Virginia to Minnesota Soundtrack

As we get closer to the start of classes, I’ve been thinking a lot about how exactly I’ll be returning to campus. Many Carleton students fly into the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. It’s a Delta hub and only 45 minutes away from campus by bus.

Usually, I just need two days to drive, but travel plans are definitely more difficult during a pandemic. In the midst of trying to plan my trip, I started remembering my past journeys to Minnesota.

Regardless of the mode of transportation, I always feel that the music makes the trip.

Of course, other factors are important too — who you’re travelling with, what you can see from your seat, and how long you’ll be stuck in a small space. But with the help of music, I’ve learned to appreciate the journey as well as the destination. Here are 10 of my favorites, many of which were played on my KRLX radio show:

For a little irony: High School Never Ends by Bowling For Soup

(Members of the Class of 2024, don’t worry! In my experience college > high school)

Once you’re in the Midwest: Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks

I know country music is a pretty divisive genre, but I absolutely love supporting female artists. I promise all of my recommendations won’t be country music, but I would urge you to give this group a try! 

Midwest runner up: Minnesota Girls by The Shackletons

Listen, I may not have been born in Minnesota, but I’d like to think I still count!

Careful not to speed: Fast Car by Tracy Chapman

Apparently this song has been around since my mother’s college days. I love the story it tells — just be careful about how fast your car is going.

The classic: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

Great for when you want to lose track of time for at least 6 minutes.

Highlight from my first term: Lake Effect Kid by Fall Out Boy

This song is 100% written about Chicago, but Duluth, MN also gets lake effect snow sometimes! I experienced a huge snowstorm when I lived there, so discovering this song brought back fond memories for me.

A breath of fresh air: Daisy by Zedd

There’s really no other way to explain how this song makes me feel. 

Introspective vibes: we fell in love in october by girl in red and The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out To Get Us by Sufjan Stevens

It’s a tie! I really love this more introspective mood, especially when driving through forests or mountains. I’m not sure if introspective is quite the right mood, but that’s definitely how I feel listening to these two songs.

The Song I’ve Played Far Too Many Times: literally anything by Bastille

I tried to pick just one song, but it’s really their entire discography. Bastille is my favorite band and I listen to them when I need some comfort.

McKenna is a Russian and Psychology double major who is suffering from major Minnesota-withdrawal (her favorite season is, in fact, winter). On campus, she’s often designing lights for a student performance, speaking Russian in Parish house, or grabbing a meal with friends. She’s also a proud member of the Carleton Equestrian Team and is currently playing Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in her free time. Meet the other bloggers!