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Playlist for Unsuited

By Erin Carrougher

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest lies Augland 54, a lavish theme park that serves as a playground for the privileged, and a prison for the less fortunate. The Suits indulge in the luxury of choosing their physical forms and living out their wildest fantasies.

Meanwhile, the Suitless are confined to the Artificial Existence Center (AEC), their survival hinging on their obedience and labor. Amidst the post-war chaos outside the park’s domed walls, Augland offers a deceptive sanctuary.  

Ashton escaped, but the drive to save the other Augland workers pulls her back to the world she worked so hard to leave behind. When Ashton, an Augland ex-worker, infiltrates Augland 54 again she comes this time in a Suit to blend in with the elite around her, but it doesn’t take long for her disguise to fail and when she is found, she’s appalled at what has happened in her absence. Wolfe betrayed her, Jagatha taken, and the workers ready for a rebellion against the Augland machine. She is forced to push her emotions aside and rise against the impenetrable Augland and side with the unlikely success of the UnSuited

UnSuited Playlist 

David Kushner – Daylight

A perfect opening to UnSuited. “Oh, I love it and hate it at the same time. Hiding all our sins from the daylight, running from the daylight.” Freedom for Ashton is love and hate because it’s fleeting; and others are without it. After the first book, liberation isn’t as freeing as it once seemed and soon the demons she hid from catch up to her! 

Imagine Dragons – Bad Liar  

Oh boy, I couldn’t leave Imagine Dragons’, Bad Liar, off the list! It’s a confessional song and so true to many interpersonal developments early in UnSuited. It reminds me of Wolfe’s pretending to be someone he’s not and when he looks in the mirror? He doesn’t recognize who he’s become. 

Gotye – Somebody that I Used to Know  

I feel all the feelings in this song by Gotye! “Treat me like a stranger… now you’re just somebody that I used to know.” Like when Ashton sees Wolfe for the first time after the months being apart and she barely recognizes the man she loves. 

Uncle Lucius – Keep the Wolves Away  

In UnSuited, Ashton takes on more responsibility than her mental health can take, especially after feeling the betrayal of those closest to her. She knows what she must do, but the burden of leading has its toll. “So going for broke every time I play because now it’s my turn to keep the wolves away.” 

Also, I love the irony of the main character, Wolfe, and the title. 

Sia – I’m In Here  

There is such strength within Wolfe’s character, but there are times when you see the strength crack and you’re left with a character that needs saving too. I can’t give any spoilers, but prison is more than just physical walls and Wolfe learns that the hard way, which is why Sia’s I’m In Here fits perfectly on the UnSuited playlist. 

Halsey – Without Me 

If you haven’t noticed the type of songs on this list, there is a lot of betrayal in UnSuited. So, I had to add Halsey’s Without Me because it is the ultimate revenge song! The irony is palpable. Looking at those who have wronged you and feeling the burning anger at their betrayal is something Ashton is all too familiar with

Everybody Loves An Outlaw – I See Red  

Oh my! Oldie but goodie with Everybody Loves an Outlaw. I couldn’t help but put it on the list. In UnSuited we see betrayal, sadness, and now we step into anger. Ashton’s tie to red is symbolic to her transformation as a leader of the rebellion. She’s an unstoppable force when she finally frees herself from the pain. 

Sia – Unstoppable  

If you haven’t guessed it by having two songs by Sia, I’m a HUGE fan. This is the ultimate power song and the incorporation of Executive suits in her music video just seems too fitting not to put on the list! We finally see the power that Ashton finds come alive. I played this song over and over while writing Ashton’s wild courage.  

Billie Eilish – What Was I Made For 

Okay, is this another sad song? Yes, BUT hear me out. Ashton has gone through so much to find her purpose. She wrestles with so much pain and anger before she is finally able to accept what she must do! It’s the breakthrough moment where she finds purpose and that is powerful which you hear through Billie Eilish’s lyrics. “Think I forgot how to be happy. Something I’m not, but something I can be. Something I wait for. Something I’m made for.” 

Zach Bryan – Something in the Orange 

“These things eat at your bones and drive your young mind crazy.” We see so much conflict and anger between Ashton and Wolfe, so this song is really Wolfe to Ashton. She’s hurt and he can’t pull her away from the pain and love him again. It’s heartbreaking, and all you want to do is tell Ashton to love him again. “To you I’m just a man, to me you’re all I am.” </3 

The Man Who – Bet On You

What better song to end the playlist than Bet on You! By The Man Who. “After all the hands we’ve been dealt. I’d still bet on you. . .” After all the destruction and uncertainty that Augland caused, we finally see Wolfe and Ashton coming together and the unrelenting pursuit to win. “After all the hell we’ve been through, I’d still bet on you.”  


Author Bio

Erin Carrougher lives in the Seattle area and was more than suited to write about the region as the location of her dystopian novel. She has a passion for storytelling and loves to envision worlds other than our own. Carrougher minored in Creative Writing and currently works as a Sales Manager, and enjoys cooking and the outdoors. Augland is Carrougher’s first novel.

Connect with Carrougher at erincarrougher.com, and on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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