Julia Cumming has been rocking for most of her life, primarily with the band Sunflower Bean, but now solo-style, too. Released last week, her debut album Julia is full of great idiosyncratic pop music, and it made us wonder what her personal Best Songs for hyper-specific situations might be. Well, we have to wonder no more, because she has answered our questions. Plenty of bangers here, no doubt! Read the piece below. Julia is out now on Partisan Records.

Best song that you've heard so far this year? 

“System” by Prewn 

The music video is by one of my favorite directors, Sophie Feuer, and it makes the experience of the song very powerful.

Best song with a ukulele? 

“Ram On” by Paul and Linda McCartney 

I’ve always loved this song, and the way that the ukulele is used feels so perfect for the instrument—both soft and yet very present and bright sounding. 

Best song to listen to on the subway really late at night?

“Phantom Other” by Department of Eagles 

Eerie, melancholy, perfection.

Best song by a glam rock band?

“Ballroom Blitz” by Sweet 

There’s no way to hear that song and not want to start a glam rock band of your own.

Best song from 2016?

“Easier Said” by Sunflower Bean 

I am biased of course, but it was and still is a banger.

Best song that makes you want to be on tour?

“Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glen Campbell

It makes the idea of a performance sound so glamorous.

Best song by Lou Reed or The Velvet Underground? 

“Satellite of Love” by Lou Reed 

Is maybe my all time favorite. I’ll always be contemplating what “being bold with Harry, Mark and John” was really all about.

Best song for dancing at a bar that’s not really a bar that’s made for dancing? 

“Let’s Dance” by David Bowie

I’m not sure how to answer this one exactly because it’s hard to imagine what kind of bar this would be. But I’ll say, “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie because no matter where you are, when that it’s on, you must groove.

Best song that you used to hate but now you love?

“Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People 

That song is supernatural.

Best song that makes you nostalgic for growing up in New York? 

“NYC’s Like a Graveyard” by the Moldy Peaches

There is nothing more New Yorky than complaining about how things are different, we all do it, and we will all always do it. But this is the perfect anthem for that feeling. I loved it as a child and I love it now.

Photo Credit: Ebru Yıldız