Last month, the Los Angeles-based artist Dora Jar released her debut album, No Way to Relax When You Are on Fire. This month, she spoke with us here at Nina Protocol about some of her favorite songs for hyper-specific situations. The artist (real name: Dora Jarkowski) throws down some excellent choices—two Outkast songs!—that provide more context for her recent project, which combines folky impulses with washy indie-minded pop and rock smarts. Read the piece below!

Best song to listen to while washing dishes?

“Beloved” by Anoushka Shankar 

No matter where I am, if I listen to this song, I’m in heaven. If I’m washing dishes listening to this song, heaven is bubbly plates and hot water and I wouldn’t even mind if I had to grab wet food scraps from the drain.

Best song from a musical?

“No One Is Alone” by Stephen Sondheim

Anything from Into the Woods but it must be the original Broadway cast recording because the blockbuster movie does not even touch the greatness of the original. If I had to choose one song it would be “No One Is Alone,” instant tears.

Best song for walking around in Los Angeles?

“Pitch the Baby” by Cocteau Twins 

This song puts a skip in my step and a rose color filter in my mind. Los Angeles needs more skipping in the street.

Best song to get you ready to go on stage and play an opening set at a big show?

“Big Time Sensuality (The Fluke Remix)" by Björk

This song has one of my favorite lyrics in all of music and it has become my pre-show mantra: “It takes courage to enjoy it / The hardcore and the gentle big time sensuality.”

Best song with sick guitar playing?

“Let it Die” by Foo Fighters

I learned guitar by learning Foo Fighters licks. This one is so melodic, and brilliantly weaves and builds throughout the song.

Best song to sing along to really loud?

“Hey Ya!” by Outkast

No greater feeling than screaming “shake it like a Polaroid picture” with everyone you know and don’t know.

Best song by Outkast?

“ATLiens” 

It’s just the coolest song in the world and Big Boi shines so bright in these verses. “Cooler than a polar bear’s toenails oh hell.”

Best song to soundtrack a very small dance party?

“Ijo (Laba Laba)” by Crayon 

Everyone bounces when this song is on.

Best song that is over too soon?

“Multiply” by Dora Jar 

It’s two min but I wish I made it three.

Best song to listen to while rotting on the couch?

“Hammond Song” by The Roches

If I’m rotting I hope I’m at least singing in three-part harmony to the greatest folk song ever.