Take a cassette tape of your favorite music, convert the tracks to MP3, download music (legally) from your friendly neighborhood music library, compile it all together, burn it to CD, pop that CD into your CD player with the non-sound-canceling foam-padded headphones and give it a listen. Once complete, make room for it in your CD case that’s covered with various stickers of the nostalgic things you grew up with.
Or, y’know, chuck all of that and listen to our newest Spire on Spotify playlist called Vol. 54: Digikid. It’s a musical mashup to enjoy in the background as you go about your day.
Alex, what is the name of your album?
This month, we’re taking the album Digikid for a spin. Shorthand for “digital kid,” this album’s name broadly references a person who lives for all things digital and tech.
How would you describe this mix?
We’re going on a millennial’s jaunt with songs that evoke memories of growing up with early technology (think 8- to 64-bit gaming) with the pop culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s and move into some contemporary tunes. Whether you’re from the pre-internet days or were born with a smartphone in your hand, anyone can enjoy this playlist.
What was the inspiration behind it?
The inspiration for this playlist was literally the experience I had growing up with so many cool things happening in pop culture. Take Transformers, Nirvana, a Sony Walkman, Capri Sun, Blockbuster, Dragon Ball Z, the Nintendo 64 (N64), TikTok trendy songs, paying your mortgage, and fruit rollups, and blend it all together. The slushy goodness you would get is Digikid.
What is your favorite song, and why?
The pause-screen theme from the hit N64 video game Golden Eye is hands down my favorite. Equal parts nostalgia and a sick beat make this one a solid addition to the playlist. I’m curious if anyone has sampled this before. Either way, give it a listen!
If your playlist was a brand, what would it be and why?
This playlist would be a Twix. It’s a sweet layered and complex treat. And like the candy, just when you think you have finished it, you’re pleasantly surprised to have another one waiting for you.
Any specific memory that comes to mind when you listen?
This playlist brings back memories of going to the mall as a kid. I’d pop into stores like Sam Goody and listen to the latest album from their CD sample stations, then walk over to Hot Topic to see whatever fun pop culture reference they have on shirts or figurines. From there I would stop by the arcade and sink way too many quarters on Street Fighter 2. If I was lucky, on the way back from the mall, I would find myself at Blockbuster picking up a movie, a video game, and some snacks.
What makes your playlist unique?
This playlist is unique in that it features an eclectic mix of songs that specifically reference video game and cartoon culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s with some contemporary flavor peppered in. Hardly anyone would put a playlist together that has a Hans Zimmer piece and the Punch-Out!! fight theme in the same album, but Digikid does that.
Thanks for that wild mix, Alex. Stay tuned to the Spire Blog and Spotify Channel for our next agency playlist.
Alex Flores is a Senior Designer at Spire, and an Ad 2 Dallas “32 Under 32” recipient.
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