One of my favorite parts of being a reporter is getting to interview people I respect, and fortunately for me, that happens a lot. I’m usually level-headed about this, but every now and then, I get worked up about meeting someone. When I interviewed Elton John, for instance,  I had to psych myself up, and I’m still giggly about the phone conversation I had with Paul Rudd a few years ago. 

This afternoon, I’m meeting a pair of actors I really respect, but since we’re talking about a play they’re in—and I’m so familiar with the theater world—I’ve pretty much got it together. However, prepping for this story has gotten me thinking about my occasional pre-interview jiiters and what I do to overcome them.

Unsurprisingly, I turn to music, so ater the jump, I’ll share my personal soundtrack for slowing my roll. Once you’ve read mine, tell me yours!

(1) “Day ‘n’ Nite” by Kid Cudi –

This track represents my general love for laid-back hip-hop, from De La Soul to PM Dawn to certain Kanye West hits. Kid Cudi’s song—a rumination about the lonely wanderings of a stoner—is on the radio right now, and it’s the epitome of chill. The beat has just enough propulsion to keep you from going to sleep, but not so much that you, like, need to get out of your seat. 

The trippy video is relaxing, too. I get a mellow chuckle every time something in the background turns into a cartoon. Taken together, I guess the song and the video are like the pop cultural equivalent of smoking up to calm down.

(2) “Alone” by Heart —

Maybe not the most obvious choice for slowing a roll, but this hit’s my wonder drug. It’s just so… majestic, you know? With the anthemic chorus and the sick-ass harmonies. I’ve heard it approximately 6.5 million times, and I still get swept away, raising my fist and screwing up my face everytime I mouth along to “I never really cared until I met you.” That’s a great way to release pent-up energy.

(3) “The Road to Ensenda,” Lyle Lovett —

I don’t talk about it nearly enough, but I love Lyle Lovett’s music. Love it. Every album has this amazing blend of gospel abandon, quiet pain, and cocked-eyebrow humor, so that there’s practically a song for every mood. (Early Mary Chapin Carpenter albums are like this, too.)

This song, the title track from the ja-mazing album The Road to Ensenada, tells a softly heartbreaking story about a lonely American who’s dying across the border in Mexico. As he slips away, he gives his caretakers messages for the people he’s leaving behind. There’s a lovely melody propping up his tale, and Lovett’s weary voice is perfect for the character he’s created. Even though the song is sung by a dying man, it’s really about finding peace, and that’s why it always calms me down.

Your turn! Which songs help you chill?