Embrace the Calm: Stick Season Playlist for Gray Days

Stick season in Vermont is a time unlike any other. After the brilliant colors of fall fade and before the snow arrives, the hills turn bare and quiet. It is a stretch of gray skies, misty mornings, and soft landscapes that ask for slower rhythms. While some see it as a dreary in-between, others embrace its honesty. One of the best ways to lean into the mood is with music. A carefully crafted playlist can turn gray days into moments of reflection and calm.

What Is Stick Season?

Stick season is the period in late October through early December when the leaves have fallen but the snow has not yet covered the ground. The forests are left with bare branches that look like sticks against the sky, giving the season its name. For Vermonters, it is a well-known phrase that captures both the landscape and the feeling of this quiet time of year. Visitors who come for the famous foliage or snowy slopes may not expect it, but stick season has a beauty of its own.

Why Music Matters in Stick Season

The weather can be unpredictable. Days may be cool and damp, skies often overcast. Instead of resisting the slower pace, music helps create an atmosphere that matches the moment. Folk, acoustic, and indie tracks bring warmth to an otherwise quiet backdrop. With the popularity of Noah Kahan’s Stick Season, the concept has moved beyond Vermont, resonating with listeners who know the feeling of being caught between seasons. Music turns stillness into reflection rather than boredom.

Core Elements of a Stick Season Playlist

• Slow tempo: Tracks that move gently, mirroring the rhythm of shorter days.
• Acoustic sounds: Guitars, pianos, and stripped-back arrangements feel fitting for the season.
• Thoughtful lyrics: Songs about change, transition, or quiet moments resonate strongly.
• Comfort with melancholy: A good playlist balances sadness with warmth, making space for both.

Featured Artists and Songs for Stick Season

Vermont Roots and Local Sounds

No stick season playlist is complete without local voices. Noah Kahan has become almost synonymous with this time of year. His song Stick Season captures the bittersweet, in-between feeling of Vermont in November. Beyond him, Vermont is home to artists like Grace Potter, whose soulful ballads fit perfectly on gray mornings. Exploring regional folk musicians through local venues or streaming services can uncover hidden gems that give your playlist an authentic Vermont character.

Indie Folk Essentials

The sound of indie folk feels tailor-made for stick season. Bon Iver’s layered harmonies, Iron & Wine’s delicate guitar, and The Head and the Heart’s reflective lyrics all create an atmosphere that pairs beautifully with misty skies. These artists capture introspection without slipping into gloom, which makes them ideal companions for quiet mornings with coffee or a walk down a country road lined with bare trees.

Americana and Roots Music

For those who like a stronger grounding in storytelling, Americana and roots musicians bring depth to a playlist. Brandi Carlile’s powerful voice, Jason Isbell’s heartfelt writing, and Gillian Welch’s timeless folk ballads connect to the rhythms of rural life. Their music reflects themes of resilience, weathering change, and finding beauty in simplicity, all of which echo the tone of stick season in Vermont.

Instrumentals and Soundscapes

Not every playlist needs lyrics. Instrumental tracks can be perfect for background listening during work, study, or reading. Acoustic guitar instrumentals, soft piano pieces, and ambient soundscapes inspired by nature provide calm focus. These choices are particularly fitting when paired with the gentle patter of rain or the stillness of a foggy morning.

Creating Your Own Stick Season Playlist

Building a playlist is about blending personal taste with seasonal themes. Start with Vermont artists like Noah Kahan and Grace Potter, then add in indie folk and Americana favorites. Pay attention to the flow: mix slower songs with slightly more upbeat ones to avoid monotony. Keep lyrics that touch on themes of change, memory, and quiet reflection. Streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube already have playlists titled “Stick Season” or “Autumn Acoustic” that can be used as a base before customizing your own.

How to Enjoy Your Playlist in Vermont

• Scenic drives: With tourist crowds gone, roads through the Green Mountains are peaceful, and music makes the ride even better.
• Morning coffee: Start the day with a warm mug on the porch while acoustic songs set the mood.
• Cooking and reading: Let quiet tracks fill the background while preparing hearty meals or catching up on a novel.
• Hiking: Even without leaves, trails like Sterling Pond or Camel’s Hump carry beauty in their starkness. A playlist in your earbuds can make the solitude feel intentional.

Conclusion

Stick season is not about chasing excitement but about slowing down. Music plays a big role in embracing its rhythms. Whether you listen to Vermont artists, indie folk staples, or calming instrumentals, the right playlist turns gray skies into a backdrop for reflection. This season does not need to be avoided. With the right soundtrack, it becomes something to savor.