By Natalie Payne, Second Year French, German, and Spanish
Pre-drinking in a random flat in your accommodation is a staple of going out in the first few weeks of university. Whether you’re joining the queue for a Thursday night at OMG, or you prefer the cave-like atmosphere of The Crown, this list of top ten pre-ing bangers will be music to everyone’s ears.
Freshers’ Week can feel like the most daunting part of starting university. With so many welcome events to go to and new people to meet, it’s understandable that the last thing on anyone’s mind would be what music to play when someone down the corridor suggests pre's in their kitchen at seven pm.
If you remembered to pack a speaker, congratulations! You are now the overlord of the soundtrack to everyone’s formative experience, and you will be held accountable for curating the correct vibe for the next few hours.
It’s impossible to cater to everyone’s tastes, but this list should cover most bases and help you to get to know the room full of strangers you are sitting in!
Unfinished Sympathy – Massive Attack, Shara Nelson
Formed in the city and an integral part of its unbeatable music scene, Massive Attack is a must-have artist on any Bristol student’s playlist. The timeless ’90s classic that is ‘Unfinished Sympathy’ is perfect for the beginning of the night, when plans are still shrouded in mystery and optimism.
Gold – Kiiara
A 2015 electropop tune guaranteed to go down well with past Tumblr enjoyers and ‘King Kylie’ era witnesses.
Katy on a Mission – Katy B
In the same nostalgia vein, a tribute to secondary school house parties.
Roll the Dice (feat. Stamina MC & Lily Allen) – SHY FX, Lily Allen, Stamina MC
If Lily Allen looked up the lyrics at Glastonbury, then so can you!
High Time – 4am Kru
You won’t be able to get through your first year without hearing a bit of 4am Kru. It seemed like the whole of Bristol was crammed into The Big Top at this year’s Love Saves the Day Festival to hear their insane set. With lyrics primarily focused on partying, ‘High Time’ is well-placed to set the tone for a big night.
Heartbroken – T2
Another unmissable throwback.
Get Busy – Sean Paul
This is the perfect time to put your case forward for ending up at OMG. Who doesn’t love a boogie? Or maybe you just really love Sean Paul.
Shella Verse – Sammy Virji, Flowdan
Put on a Sammy Virji tune and everyone’s in a good mood.
Get Loose – Cheetah, Nia Archives
Described by Cheetah as ‘an ode to soundsystem and party culture’, ‘Get Loose’ serves as the final push to let go and make the most of the night.
Soulboy – IZCO Remix – p-rallel, Greentea Peng, IZCO
A less intense banger to end with, it’s time to round everyone up and head out. Should we go to The Berkeley?
Olivia Hunt
Now for some honourable mentions...
Holding Out for a Hero – Frou Frou
Useful if you want to float the idea of karaoke, or if you just want to hear Imogen Heap’s vocals.
Let Me Think About It – Ida Corr, Fedde Le Grand
Who doesn’t want to feel like Poppy Moore walking down those stairs in Wild Child?
Whomper Stomper 2.0 – Unknown R
Obviously.
Now you’ve got the perfect playlist to soundtrack your Freshers' chaos. Questionable decisions, imminent.
Featured Image: Louis FowlerWhat's your favourite song to play at the pre-game?
