For my next soundtrack I chose the movie “After.” Based off of a popular Wattpad fan fiction, After is about a teenage girl, Tessa, meeting the well known ‘bad boy,’ Harden, just after moving to college. Despite their differences, they fall in love. Everything was going great, until Tessa uncovers a secret Hardin was hiding; leaving Tessa to decide if the time they shared together was even real.

For the opening scene when Tessa goes off to college, I chose the song “Waves – Tame Impala Remix” by Miguel. This song brings a jazzy and lighthearted feel that the beginning of this movie embodies. Going off to college is an exciting step in life, so I only wanted to highlight that further by picking a song that makes you happy.

Next, I chose the song “Pink Honey” by Houses to be played when Hardin drives Tessa to the hidden lake. During this scene the lighting is a golden yellow with aesthetic slow shots of the drive. I feel that this song compliments these elements with its light, easy-going melody.

During the bonfire scene I chose “Go!” by M83 for a couple of reasons. It’s a good chill song which the bonfire scene was set to be. For the clip where one of Hardin’s friends tries to make a pass at Tessa, I thought the part of the song a countdown appears would be perfect for the lead-up of Hardin attacking him.

For the scene following Noah and Tessa’s breakup, I chose the song “Feel Something” by Clairo. In these clips Tessa tries to get over the end of her long term relationship. I concluded that “Feel Something” is a great song for these clips due to its lyrics. “You want to feel something. But I don’t feel nothing. Trying so hard to get over you.” The lyrics and the melody behind it are the perfect parallel for the way Tessa appears in these clips.

Next, I chose “On Your Side” by Day Wave to play when Tessa and Hardin are running in the library, and for the short montage after. This song brings a good happy, alive feeling every time it’s played; which is exactly what the library scene and short montage bring to the table. Perfectly balanced!

During the montage of Hardin and Tessa’s relationship I chose “Surround Me” by LEON. Lots of cute and romantic clips of Hardin and Tessa flood the screen. So, I thought what better song to be paired with that than “Surround Me.” This songs beat, lyrics, and sound are all great components for a great love song. So of course this song is perfect for a great love.

For the wedding dance I chose the song “Half the Night” by Couchsleepers. In the wedding scene Hardin and Tessa slow dance, and look at each other with such love. This song is a perfect song to slow dance to, as it mentions love and being completely worry free.

Next, I chose the song “Scott Street” by Phoebe Bridgers to play after Hardin and Tessa breakup. The song starts off slow and sad; which gradually builds up into a more of a relaxing ballad. This song perfectly ties into the sadness of the breakup while also setting the stage for the next scene.

During the scene Tessa tries to live life without Hardin, I chose the song “Not My Baby” by Alvvays. I thought this song would be great for these clips due to some of the lyrics and its upbeat, yet sad melody. Lyrics like “Now that you’re not my baby I’ll go do whatever I want. No need to turn around and see what’s behind me I don’t care” are precisely what Tessa made clear to Hardin during the breakup.

For the credits scene I chose the song “It Felt Like the World” by DYSN. This is a great song to end the movie with because of its message. The singer talks about his experience with the girl he loves and how it felt like the world. A perfect song for a movie that brings its meaning to life.