This week marked the Lunar New Year! It’s the Year of the Snake, but if snakes or monkeys or dragons — or, for that matter, crabs or archers or water-bearers — don’t speak to you, never fear. Our own Data Manager Michelle is here to soothsay on the basis of something much more apropos.

Were you a living, breathing, human in the last year? Yes? Well, that means you had at least one Chappell Roan song on your top songs list. What does your No. 1 Chappell song say about your last year?*

“Pink Pony Club”: You had a wild, long year of finding yourself, and there were several times you looked up at the sky from the dance floor thinking “I'M GONNA LIVE FOREVER." Now that the harsh light of 2025 has dawned and the charges have come into your credit card for those $49 rooftop gin and tonics, it might be time to trade your high heels for some slippers and rest to be ready for the next opening number.
“Red Wine Supernova” or “Hot To Go”: You asked for what you wanted, and you got it! When confronted with an issue you didn't hesitate to use your tools and get the job done. Wear your epaulettes with pride as you march through life with your chest held high. This was your year.
“Casual”: There are two options for the anything-but-casual "Casual" listeners. Either you participated in a heartbreaking situationship that still leaves you staring out the car window wondering where things went wrong, or you have a secure affirming relationship with the music made by singer-songwriters of the '90s.
“Good Luck, Babe!” or “My Kink is Karma”: It feels great to get a text at 2 a.m. that says, "I was wrong, it was you, it's always been you!" but the high of being right rarely lasts longer than the disappointment in yourself for still caring about the answer. You probably should have gotten that promotion; no, your ex shouldn't have said that to you; and sure, your crush might be unhappy with their current partner and you'd be a better match. But perhaps spending fewer hours reliving the ways you're actually right and more time living well could get you closer to a “Hot to Go” summer in 2025.

“Naked in Manhattan”: You've got a fire burning in your heart so white-hot you're afraid if you let it out the landscape of your life might never look the same. Having a truth like that in your chest is exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. Find ways to flirt with that fantasy life and try it on for size. Do you have a trusted friend who can hold your dream as delicately as you do? Share it with them, and see what it feels like to hold that fire in your hands, instead of just in your heart.

“Femininomenon” or “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl”: Women and Femmes. Wow. This year you were saved, seen, and sharpened by their loving embrace. Maybe you found community in the Discord servers full of crafters sharing their works and handicraft knowledge. You might've joined a roller derby team and felt the strength and power in your fellow skater. Perhaps you have fond memories of making friendship bracelets and bedazzling costumes to prepare for the concert you'll remember forever. You couldn't have gotten it as hot as Papa John without your girls. This next year, pass the femininomenon forward by pouring care into the people and communities who poured into you.
“After Midnight”: After a long fight with shame, fear, and expectation, you've come out the other side with a lightness in your heart. You know now that the only person's opinion that matters is your own, and maybe the chosen few who know you deeply and cherish you how you are. Enjoy the kaleidoscope of club lights dancing to the knowledge that you're right where you should be.

*Note that you might just be a queer individual who finally feels like they have music written for them.