In honor of Women’s History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to participate in a series of essays reflecting on identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.

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Today, alt-pop artist Carlie Hanson shares a special playlist entitled “The Hottest of the Hot” for Atwood Magazine’s Women’s History Month series!

Says Hanson, “This playlist is a blend of all the sick women artists that I have been jamming to recently. Some timeless classics in here with a mix of newer stuff. I love it all, I eat it up! I think this is a good representation of the different styles of rock and pop influence that inspire me and my own music.”

Carlie Hanson’s music is the sound of tears drying, acceptance cementing, and confidence growing. The Wisconsin-born alternative pop singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer processes raw emotions with a combination of acute Gen-Z empathy, wisdom beyond her years, and a penchant for timeless songcraft. Proudly hailing from Onalaska, WI, Carlie quietly broke through at 17 years old with “Only One” in 2017. She nabbed the ultimate co-sign when Taylor Swift added the tune to an Apple Music playlist of favorites. It eventually amassed over 77 million Spotify streams.

The rising songstress only accelerated her momentum with “Us,” “Mood,” “Toxins,” “Numb,” and “Back In My Arms,” which gathered over 25 million Spotify streams. She emerged as the rare phenomenon equally comfortable on a bill with either Yungblud or Troye Sivan and Kim Petras. Meanwhile, she evolved across ‘Tough Boy’ [2022] and ‘Wisconsin’ [2023]. Alternative Press hailed ‘Wisconsin’ as “an enthralling ode to growing up in the Midwest and her journey to Los Angeles.”

After generating hundreds of millions of streams and garnering mass acclaim, it’s easy to hear a musical and personal transformation take hold on her 2025 debut EP for Fearless Records, too late to cry. Parting ways with her previous label and reorganizing her team, Carlie carefully pieced together the EP in her Los Angeles apartment. By gaining strength to hold her head up and pushing forward through pain and challenges, she encourages listeners to do the same.

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THE HOTTEST OF THE HOT

by Carlie Hanson

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“Nineteen” – Tegan and Sara 

I had the insane pleasure of opening for T&S and they’d play this song in their set. Such a dream to get to see it live!

“Sugar Rush” – Snarls 

I came across Snarls’ page on Apple Music maybe almost a year ago and fell in love with this album.

“Play It on My Radio” – Niki & The Dove

A friend of mine by the name of Leland actually introduced me to this group back in 2018 ish. I stumbled upon this song again recently and it was an amazing feeling. Such a good song.

“Strangers” – Ethel Cain 

I can’t believe this song. Truly. It takes me through such a journey and that huge bridge part where she belts “am I making you feel sick” always makes me feel like my world is ending in like a romantically beautiful way. I don’t know how to describe it. One of the best songs I’ve ever heard and that’s no lie.

“For My Lover” – Tracy Chapman

I have listened to Tracy Chapman from a very young age thanks to my mom. A timeless voice and lyricist. This is one of my favorites off of her self titled.

“I Want You (Fever)” – Momma

This song!!!! This music video!!! So catchy, so cool, so fresh, so sick.

“Casual” – Chappell Roan

Now these lyrics deserve a damn award. The melodies. This song. She writes about such a relatable feeling, but in a way that I haven’t heard before in a song.

“Twentysomethings” – Camila Cabello

I love how real and conversational these lyrics are. Camila’s voice is so unique and infectious.

“I Blame Myself” – Sky Ferreira

Sky Ferreira, one of the queens of all queens. This is such a banger. The production rules and that chorus just HITS.

“Into Your Garden” – 070 Shake ft. JT

First time I heard this song I felt like I was in a movie. I love the journey Shake takes us through, and the drums in this song!!! And then leading up to JT’s verse, it gives me goosebumps!

“Everything is romantic featuring caroline polachek” – Charlie xcx & Caroline Polachek

Soooooooo good. Such a sick remix with Caroline’s vocals. Makes me float through the roof.

“Iceblink Luck” – Cocteau Twins

Once again, a pure float through the roof. Levitating whenever I am playing the Cocteau Twins. Gotta have it!

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:: stream too late to cry here ::

:: connect with Carlie Hanson here ::

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