Romy Reiner is an American artist, writer, and actor. Residing in Los Angeles, Romy began learning the art of improv, eventually graduating from Upright Citizens Brigade. She has been writing for the last 6 years and is currently working on a few projects. Romy has been a photographer since 6th grade and has done work for various brands, some including marijuana companies.
Romy is a big advocate for prison reform and has linked with organizations like the Last Prisoner Project. She would like to see all marijuana convictions overturned. The overwhelming and evergrowing weed industry where people profit off of selling weed, coupled with people still in prison for minor marijuana charges is unacceptable in our society. Yet, according to Romy, “We still haven’t gotten close to righting the wrongs and eradicating the war on drugs.” We love Romy’s passion for the plant, so we asked her to curate this week’s Weedsday Playlist, and share some thoughts about what inspired it:
“As someone who has used weed for chronic pain, a way to relieve stress, and just because it’s a great way to connect with other people as well as yourself, I’ve found that music and smoking go hand in hand. I am fortunate to have older parents who have taught me a lot about music and the history of music, and as someone who is completely interested in all forms of sound, I think I have a pretty wide range of knowledge. I’ve always been interested in how music influences art and other music.
I always say that I like almost every genre of music, except dubstep. But I’m always willing to try. I love country, rap, R&B, rock, folk, etc… It was very hard for me to only choose five or six songs, I don’t want to feel like I’m excluding or forgetting anything. But I tried to choose the songs that make me feel good and that I can listen to over and over again. There’s so much history in music that when I listen, I almost feel as if I’m time traveling. These are a few of my favorite classics.” – Romy
All you need to know about Romy is that she loves animals, cake, and weed, and hopes to be a part of the new generation that tackles social justice issues, and creates a safer, more understanding environment around weed. Now, let’s soak in the sounds of Funkadelic, Erykah Badu, Aretha Franklin, and more!
“Can You Get To That” by Funkadelic
This song always puts me in a good place. The beat, the sentiment, the way the sound hits you in all the right places…I love it. I learned about Funkadelic in high school and this is one of my favorites from them. They are a funk rock band that formed in 1968 in Plainfield, New Jersey. Maggot Brain is an album of theirs that I really love.
“Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long” by Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu! The legend. I had to include her in this list, and it was tough choosing the right song. This song was released in 2010, as part of the album New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh). Badu is one of my favorite artists and has influenced so many other musicians that I also love. Every time I listen to one of her albums, I always find something new in it that I hadn’t picked up on before. I love that kind of artist. Nothing is straightforward. Her music is very nuanced and poetic, while at the same time completely relevant and catchy.
“Stoned Soul Picnic” by Laura Nyro
Cover by The 5th DimensionThe 5th Dimension, formerly The Versatiles, is an incredible band from 1965, whose sound encapsulates R&B, soul, jazz, pop, and light opera. All those sounds together create a beautiful symphony of feel good songs. Who doesn’t love a stoned picnic?
Fancy Clown by Madvillain
Madlib, MF DOOM, Viktor VaughnDaniel Dumile, better known as MF DOOM, is one of my favorite rappers — period. He not only creates amazing sound, but his lyrics are so juicy and filled with soul. He unfortunately passed away in 2020, which was devastating. Along with MF DOOM, I also love Madlib (Otis Jackson Jr). He creates some of the most unique and iconic sounds. This song was released in 2004. It uses a sample from ZZ Hill’s “That Ain’t The Way You Make Love,” which was released in an album dated 1972-1975. I also love that song independently.
“I Like It” by DeBarge
When I first heard this song, it transported me. I don’t know where, but I remember feeling like I had stepped out of our time — period. This song was released in 1997, the same year I was born. The vocals in this are out of this world. I always put it on when I need to lift my spirits or just to belt out along with the DeBarge family. This group started in Michigan in 1979, composed of a family El, Mark, Randy, and Bunny.
BONUS TUNE! “Day Dreaming” by Aretha Franklin
The ultimate GOAT, Aretha. I’m captured by so many of her songs, but “Day Dreaming” always feels like home. The song came out in 1972, almost 50 years ago and it still sounds so great. I wish more songs today had the soul and charm of “Day Dreaming.” Aretha was a true artist, and you can hear it in her voice and songs.
Magnetic byline note: This byline is used for staff produced updates and short announcements, often based on press materials and official release information. Editorial responsibility: David Ireland (Editor in Chief) and Will Vance (Managing Editor). About: https://magneticmag.com/about/ Masthead: https://magneticmag.com/masthead/ Contact: https://magneticmag.com/contact/
