Here are five playlists from student leaders of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering: music and anthems that inspire Trojan engineers; aid in studying, designing and creating; or merely serve as the soundtrack to their shared experiences.

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USC Engineers Without Borders (USC-EWB)

Submitted by Grace Lee, USC-EWB co-president (2024-25)

1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
“I chose ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen because the layers and unpredictable structure remind me of the type of thinking that is required for engineering. It also reflects a level of creative and unconventional thinking that is required for innovation!”

2. “Time of Our Lives” by Pitbull
“Every engineering student knows the only way to make it through midterms is to work hard/play hard. Plus, nothing says Engineers Without Borders more than Mr. Worldwide himself!”

3. “Invincible” by Aminé
“It’s about believing in your dreams and not feeling invisible — which is what college/USC Viterbi is about. We’re all trying to achieve our dreams.”

4. “Give it a Go” by Timbaland (“Real Steel” soundtrack)
“Aside from the 2010 nostalgia, this song is a constant reminder to not overthink and to simply go for it. I often find myself hesitating when writing a paper as I search for the perfect words or stare blankly at my CAD software or some homework, not sure where to start. Just as the song suggests, you may as well just try it out since you can always iterate and improve later!”

5. “Homemade Dynamite” by Lorde (ft. Khalid, Post Malone & SZA)
“Like the chorus says, our dreams as engineering students are loud and passionate. This song reminds me of being surrounded by a strong community with goals and a love for fun.”

6. “Stronger” by Kanye West
“The song is about finding motivation to push through difficulties, and the lyrics can be used as a reminder that challenges and setbacks fuel growth.”

 

USC National Society of Black Engineers (USC NSBE)

Submitted by Sifa Wangia, executive assistant, and Taylor Hill-Miles, president (2024-25)

1. “Tanzania” by Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo, BoiBizza, Sino Mosolo
“This song falls in the genre of South African amapiano, and I particularly enjoy amapiano because it is energizing.”

2. “Walk on By” by Thundercat and Kendrick Lamar
“I put down ‘Walk on By’ by Thundercat and Kendrick Lamar because its vibe is very chill and it helps me get my mind off things, especially when taking a break from doing work.”

3. “Treasure Island” by Larry June
“Has a really calming and soothing beat, plus I’m always a sucker for artist from my home.”

4. “Minecraft – Volume Alpha” by C418
“Every one of those songs was composed with focus in mind — to keep you locked in on exploring and building. And it is just as effective in helping me focus on work.”

5. “Worship Medley” by Samuel Giveson
“Very mellow and spirit moving. It keeps me in the right headspace to study.”

6. “Bo$$” by Fifth Harmony
“This song represents girl power and empowerment, and sometimes I need that energy to motivate me through engineering!”

7. “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar
“Whenever I do really bad on a midterm, this helps keep me grounded and reminds me that a bad midterm is not the end of the world.”

8. “Quest for Love” by Potatohead People
“Super chill study music.”

 

USC CAIS++ (Center for AI in Society – student branch)

Submitted by Jessica Fu and Raja Somou, co-presidents (2024-25)

1. “Jardin” by Pomme
“I like to listen to music when I study, but songs with lyrics that I understand tend to be distracting. I really like the way ‘Jardin’ sounds, and it helps me focus.”

2. “Billie Bossa Nova” by Billie Eilish
“I find that this song serves as a good background track when walking.”

 3. “Congratulations” by Day6
“Day6 has been my favorite band for a few years now, and ‘Congratulations’ is great. I’m going to be attending their concert in April, which I’m very much looking forward to!”

4. “Shooting Star” by XG
“I really like how ‘Shooting Star’ sounds, and it definitely makes me feel re-energized.”

5. “Tetris Phonk” by sma$her
“I like fast-paced, eccentric phonk because it syncs to the rhythm of viciously typing code.”

6. “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” by Tame Impala
“Every fast-paced song needs a dichotomous foil. This song is a great wind-down.”

7. “São Paulo” by The Weekend & Anitta
“Just how a binary digit flips, this fast-paced song is 1 out of 1 for high-energy problem-solving.”

8. “Ode to the Mets” by The Strokes
“Lastly, this slow-tempo song creates a resistor-dampening end to my list.”

 

USC Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (USC SHPE)

Submitted by Emily Mojica, president (2024-25)

1. “It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube
“Being an engineering student can make getting lost in your responsibilities easy. I love this song after having a good day with friends.”

2. “Hasta La Raíz” by Natalia Lafourcade
“This song reminds me of my connection to where I come from and how far I have come.”

3. “Cornfield Chase” by Hans Zimmer (“Interstellar” soundtrack)
“It makes me feel inspired to study and learn.”

4. “Die with A Smile” by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga
“Amazing lyrics, amazing instrumentals, amazing vibes.”

5. “After the Storm” by Kali Uchis (feat. Tyler, The Creator & Bootsy Collins)
“This song reminds me that even though times may be rough right now, they will get better.”

6. “He Venido a Pedirte Perdon” by Juan Gabriel
“This song reminds me of my childhood and makes me feel calm.”

7. “Santeria” by Sublime
“This song helps keep my spirits high and stay locked in.”

 

USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (USCRPL)

Submitted by Ryan Kraemer, president (2024-25)

1. “Reelin’ in The Years” by Steely Dan
“This is featured in a video called ‘18 Years of Rocketry’ that we released of every one of our past rocket launches. It has come to signify all of RPL’s development over the years.”

2. “Cantina Band” by John Williams (“Star Wars” soundtrack)
“We used to play this song every time we arrived at the desert for one of our launches.”

3. “Fireball” by Pitbull
“Our spring 2023 launch vehicle was named Fireball, so we listened to this song a lot during its design, build and launch process.”

4. “Hotdog.jpg” by Douibyorthst
“Putting this song on repeat ensures the quality outcome of one of the most sensitive manufacturing processes on our motors.”

5. “Instant Crush” by Daft Punk (ft. Julian Casablancas)
“A nice song that frequently comes up during work sessions.”

6. “Hey Now” by Kendrick Lamar
“Startin’ to see spaceships on Rosecrans …”

7. “Starman” by David Bowie
“A classic, space-related song.”