Why I’m Still Nostalgic for Summer 2024 in 2025

Summer 2024 felt big, musically and culturally, and not just because of Chappell Roan’s breakout. Every day was full of inspiration: a woman running for president, the Paris Olympics, Charli XCX’s Brat momentum, Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe,” and Linkin Park’s hiring of Emily Armstrong.

While the world was (and is) still is an imperfect place, in my little suburban mom bubble in New England (and the greater Connecticut music scene I’m intimately involved in), there was a sense that anything was possible.

For so many reasons, the summer of 2025 is just not hitting in the same way.

I mean, sure, I’ve personally had a few great beach trips, and even played some incredible rock festivals (like Hartbeat Fest in Hartford, Connecticut) with my band. But there isn’t a national election or even an upbeat pop-rock song or that’s pulling me through the muck of uncertainty and malaise I’ve felt since the beginning of the year. That’s not to say artists aren’t putting out good music (they are!), it’s just that I haven’t found my summer theme song yet.

I’m apparently not alone: According to Google’s AI engine, “the political social environment in 2025 is marked by heightened uncertainty and polarization, following a contentious election cycle … compounding existing mental health challenges like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).”

What’s also compounding these things: The reality that my kids are older now and want to hang with their friends more than me, amid my debilitating diagnosis of tendinitis. I can’t run at all (and I love running almost as much as playing guitar/singing in a band). I’m pretty sure that means I’m going to have to postpone running the Marine Corps Marathon this October. Physical therapy isn’t working as fast as I’d hoped.

The small bit of good news is that I’m starting to make the best of the situation.

I’ve learned to play a few new songs: I’m making myself to play a lot of guitar when I’m not working (or hanging with my kids). And so far, I’ve learned a Black Sabbath song, “Hey There Delilah” and Joan Baez’s “Diamonds and Rust.”

[SEE RELATED: Why the First Ozzy Osbourne Song I Ever Heard, with Lita Ford, is Still Possibly My Favorite]

I’ve gone to more local shows in 2025 than in any other year, which is one huge plus of having older kids. And I still have a handful of concerts planned for the end of summer.

I’ve also doubled down on writing a gratitude list, at least once a week, to keep things in perspective. I’m grateful for my family, home, security, and all of my guitars (especially my Gibson SG Standard!).

My big happy thought is that August isn’t gone … yet. There’s still time for new music to drop and me to discover great bands and make new friends. There’s still time to savor the heat and playing my guitar on my outdoor suburban deck. My kids, now 11 and 13 (wow!), still like me (most of the time). My dog Callie loves me.

Writing this post has reminded me of that. I have what I need, and that’s enough. And, who knows? Maybe I’m supposed to write my own summer theme song.

But enough about me.

How are you holding up this summer?

Feel free to share in the comments.