Sufjan Stevens’ Carrie & Lowell is out today. His seventh studio album, it’s a rather personal one with the title referencing his mother and stepfather. Even so, I’m powerfully drawn to it and have already cried twice (once in public) while listening to track six, Fourth of July. I don’t cry very often, so I figured it’s worth noting. I’m also enjoying digging into the lyrics and noting how some of the verses can be interpreted as either Sufjan or Carrie singing them.

Sometimes they’ve got rap, sometimes they’ve got soul. Sometimes they’re new tracks, sometimes they’re mad old. We’re just talking about our mixtapes, but that’s also a good lead into the first track. Kick back and click for some new Wombats, Tame Impala, Sufjan and more.

HEY! Not seeing the tape above? Head here.

The 90s throwback section over at Shelfies is incredible. A double-dose of MJ and Macaulay Culkin? Vintage internet? This is the best thing I’ve seen since Sexy Sweaters and Beloved.

If you’re in the market for a new bicycle this spring, be sure to check out Brilliant Bicycle Co. The team there is making bicycles for casual riders that value design and is all about simplicity. In fact, they’ve found a way to cut out many of the bicycle industry’s inefficiencies to pass on cost savings and work with suppliers that treat their employees fairly. Brilliant starts taking orders on March 23rd, but if you register now, you’ll have an opportunity to get in on their first shipment in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

I’m a believer that focus is the new genius. When we block everything else out, it’s amazing how quality improves and how much we can get done in a short amount of time. Curious about what creatives use as their focus routines, I asked three people to share what they do when they really need to concentrate and get shit done. Here’s what they told me.

Anisse Gross: Writer

To focus, I shut off all social media, and I put paper next to my computer, so I can write by hand if I need to, and then type it up. I also make sure to have coffee and water nearby, so I have no excuse to get up. I sometimes put up pictures on my desk, little objects, candles, or other things to inspire me for what I’m working on. I set very concrete goals, like a page or word count and sometimes I’ll set timers.

Melody Hansen: Graphic Designer, Musician

I like to have a proper outfit while working. As a freelancer, it’s easy not to care about what I wear because I’m home a lot. But for some reason, wearing something that makes me feel good and professional helps me get into that “work mode”. And I don’t necessarily like listening to too much music when I’m working because I tend to get distracted by the composition or lyrics. But I like having a movie on, something I’ve already seen plenty of times. It’s background noise, and somehow, it helps me to focus.

Adam Lathrum: Music Producer, Engineer, Songwriter

When I’m writing a song I usually have a melody, beat, tempo, or time signature in my head. I sit down at the piano and write. Recently I was having trouble writing on the piano and switched to ukulele. Putting yourself in front unfamiliar instruments really helps spark creativity. Since I write in midi I have a lot of different instruments available for me to sample from. I tend to team up with other song writers to write lyrics and finish songs. After I finish something I don’t listen to it for a few days to get fresh ears on it.