Episode 103 - Sammi R
WFNU Frogtown Community Radio Edit
Podcast Episode
Sammi R.’s Funeral Music Playlist
Your Funeral Music: A Journey Through Life, Death, and Song Choices
Introduction
Welcome to Your Funeral Music, a thought-provoking exploration of the songs we’d like to be remembered by—even if we won’t be there to hear them. Aired on WFNU LP Frogtown Community Radio (94.1 FM in St. Paul, Minnesota, and online at wfnu.org), this show brings guests together with host Michael Venske to discuss mortality, music, and meaning. This week, we dive into the playlist of Sammi R, a Minneapolis native who has redefined the concept of funeral music.
This Week’s Guest
Sammi R, 32, is a resident of St. Paul who works in the medical-industrial complex. Outside of work, she’s an avid trivia player, live music enthusiast, weightlifter, and playlist curator. Notably, Sammi doesn’t want a funeral at all, making her appearance on the show both ironic and intriguing. A triple water sign astrologically, she embraces her emotional depth and describes herself as a “little crab.” Her playlist is a reflection of her unique personality, blending personal favorites and hidden gems to create an indelible impression.
Guest Playlist
Lighthearted Elegance: The Shire by Howard Shore
The first track on Sammi’s playlist is The Shire by Howard Shore, an iconic piece from The Lord of the Rings. This lighthearted selection captures a whimsical, joyful energy, setting a distinctive tone for the procession.
“It’s not somber,” Sammi explained. “It’s joyful and frolicky. I thought it would be good to start lighthearted.” Envisioning attendees barefoot in tribute to hobbits, she blends whimsy with tradition, drawing on cultural practices where the deceased are buried without footwear.
Reflective Memories: Anything by Adrianne Lenker
The next selection, Anything by Adrianne Lenker, lead singer of Big Thief, evokes a deeply personal tone. Released in 2020, this track is a poetic reflection on life and memory.
“Her voice is beautiful,” Sammi shared. “This song feels deeply personal, like she’s reciting her life in poetry.” Its introspective nature resonates as a heartfelt addition to any memorial.
Emotional Depth: I Feel It All by Feist
As a triple water sign, Sammi feels emotions deeply, and I Feel It All by Feist perfectly encapsulates this. Released as the third single from Feist’s album The Reminder, the song balances introspection and vibrant energy.
“You feel everything as a Cancer,” Sammi noted. This track bridges the emotional spectrum of grief and celebration, reflecting the complex emotions that accompany a memorial.
Wandering Souls: Ketchum, ID by Boy Genius
The playlist’s final track in this segment is Ketchum, ID by Boy Genius, an acoustic ballad exploring themes of home, longing, and transience.
“It’s peaceful and quiet but also powerful,” said Sammi. “It’s about not having a set home, and that’s something many people can relate to.” Its melancholic beauty is both poignant and comforting, a reminder of life’s fleeting nature.
Emotional Resonance and Reflection
Navigating the Balance of Belonging
Songs like Ketchum, ID highlight the modern tension between presence and absence, connection and solitude. Lyrics like “I am never anywhere, anywhere I go. When I'm home, I'm never there long enough to know” reflect this struggle. The cyclical nature of these lines mirrors the transient experience of modern life and relationships.
Hopeful Universality: Maggie Rogers’ Dog Years
Maggie Rogers’ Dog Years adds an uplifting element to the playlist. Described by Maggie as “about trusting the universe, being a good friend, and never having enough time,” this song bridges the gap between time and connection.
Sammi called it “a love letter to the ones you left behind,” making it a poignant reminder of enduring connections despite physical separation.
Themes of Mental Health and Quiet Reflection
Mitski’s Last Words of a Shooting Star
Mitski’s haunting track explores themes of mental health and existential acceptance. The metaphor of a crashing plane speaks to life’s unpredictability, resonating as a raw yet comforting exploration of mental health struggles.
Host Michael Venske’s candid discussion of his family’s experiences underscores the importance of open conversations about mental health, using music as a medium for connection and healing.
Celebrating the Mundane: Taylor Swift’s New Year’s Day
Taylor Swift’s quiet, reflective track celebrates life’s everyday moments. Its lyrics, “I want your midnights, but I’ll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year’s Day,” capture the balance of joy and responsibility, resonating as an ode to enduring companionship.
Closing Reflections
Finding Comfort in Kacey Musgraves’ Rainbow
The episode concludes with Kacey Musgraves’ Rainbow, a song offering solace and optimism. Lines like “It’ll all be alright” and “If you could see what I see, you’d be blinded by the colors” remind listeners of hope even amidst life’s storms.
Music as a Bridge
Sammi’s playlist is a testament to music’s power to articulate what words often cannot. It provides a soundtrack to life’s moments—both extraordinary and mundane—serving as a bridge to emotions, memories, and connections.
Looking Ahead
Host Michael Venske closed with an invitation to future guests: “If you’d like to be a guest on Your Funeral Music, please visit us online at yourfuneralmusic.com.” Through music, the show continues to explore life, mortality, and legacy, reminding listeners that every melody has the power to guide us forward.
