass when I listen to it.
Depeche Mode – “Enjoy the Silence”
My mom is a huge Depeche Mode fan, so I listened to a lot of them growing up. My [other] favorite song of theirs is “Personal Jesus.”
4 Non Blondes – “What’s Up?”
The vocals on this song are so emotive, and I love a good existential breakdown song.
