Suki Waterhouse is out here shuffling through her playlist like a musical archaeologist, unearthing gems from the indie underground and the rap stratosphere alike. In a recent sit-down with Rolling Stone for their “Song Shuffle” feature, the singer-actress-model-multi-hyphenate extraordinaire spilled the tea on her latest obsessions, and let me tell you, her taste is as eclectic as a thrift store mixtape.
From the swampy beats of Doechii to the alt-country twang of Waxahatchee, Waterhouse is vibing to a soundtrack that’s equal parts gritty and dreamy, and honestly, we’re here for it.
Let’s start with Doechii, because that’s where Waterhouse’s heart seems to be beating the loudest right now. Picture this: Suki’s strolling through the concrete jungle of New York City, headphones on, and bam—“Denial Is a River” by Doechii hits her eardrums like a freight train of funk. “I was walking around the street and I just had a couple of hours to be by myself and really savor Doechii,” she gushed to Rolling Stone. And savor she did. So much so, she turned into a one-woman hype machine, blowing up her friends’ phones with texts like, “Doechii Doechii Doechii Doechii.” I mean, can you blame her? Doechii’s been tearing up the scene lately, fresh off her Grammy win for Best Rap Album with Alligator Bites Never Heal, her wild blend of rap, house, and sheer audacity hitting like a jolt of adrenaline in a world of Auto-Tuned monotony.
Waterhouse even joked about trying to channel that energy herself, saying, “I could never be Doechii, I won’t ever succeed in ever making a Doechii song.” But you know what they say—imitation’s the sincerest form of flattery, and Suki’s clearly smitten. Who knows, maybe she’ll drop a rap verse one day. Stranger things have happened—like, say, the time Vanilla Ice tried to go grunge.
But Doechii’s not the only artist who’s got Waterhouse under her spell. Enter Waxahatchee, aka Katie Crutchfield, the indie darling who’s been spinning tales of heartache and redemption since the days when skinny jeans were still a thing. Waterhouse is such a stan, she’s not just listening to the music—she’s subscribed to Crutchfield’s Substack, soaking up every word like it’s the gospel according to Saint Katie. “She’s just unbelievable,” Waterhouse said, “and I also follow her on Substack … everything that’s going on in her mind and where she is.”
It’s like she’s trying to crack the code of Crutchfield’s genius, and who wouldn’t? Waxahatchee’s latest collab with MJ Lenderman, “Right Back to It,” is a masterclass in understated cool—smoky vocals, twangy guitars, the kind of song that makes you want to crack a beer and stare at the horizon. Waterhouse played it during the shuffle, and you could practically hear her swooning through the screen. Crutchfield’s one of her top writing heroes, and it’s easy to see why: her lyrics cut deep, her melodies stick like glue, and her whole vibe is like a road trip through the American South with the windows down.
And let’s not sleep on the other names that popped up in Waterhouse’s playlist. There’s Kim Deal, the bass-wielding goddess of the Pixies and the Breeders, whose low-end rumble has been shaking speakers since the Reagan era. Then there’s TOPS, the Canadian dream-pop crew that’s been quietly churning out hazy, lovelorn anthems for the better part of a decade.
Waterhouse didn’t dish out the full scoop on these picks in the feature, but their inclusion alone speaks volumes about her impeccable taste. It’s like she’s curating a mixtape for the coolest underground party you never got invited to—think dimly lit lofts, cheap wine, and a crowd that knows every word to “Wave of Mutilation” and “Jane Is a Reject.”
So, what’s the takeaway here? Suki Waterhouse isn’t just a pretty face with a microphone—she’s a bona fide music nerd, the kind who digs deep into the crates and comes up with gold. Whether she’s popping her booty to Doechii or getting lost in the poetic musings of Waxahatchee, she’s got her finger on the pulse of what’s next. And in a world where algorithms dictate our every listen, it’s refreshing to see someone who’s still out there discovering music the old-fashioned way: wandering the streets, letting the sounds wash over her, and sharing the love with anyone who’ll listen.
So, next time you’re looking for some fresh tunes to spice up your Spotify, take a page from Suki’s book—or should I say, playlist. With her ear to the ground and her heart in the clouds, she’s the kind of tastemaker who can introduce you to your new favorite artist before they’ve even blown up. And in 2025, that’s a superpower worth celebrating.
