STUDIO814 Listening Picks — Rainy Day Vibes

Finding Comfort in the Rain

There’s something about rainy days that transforms the way we listen to music. The world outside softens, the pace slows, and melodies take on a deeper, more intimate weight. Whether it’s the pitter-patter of drops against the window or the steady hum of a storm in the distance, the atmosphere calls for songs that feel reflective, soulful, and quietly powerful. For this week’s STUDIO814 Listening Picks, we’ve gathered five tracks that carry that moody, rain-soaked energy—songs that don’t just accompany the weather but elevate it.

Billie Eilish — “The Greatest” (2024)

Billie’s latest album brought us plenty of stripped-back, vulnerable moments, but “The Greatest” feels tailor-made for rainy days. The song unfolds slowly, starting with hushed vocals before swelling into raw, aching emotion. On a quiet afternoon with rain sliding down the glass, this track hits in a way few others can—like a confession whispered into the storm.

Radiohead — “Exit Music (For a Film)” (1997)

Even decades later, Radiohead’s OK Computer still holds up as a rainy-day essential. “Exit Music (For a Film)” in particular has a haunting, cinematic quality that pairs perfectly with gray skies. Its slow build, from delicate guitar to cathartic climax, mirrors the restless energy of a storm outside. It’s not just background music—it’s a piece that demands stillness, reflection, and surrender.

Mitski — “Star” (2023)

Mitski’s The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We is full of tracks that carry a rainy-day melancholy, but “Star” stands out for its quiet, expansive beauty. The way her voice floats above soft instrumentation feels like a meditation, inviting you to sit with your thoughts while the rain taps out its rhythm. It’s a song that turns solitude into something luminous.

Sufjan Stevens — “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?” (2023)

Sufjan has always excelled at soundtracking tender, vulnerable moments, and this track from Javelin feels especially poignant on a rainy day. It carries the weight of longing while still offering a sense of gentle comfort, much like a storm that feels more cleansing than chaotic. Pair this one with tea, a blanket, and the kind of afternoon where you have nowhere else to be.

Cigarettes After Sex — “Dark Vacay” (2025)

Closing things out with something fresh, “Dark Vacay” is Cigarettes After Sex at their most atmospheric. Released earlier this year, it’s drenched in reverb and longing, creating the perfect late-night rainy-day mood. If the rain outside lasts into the evening, this is the track to sink into—it’s dreamy, hypnotic, and beautifully endless.

Embracing the Storm

Rainy days have a way of slowing everything down, but that doesn’t have to mean silence. The right playlist can turn a gray afternoon into something cinematic, even cathartic. Whether you lean toward the timeless melancholy of Radiohead, the modern intimacy of Billie Eilish, or the dreamy haze of Cigarettes After Sex, these tracks are reminders that sometimes, the rain brings us exactly the music we need.

At STUDIO814, we believe in amplifying voices, celebrating creativity, and connecting music lovers with the artists who inspire them. Stay tuned to our blog for more stories, spotlights, and insights from the ever-evolving world of music.