Monday Mixtape: Alexis Page
Rush, Depeche Mode, KWS, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and more
Monday Mixtape is another path towards music discovery, featuring people whose taste I admire answering a series of questions and prompts with songs (which might change from time to time).
I realize whenever I sit down to write this that it sounds like I’m exaggerating the excellence of the subjects, but the truth is I only feature people on here that I think are excellent. This includes Alexis Page, the coolest person in the beauty space, bar none, and also the most exceptional. She is the brand strategist and product developer behind many of your favs and recently launched her Substack Self Involved. She has a level of discernment and instinct around skincare and wellness that makes her pretty much the only person I look to for guidance in this area, and I suggest you do as well.
She’s also funny as hell and has exquisite taste in music, which is why I’m so happy to have her Monday Mixtape:
Alexis Page
Libra Sun/Virgo Moon/Libra Rising
East Village, ManhattanHow do you find/discover music?
I’m not so great at keeping up with this like I used to. The fanatical research part of my brain has shifted to other things, but mostly I end up hearing about new music from friends. If I see a name enough times, eventually I’ll bite. Months later it will make its way into some version of my content consumption. Anything that you or Patrik post I’ll look into, and then of course I’m always being bombarded with new names of new stars via Greg. More often, my “discovery” is me going down a rabbit hole of old music I just don’t know enough about.
What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?
“That’s the Way Love Is” by Ten City. This is Sunday morning music to me, while I fold laundry and do my little chores.
What song have you listened to more than once this past week?
“Closer to the Heart” by Rush. I’m currently at my parents’ house and my mom is a huge Rush head. I dug out her old records and it’s all Rush this, Rush that. They’re distinctly a band for men, but she’s been to like a million shows and I was raised on Rush. Maybe explains a lot, I don’t know.
What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?
I’ve been listening to variations of the same music for over 30 years...
A song off your workout playlist:
“Head On” by The Jesus and Mary Chain (ed note: same)
What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?
“Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode
Song you associate with being 13 years old:
“Sunday Morning” by No Doubt. It was illegal to be a 13 year old American girl in 1995 and not idolize Gwen. I can only imagine what it felt like for you in Torrance. I understood but didn’t fully get on board with “Just A Girl”. I really loved “Sunday Morning”. (ed note: yeah maybe I hot glued rhinestones to my bra strap in the 8th grade and what of it)
What is a song that makes you feel beautiful?
Have developed a taste for surprise, so I’ve been utilizing the “Alexis Page’s Station” on Apple Music. I do not understand the interface of Spotify and never will. The other day, “These Are Days” by 10,000 Maniacs came on in the car and - 1) Didn’t even know this song existed on my phone? 2) Inexplicably broke down in tears? I listened to it over and over because it mysteriously appeared in a moment of spiritual crisis and makes you remember that life is really weird and really beautiful. When you are driving, and crying, and the sun is shining, and somehow Natalie Merchant is singing, you are alive! (ed note: god definitely lives inside this song)
What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?
“Anemone” by The Brian Jonestown Massacre. I don’t participate in drugs anymore but this song fulfills that feeling in some way.
What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?
Trick question, I have so many. I feel really sure that if I were ever hired for an acting role, I’d be able to cry on cue by listening to one of these songs - “Norman fucking Rockwell” by Lana Del Rey, “Save Me” by Aimee Mann, “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones, “Sunny” by Morrissey, “Let Down” by Radiohead, “On Some Faraway Beach” by Brian Eno, “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica.
What song do you use to renew your spirit?
“The Cutter” by Echo and the Bunnymen. When I’m ready to wrap up the wallowing, this song shows up to feel both yearning and hopeful. The last fifty seconds gently usher you back into the world.
What is your favorite cover song?
“Please Don’t Go” by KWS
What song would you like to hear just before you die?
“Asleep” by The Smiths, the most dramatic of exits.