The actor stars on NBC’s new musical series ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.’
Welcome back to Takeover Tuesday, where each week, Billboard taps chart-topping artists and tastemakers to compile their very own playlist exclusive to Billboard‘s Spotify account. We give the artists free rein to base the list on whatever subject they choose. The only rule? Make it as creative and unique to them as possible.
Those who fell in love with Skylar Astin in Pitch Perfect years ago (he played Treblemaker heartthrob Jesse) can now catch him singing in latest acting role on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. The actor plays Max, Zoey’s coworker who often bursts into song — oh, and has feelings for Zoey, naturally.
With production wrapping in January, Astin has had some extra time on his hands, especially now that he’s social distancing like the rest of us. And, of course, he’s using that spare time to dive into some new tunes. So for his Takeover Tuesday playlist, Astin shares the songs he’s been digging lately, aptly tilting it “Skylar’s Extra Time Playlist.”
The 16-song lineup features songs from several different genres, including Doja Cat’s current smash hit “Say So,” Khalid‘s smooth “Up All Night” and Tiesto and Calum Scott‘s cover of Robyn‘s classic “Dancing On My Own.” Astin also included his version of the Jonas Brothers‘ “Sucker” that he sang on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, as well as a couple of songs he’s hoping to sing once the show is back in action.
Fortunately for those who love Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, there’s still new episodes to come, as they were filmed before social distancing began. Tune into NBC on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT for new episodes, and check out Astin’s playlist — as well as some comments from the actor himself — below.
Willow Smith, “Wait a Minute!”: Do not sleep on Willow Smith. She is a full vibe.
Doja Cat, “Say So”: Another bop that just keeps you in the moment.
Miley Cyrus, “Slide Away”: This song is the gift that keeps on giving. I love the melodies, I love the pre-chorus, all the backup vocals. Solid.
Khalid, “Up All Night”: I love all Khalid’s songs for the most part. I find I’m “up all night” these days, so this made the cut.
NOKD, “So Close”: This song makes me get up. Anthemic.
Surfaces, “Sunday Best”: This one is such a full “feel good” track. You can’t not feel your best when this one is on.
Calum Scott, “Dancing On My Own (Tiesto Remix)”: This song makes me want to explode into a pop dance when the chorus hits. Love the original too, but I see the dance club visual in this version.
Jess Glynne, “Hold My Hand”: I found this song when I was in London, and played it for most of the flight home. It just makes me feel happy and safe. And dance-y.
Miguel, “Pineapple Skies”: There is an old-school Marvin Gaye] vibe going down in some of these melodies and I LOVE IT. Miguel can wail. I want to sing this song in some capacity for sure.
Cautious Clay, “Cold War”: Definitely a bedroom R&B song.
Skylar Astin, “Sucker” (From Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Soundtrack): Might as well sneak this one in. Harvey Mason Jr. did a wonderful job arranging this track. Slowing it down and giving it a heavier downbeat really helped that taunting sexy feeling we were going for. And then he let me change some vocals up without being too distracting.
Majid Jordan, “King City”: This song is so damn special.
Kelly Khumalo, “Dance Comigo”: This one makes me think of love. True, eternal love. One that you have for a partner, or even a family member. Just one that lasts forever.
Big Wild, “6’s to 9’s”: The hook on this song is addicting.
Pink Sweat$, “Honesty”: Again, I want to sing this!
Darlingside, “Hold Your Head Up High”: This song is simple, yet so beautiful. The harmonies, the lyrics, the voices. *chef’s kiss*
