Jordan Nelson • January 22, 2025
Tea Tunes Vol. 6: Togetherness (Sharing and Presence)
Looking to steep some musical inspiration into your daily routine?
The team at Spirit Tea has crafted the perfect community playlist themed around our recent tea release, "Togetherness: Sharing and Presence," to serve as a soundtrack to reflection on moments we've shared with others and times we felt truly present.
Tricia
Feather by Sabrina Carpenter
A song that reminds me of a moment shared with love ones that brought me joy: Feather by Sabrina Carpenter. Sabrina Carpenter might just be another pop star but this song reminds me of driving around with my 10 year old daughter and singing in the car. I think this is when I noticed her taste in music finally changing from Disney songs to more current artists.
Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan
A song that sparks collective energy even if I'm alone has to be Pink Pony Club. Something about that song really had an impact on the queer community. Something about Chappell Roan really invokes pride and makes me feel a sense of community.
Danny
God Only Knows by The Beach Boys
Some very close friends of mine got married a couple years ago, and I was asked to put together some musical performances for the ceremony. This song was one of them, and I have such fond memories of being in that room with so many loved ones singing along to it.
Family Tree by Gerry Rafferty
I didn’t intend to pick two Gerry Rafferty songs in a row for our tea releases, but this was the first song that came to mind when thinking about togetherness. I also have some personal memories tied to this song - during the pandemic, a large group of friends recorded a version of this remotely and I got to participate. It was a great way to feel a sense of belonging even in isolating times.
Jose
Skin by Dijon
Back in 2019, I met someone not knowing how important they would be in my life. There was this irritatingly bubbly & extroverted person I was working with who I didn’t really vibe with, but as the months passed, what irritated me about her became endearing. One day while taking our breaks together she shared some of her favorite songs with me and that was one of them. A few weeks later we saw Dijon live and he played Skin (he didn’t have that many songs out at the time). When we drove to work during winter, she would insist on being on aux and would always put it on. No matter how cold it was outside, whenever we’d play it felt like a blanket fresh out the dryer.
Reminisce by Dijon
This has been put on every playlist I’ve made for others and it’s one of the first songs I think of when asked about the music I like. I feel the biggest sense of belonging when I’m sharing music. Besides that, the song itself makes me think of anyone I’m missing in that moment.
Stacy
Strawberry Letter 23 by The Brothers Johnson
This song takes me back to a summer night with friends, sitting outside and sharing songs. When someone played it, the easygoing beat and melody perfectly matched the relaxed vibe of the evening.
Tezeta (Nostalgia) by Mulatu Astatke
Listening to Mulatu Astatke's "Tezeta (Nostalgia)" creates a shared sense of calm, drawing listeners into its soothing, reflective atmosphere. The hypnotic melody flows effortlessly, connecting everyone through its quiet, mesmerizing power.
Z
Appletree by Erykah Badu
When thinking of togetherness, I instantly gravitated to this song. One vivid memory it brings to mind is being surrounded by some of my closest friends on a late August day, basking in the warmth of the sun. We simply held space for one another, cherishing each other’s company. It was one of those rare, fleeting summer moments that you savor, knowing they don’t come around often. Another fond memory is seeing Ms. Badu perform this live. The energy of the crowd, the collective connection we all felt—it’s an experience I’ll always cherish.
Nuevo Mundo by Hermanos Gutierrez
Whenever I feel lost or disconnected from myself, I turn to this song. It serves as a beacon, drawing me back to my mind, body, and soul. As I listen, I become fully present and grounded, allowing the music to center me. Sitting within those moments, I’m reminded that we are all interconnected, reflections and extensions of each other.
Lael
Mustafa by I'll Go Anywhere
This song reminds me of walking down the street right after I moved to Chicago. Was feeling a little lonely just walking and listening to this album (the whole thing is so good), but this song came on and I instantly felt at peace and connected to myself and this city.
Gloria by Laura Branigan
I had one of THE MOST fun nights of my life in a karaoke cab, in New York, with close friends. Windows were rolled down, sound was ALL the way up and we were belting this song. My face hurt from laughing.
Emily
Outstanding by The Gap Band
No matter where you are, I promise that within the first three seconds of this song, you'll see someone light up—maybe a group heading to the dance floor or a friend pulling another to join in. This track is pure soul, perfect for a Sunday spent cleaning with family or a two-step at a picnic or BBQ. It's one of those songs that wraps you in warmth and love.
