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As one half of Phantogram, Sarah Barthel makes music that moves from romantic to primal (and back again), sometimes within the same three-minute track. She’s been doing it for nearly two decades, long enough to know that sex can live in more than one mood.
So when Playboy asked her to curate a Foreplaylist, she made two: one for “vulnerable, romantic, passionate eye gazing.” The other for “six-inch heels, velvet lights, and loud, heavy bass.”
As Barthel puts it, “I love how music works like a conductor of a symphony. It lets the music do the moving. Tells you how to move.”
Both playlists are below.
Do you actually listen to music while you’re hooking up, or does it distract you?
Absolutely. Not all the time, but I love how music works like a conductor of a symphony. It lets the music do the moving. Tells you how to move.
What’s the sexiest song ever written?
“Since I’ve Been Loving You,” Led Zeppelin. “I Want You (She’s So Heavy),” The Beatles. “Purple Rain,” Prince.
What’s the sexiest full album ever made?
Siamese Dream, Smashing Pumpkins.
What’s a lyric about love, sex or heartbreak that you wish you’d written?
Nine Inch Nails, “Hurt.” The song is actually about heroin, but heroin is heartbreak, so I guess it counts.
Do you find the beginning of love more creatively inspiring, or the end of it?
I write from both. You can’t have light without the dark. Writing songs is very cathartic for me. It’s a space where I can express without judgment. And if you were wondering: yes, all of my exes have made an appearance.
What song do you wish everyone would hear at least once before they die?
“Do You Realize??” by the Flaming Lips.
What’s your favorite song right now?
I’ve been obsessed with Saya Gray for the past year, and her album is magic. The song is “H.B.W.”
If you could collaborate with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Pharrell, Pharrell, Pharrell.
What’s your favorite date spot?
Jones in Hollywood.