Welcome to the way-too-early, unofficial, pre-conference playlist for the 2027 UMCRM National Gathering!
Spotify Link
YouTube Music Link
"Why do we need a National Gathering playlist?", you might be asking.
Truthfully, this is just Jeff's excuse to share new music with UMCRM friends. Who doesn’t like new music?
Like any good mixtape or burned CD of yesteryear, there is a rhyme AND a reason to this playlist. My goal was to sonically or lyrically encapsulate an aspect of our Uplift theme or our Lake Tahoe destination. You’ll notice hashtags that help explain which element of our conference I think each song best connects to. But don’t stress out too much about that. There won’t be any trivia questions about this playlist. (Or will there??)
While I tried my best to cast a wide net to fit as many genres as possible, the pastel color palette and overall hopeful message tended towards more poppy and positive music. Think sparkly synths, mellow vibes, and jazzy basslines. Sorry, Phoebe Bridgers fans!
While I don’t expect everyone to love every song, I hope you're able to find some new music to connect to through this playlist! Can’t wait to see you all in January!
Fall Into Place by Couch
#ShapeOfChaos
If there was ever a non-corny musical about working at camp, I’m convinced this song would be the opening soliloquy for the Camp Director.
Keep It Up by Good Neighbors
#PureVibes #ShapeOfCourage
Millennials, if you liked Grouplove, Cold War Kids, or Passion Pit, then you’ll like Good Neighbors.
Then The Rain by Joe Pug
#ShapeOfCommunity
Joe stands firmly in the tradition of singer songwriters like Bob, Joan, John and Joni. If you’re an acoustic-only kind of person, this one’s for you.
Make It Happen by Josha Daniel
#PureVibes #ShapeOfCourage
This song is what I feel when I look at our Uplift logo. Pure retro Synth-Pop.
Take Me Where You Go by Fulton Lee
#ShapeOfCommunity
“Don’t let the lights outshine you girl. Don’t let the shadows drape your world.” – Fulton Lee
Epigram by Tycho
#PureVibes
This is what I feel when I stand on the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. Big air, cold sparkly water, grounded by mountains.
Dreamers by DOUBLECAMP
#PureVibes
Funky bass, bright synth. Who doesn’t need more of that in their life?
Pacific Coast Highway by Jeff Lorber
#PureVibes #ShapeOfCreativity
How can we have a color palette and conference location so retro without having a little bit of retro music? Straight from 1990’s Weather Channel Local on the 8s, it's smooth jazz. Use this for your travel montage.
Good Day by Surfaces
#PureVibes
Mellow pastel pop, projecting good vibes your way.
Tides by flipturn
#ShapeOfChange
This is what all the cool college kids are listening to nowadays, at least the ones who aren’t chronically on TikTok. Having trouble with staff recruitment? Wear a flipturn sweatshirt to your next visit and tell me I’m lying.
Anything Could Happen by Dylan Cartlidge
#ShapeOfCourage #ShapeOfCreativity
This song is very “World Cup” to me. Still a banger. “You might win, get up, and start again.”
Received by The Avett Brothers
#ShapeOfCreativity #ShapeOfChange
I know all of UMCRM was wondering how I was ever going to get our favorite band, The Avett Brothers (jokes) in a playlist that tends towards pop. But I’ve done it! While there are many elements of this album that feel very “on brand,” The Avett Brothers' collaboration with Mike Patton (Faith No More) shows a willingness to step out, embrace newness, and search for creativity in unlikely places. And if that ain’t the whole dang point of our theme, then I don’t know what to tell you!
Breezer by Tigers Jaw
#ShapeOfChaos #ShapeOfChange
This is probably the most sonically challenging song in the playlist, but boy did I feel this song my first few summers as a Program Director. Anyone in our field who has experienced a change in role, camp, or community, probably will relate to this one!
Echoes by Appleby
#PureVibes #ShapeOfChange
This one is simple, but all about being at peace with what may come our way.
00:01 by Hundred Year Storm
#ShapeOfCourage
Your benediction. If you really liked Explosions in the Sky or This Will Destroy You, you will like this one. “Here’s to new beginnings, Here’s to a new start”
Spotify Link
YouTube Music Link
Jeff Wilson, who is graciously donating his time and talents as one half of UMCRM's 2027 National Gathering Co-Chair team, is the Director of Operations at Camp Lake Stephens (MS). His love for camp began as a counselor at Camp Lake Stephens in his freshman year of college and led to him eventually accepting God's call to serve in full-time camping ministry. Jeff and spouse Emily have two children, Jude and Sollie, and they share a love of being outdoors and traveling. Jeff achieved certification in United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministry in 2015. Now we've got a glimpse into Jeff's musical taste, too. You'll have lots to discuss with him and 250+ new friends from the UMCRM community when we all meet up in January.
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