Exclusive: Stream Harley Olivia’s New “Anthems For The Anxious” Curated Spotify Playlist

By: Staff –

To celebrate the release of Harley Olivia’s new single “Haunted”, the Canadian alt-rocker curated a brand new “Anthems For The Anxious” Spotify playlist that can be streamed below! 

“I wrote “Haunted” during a dark time when I felt really anxious and terrified of change,” said Olivia. “Writing the song turned out to be a very cathartic experience, as was listening to music. I wanted to share the songs that were the most comforting and inspiring to me, in case anyone else feels the same way and is in need of a sonic release.”

Harley Olivia – “Haunted”

This is the song I wrote when I was still working as a flight attendant. I remember hiding out in my hotel room because I didn’t have the energy to fake a smile around happy people. Unfortunately, when I was alone, my anxiety kicked in and I felt like I was being haunted by my own thoughts. Writing this song helped me realize I needed to face my fears and finally break the cycle to make a change for the better. If you’re in a similar pattern, maybe it can help you too.

Linkin Park – “One Step Closer”

Sometimes when the anxiety builds up too much, the only viable solution is to scream it out with Chester Bennington. As someone with social anxiety who worked in customer service for FAR too long, I can really relate to the lyrics “Everything you say to me, takes me one step closer to the edge, and I’m about to break!” I really recommend screaming this song as an alternative to screaming at customers. (Especially that particularly cathartic “shut up” breakdown at the 1:48 mark!)

SUMO CYCO – “Free Yourself”

When my fight or flight response is in full swing, rocking out to something heavy and motivational can really burn off that anxious energy. SUMO CYCO is always my go-to for that! They also pump me up during workouts when I need my brain to start making those happy chemicals again!

Mother Mother – “Normalize”

This song is for my people pleasers! I find the lyrics “It’s abnormal to be normal” very comforting. As someone who has spent too much time on this earth worrying about other people’s opinions, this song speaks to me.

TALK – “A Little Bit Happy”

Years ago, I was going through a particularly awful break-up and I had all the worst feelings…self-loathing, anxiety, depression, you know the drill! Anyways, I had been out drinking with friends that night and I was about to go to sleep. I knew I was going to wake-up hungover and ashamed, so I wrote a kind letter to myself, as if I was talking to a friend. I told her everything was going to be okay and signed my name. When I read it the next morning, it shifted my perspective and restored my sense of self. TALK’s lyrics always remind me of that morning when I hear the lyrics “If I could see how you see me, then I could be a little bit happy.”

The Academic – “Acting My Age”

Speaking of hangovers….I’ve had my fair share over the years. If you’ve ever had too much to drink, then you know of that insidious, regretful shame I’m talking about. (My friends in Scotland refer to it as “The Fear.” ) The lyrics of this song are about growing up, making mistakes and finally learning how to “act your age.” Perhaps the most comforting line is the one about how at least you didn’t end up on CNN. Things could always be worse, right?

Fun. – “Be Calm”

Hey overthinkers, you need to hear this! For me, this song always cuts through the noise, and makes me feel seen and heard. If you’re feeling particularly emotional and overwhelmed, I suggest putting in your earphones, blasting this song and taking a walk. Let the song take over and have a good cathartic cry. Then breathe and “be calm.”

Mother Mother – “It’s Alright”

Perhaps the most comforting song on the list! You have no idea how many times I’ve listened to this. Sometimes you just need someone to tell you that everything will be alright, and this delivers that message tenfold. Painful break up? Awkward social interaction? ADHD paralysis morphing into depression? Mortifying shame from trying to kiss the bartender while black-out drunk? Pop this on and feel the comforting hug made of soothing sound waves! You’re welcome.

Spacehog – “In the Meantime”

This song calms my overactive amygdala right down and makes me feel like I’m PART of something. Maybe it’s the singing “Woo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo!” in unison, but something about it just feels so good. Lyrics like “All in all, we’re just like you” always help me feel connected to humanity when I am in the dark.

Swedish House Mafia, John Martin – “Don’t You Worry Child (radio edit)”

Something about this song always makes me feel hopeful and nostalgic. Maybe it’s the lyrics or maybe it’s because 2013 was when I was traveling and clubbing in Europe, where it played NON-STOP. Whatever the reason, those uplifting synths combined with the lyrics “Don’t you worry, don’t you worry, child.” really calm the nervous system…or maybe that was the tequila?

Silversun Pickups – “Lazy Eye”

You know a band is good when they can make you feel something within the first strum of the guitar. That’s what makes Silversun Pickups so special and completely essential to my list. It’s hard to describe how I feel when I hear this song, but it’s a sort of melancholy, romantic excitement. I love the opening line so much: “I’ve been waiting, I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life, but it’s not quite right.” Oh, and don’t miss the angsty chorus at the end!

Geordie Kieffer  – “The Car Song”

When all else fails, sometimes the only way out of an anxiety hole or shame spiral is to confuse it! Enter Geordie Kieffer! This outrageous, but impressive song about cars is ridiculous and totally hijacks my brainwaves. I have no interest in automobiles, but there’s no way I can be sad when he’s singing the lyrics “I’m in a silk durag, buck naked, all the light’s on!” Give it a shot! (Also, listen to his song “Swinger!” It’s fantastic too!)