Masterpiece by SAULT
Anything by SAULT is amazing, but this track right here is just a groovy vibe. You put your headphones on and just groove to it. The beautiful thing about 'love' songs is that they can be directed toward someone else or yourself. Right now, when I sing this song to myself, it uplifts me: "You can clearly see God made a masterpiece." How beautiful is it to feel this within yourself and toward another person? 😊
Helen
Juliet by LMNT
I used to visit my cousins in Waterloo, Ontario every summer when I was younger. One of those summers, we listened to this song on repeat in the car on the way to an amusement park and on the way back. We sang this song together at the top of our lungs in the back seat of my uncle's minivan. It's not a song that many people know, but this moment has solidified itself as a core memory of mine I look back on fondly, especially since my cousins are still some of my best friends to this day.
What is this Feeling by Wicked
My husband and I have been completely obsessed with the Wicked soundtrack recently. Most of the songs are stuck in our heads and we will constantly hum and sing random parts of the songs around the house. This song in particular ironically is about how the two main characters "loathe" each other but it's a song that my husband and I will theatrically and gleefully sing to each other.
Taylor
But Not Tonight by Depeche Mode
In the lockdowns of 2020, my favorite DJ pivoted to streaming his sets on Twitch. It was different experiencing the night alone, together, with strangers in a chat. It had its moments but never really felt like being there. This song snuck up on me. Something about the words, “and I haven’t felt so alive in years.” The music video is just the band playing as scenes from a film are projected over them—shots of a blue Los Angeles at night. I don’t think I’d realized how much we were missing until then.
Amanda
I Just Called to Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder
Growing up, my sisters were more than just siblings - they were my second mothers, dedicating their childhood and young adulthood to helping raise me. When my oldest sister moved to California, we found comfort in this song, sharing it whenever we couldn't talk but wanted to remind each other of our bond. Now, whether I'm shopping at a grocery store or driving in my car, hearing those familiar opening notes instantly warms my heart, reminding me of the incredible women who shaped me into who I am today.
Do You Realize? by The Flaming Lips
This song, as soon as I hear it, I'm instantly transported to late-night drives with friends, all of us belting out those cosmic lyrics about life's beauty and brevity while feeling infinitely small yet completely connected under star-filled skies. The song has been my companion through both profound moments of loss and overwhelming joy, somehow managing to encompass the entire spectrum of human experience in just a few minutes. Even now, years after those midnight adventures, hearing this song makes me feel part of that same collective energy - a reminder that even in my most solitary moments, I'm connected to every person who's ever looked up at the stars and felt both temporary and eternal at the same time.
Jordan S.
I Want to Be Down by Brandy
&
Gator Bait by The Gaturs
These songs symbolize togetherness to me as they reminds me of the spontaneity of the moment. Being present with others in the moment is the only real time we have. What it means to be human? The tiny everyday reminders of eternity. This song gets me there in a big way.
Kevin
Simple Love (簡單愛)
This song gives me a sense of pure love and brings back memories of my youthful relationships.
稻香 (Rice Field)
This song paints a picture of nostalgic, rural life and one's roots. Both melodies and lyrics are full of meaning that have accompanied me for the past 20 years.
Jordan N.
Anthem of the Trinity by Terry Riley
A few years ago I attended Ragamala, an all-night Raga music festival, at the Chicago Cultural Center. The festival lasted from about 5pm to 7am. People from all over the midwest, from all walks of life and all persuasions, came together to enjoy the meditative experience of Raga in the silent presence of others. Some brought sleeping bags and blankets, some just sat cross-legged on the floor throughout the many hour-long journey. Seeing the sun come up over the lake after a long, mindful evening, peeking between the buildings and warming up the room was an experience I'll probably never forget. Though my song selection wasn't actually played, and isn't a traditional Raga, it's heavily inspired by and, to me, captures the essence of that night well.
I'll Believe in Anything by Wolf Parade
On a lighter note: this one will always stick with me as a sort of anthem that my high-school friends and I (who were also my bandmates in my high school rock band... I'll spare you the name) would belt out together in the car, as we drove around aimlessly after schooldays in our small rural town, seeking any sense of excitement. The sense of abandon and total presence and the rush of communal music sharing will always have a special place in my heart.
Daniel
La Muchacha by Pa'l Monte
&
Los Toreros Muertos by Mi Agüita Amarilla
Time flows, and life unfolds. Here, I sit, dreaming of home and how things could be, yet the world continues its ever-changing dance. I remember moments of simplicity—songs with friends, the taste of our first beer—and in this stillness, all is as it should be
Marcos
Dancing in the Moonlight by King Harvest
This song I think is meant to be enjoyed in the company of loved ones. It’s such a joyful song that I immediately picture myself dancing to alongside my closest friends.
Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard by Paul Simon
This song immediately brings me back to childhood. The imagery of the schoolyard and the lighthearted whistling always lifts my spirits and makes me feel like everything will be alright.