No artist creates in a vacuum, and Melbourne singer/songwriter Forest Claudette is all too ready to acknowledge the influences that informed their distinctly modern hybrid of R’n’B, soul and hip-hop. In fact, their summer playlist features many of the songs that were important while they worked on their debut EP, 2022’s The Year of February. “This is a collection of songs that remind me of significant moments in my life over the past four years,” they tell Apple Music. “Some of these records inspired moments on my EP. Some simply stir up emotions and send me back in time. I see people listening to this on long walks, sunlight filtering through leaves that sway with the wind. Having said that, I might lay in the grass with some grass and watch the clouds. Feel free to listen on shuffle!” Pairing alt-R’n’B crooners like Agung Mango and James Blake with rappers like Little Simz and Tyler, the Creator—alongside a hardy crop of R’n’B and soul classics from across the decades—these selections give real insight into Claudette’s own work. Read on as they unpack a few special songs in more detail. King Krule, “Perfecto Miserable” “This song comes from an album that means a lot to me. I learned how to backside 180 to it and I sobbed to it after a break-up. I like when songs can keep you company whether you’re happy or sad.” Sampa the Great, “Freedom” “Without fail, this song lifts me up. Not too high, just back to my feet if I’ve fallen. And, if I haven’t fallen, it just makes me that much lighter, it gets me moving and singing and smiling again.” Monica Martin, “Go Easy, Kid” “Every time I listen to this song I get goosebumps. I find my mind wanders to myself at 16. So many mistakes, so much fear and excitement. I feel like Monica is letting you revisit those memories while telling you to be kind and gentle with yourself.” Kirby, “Kool Aid” “I fucking rinsed this song when I first heard it. I probably listened to it seven or eight times in a row before I decided it was time to listen to the rest of the project. Everything about it fits so perfectly together sonically and the melodies and the vocal delivery. Yum.”