Every Wednesday, the ugly hug shares a playlist personally curated by an artist/band that we have been enjoying. This week, we have a collection of songs put together by Dallas-based artist Alex Montenegro of skirts.

The music that skirts has put out over the years has become an escape for anyone who has come across its roaming deliverance, layered charm and heartfelt narratives. Beginning as a DIY project by Montenegro back in 2017 with just a Tascam and a guitar, skirts has since become a full band endeavor and a rotating cast of creatives – still pushing that sincere warmth forward as they build upon new sounds and recording styles with every release. Last month, skirts released “Run”, their first bit of new music since 2021’s LP, Great Big Wild Oak. As guitars rip through the sonic scenery, Montenegro plays a charismatic piano that runs underneath the track, setting spirits in motion and solidifying the groups return with a rambunctious, yet delicate performance.

Along with her playlist, Montenegro shared this blurb as to how it came together;

This is a group of songs I pieced together on a drive from Dallas to Austin. As a Texan, it’s easy to do this drive repeatedly and have it become repetitive, its scenery and landmarks now so familiar to me after countless trips: out of Dallas, Czech Stop, Waco, some cows and a weird caterpillar dome, all along a massive six-lane interstate. Slowly witnessing the vast plains transform into Central Texas’ rolling hills. It is a great time to get lost in your thoughts and place your head on the warm glass and listen to some beautiful songs.