The Playlist That Beat the Afternoon Slump: Peet’s Coffee’s Chief Playlist Officer Anna Chang

The perfect afternoon pick-me-up hits where coffee meets music—Peet’s new Chief Playlist Officer Anna Chang knows just how to make that magic happen.

Meet Anna Chang: The Ultimate Afternoon DJ

Picture this: it’s mid-afternoon, energy’s dipping, and the world feels a little sluggish. What if the right song, carefully paired with a steaming cup of coffee, could snap you right out of that slump? That’s exactly the vibe Peet’s Coffee set out to capture when they hunted for America’s ultimate afternoon DJ. But this wasn’t just about having taste in tunes—it was about understanding how music and coffee together can transform your entire workday.

Enter Anna Chang. If you’re a music fan, her name might ring a bell—she’s the former producer of KCRW’s iconic Morning Becomes Eclectic, a show beloved for its eclectic and expertly curated music selections. Now, she’s officially crowned Peet’s Coffee’s first-ever Chief Playlist Officer. This role isn’t just a title; it’s a lifestyle. Along with the honor, she scored a trip for two to Chicago’s biggest music weekend, an exciting stipend, exclusive festival experiences, and her playlist will blast from Peet’s cafés all across the nation throughout August.

Playlist Winner Anna Chang (Photo Courtesy of Peet's)

From San Francisco Roots to Nationwide Playlists

Anna’s connection to Peet’s is as rich as their French Roast. Growing up just blocks away from a Peet’s Coffee in San Francisco, coffee has always been part of her daily ritual. “My family has bought fresh Peet’s French Roast weekly since I was a kid,” she shared. So, teaming her deep Bay Area roots with her passion for music felt less like a job and more like a homecoming.

Transforming her experience from crafting soundscapes for Morning Becomes Eclectic into a playlist that energizes coffee lovers far and wide was a proud moment. “It feels incredibly surreal but absolutely meant to be,” she told us. “Music and coffee have always been the twin pillars of my daily ritual, so stepping into this role is a dream come true.”

“When the Coffee Hits”: A Playlist with Purpose

Anna’s winning playlist, cleverly titled When the Coffee Hits, is not your typical mashup of favorite tracks. Instead, it’s a thoughtfully told story—musical chapters that mirror the caffeine cycle we all know so well. It begins with that first electrifying jolt of energy, moves into a productive groove, navigates the mid-afternoon grind, and finishes with a triumphant victory lap that somehow convinces you it’s time for yet another cup.

“I approached the playlist like a story. It takes you through every stage of the caffeine cycle: the first jolt, the productive groove, the midday grind, and the well-earned victory lap that somehow convinces you it’s time for one more cup.” – Anna Chang

Sprinkled throughout are playful lyrical nods and subtle coffee-themed easter eggs for listeners to catch—a perfect combo of fun and finesse.

Why Coffee and Music Are the Ultimate Duo

There’s a reason Anna pairs music and coffee like peanut butter and jelly: they both have this magical ability to awaken, energize, and elevate your mood. “Whether I’m opening my inbox on a Monday morning, heading out for an early dog walk, or easing into my weekend, the first thing I do is put on a great playlist and pour my first cup of coffee,” she says. “It’s my favorite way to wake up both my mind and body.”

She likes her music warm and inviting and her coffee piping hot, emphasizing how together they’re an unbeatable duo. Alone, each can uplift, but fused? That’s where the real magic brews.

Photo Courtesy of Peet’s Coffee

Diving Into the Soundtrack

Anna’s playlist blends indie pop, electronic beats, soulful vocals, and dance grooves, all crafted to reset your afternoon and get you moving. One standout track is “Vertical” by Nia Archives from her fresh release Emotional Junglist. Anna describes it as “the ultimate pick-me-up,” a track where soulful, vulnerable vocals ride a restless drum & bass rhythm that’s impossible to resist.

She also points to Houston artist Love Spells’ dreamy tune “Crutch” from LOVE IS THE LAW (out July 24). To Anna, it feels like “the memory of a warm and hazy summer day,” and highlights Love Spells as a hypnotic young artist ready to explode onto the scene.

Of course, no feel-good playlist would be complete without a nod to classics. Hot Chip’s 2010 hit “I Feel Better” remains one of Anna’s go-to anthems. She loves how it manages to be both nostalgic and futuristic at once, a hallmark of timeless dance music that gets you moving with its slow build and euphoric chorus.

Festival Fever: Chicago Bound

As part of her prize, Anna heads to Chicago’s biggest music festival, running from July 30 to August 2. Already, she’s lined up her must-see acts. Olivia Dean tops her list—“She’s a queen, and I’m dying to see her perform,” Anna says excitedly.

Other headliners she’s eager to catch include Charli XCX, The Smashing Pumpkins, Lorde, John Summit, Tate McRae, and The xx. The xx’s Sunday set promises to be a nostalgic, full-circle moment, which Anna can’t wait for.

She’s also pumped to experience Turnstile, describing their live shows as “pure, joyful chaos in the best way.” Plus, Blood Orange’s Essex Honey made her favorite albums of 2025 list, and she’s watching Love Spells for a breakout moment.

Transforming Your Afternoon at Peet’s

So, what happens when you walk into a Peet’s café at 3 p.m. this August? Anna’s playlist When the Coffee Hits will be the soundtrack to your afternoon, designed to flip that slump into something energetic and dance-worthy.

Here’s the full lineup you can expect to hear, each track carefully chosen for its vibe and energy:

1. 2SIDED – Arlo Parks
2. Lady – Hear Me Tonight – Modjo
3. Never Seen You Dance – DJ Kicks Version – TEED
4. Sleepwalking – Leven Kali
5. Crutch – Love Spells
6. Vertical – Nia Archives
7. PUSH 2 START – Tyla
8. I Feel Better – Hot Chip

The Perfect Blend of Coffee and Music

Anna Chang has shown us that a great playlist can do more than just fill the background—it can energize, inspire, and carry you through your day like the perfect cup of coffee. Music lovers and caffeine fiends alike should be thrilled that Peet’s Coffee is now steeped in sound as well as flavor.

FAQ

• How did Anna Chang become Peet’s Chief Playlist Officer? She won a contest hosted by Peet’s Coffee, combining her deep music expertise and love for coffee into the ultimate afternoon playlist.
• What is unique about the playlist “When the Coffee Hits”? It’s designed as a musical journey through the caffeine cycle, blending lyrical nods to coffee and a range of energetic genres for a perfect afternoon boost.
• Where can I hear Anna Chang’s playlist? The playlist will play in Peet’s Coffee cafés nationwide throughout August, especially around 3 p.m.
• Which artists are featured on the playlist? Artists like Arlo Parks, Nia Archives, Love Spells, Hot Chip, and others contribute to a fresh, dynamic sound.
• What’s Anna’s connection to Peet’s Coffee? She grew up near a Peet’s in San Francisco, with her family buying their French Roast weekly, giving her a lifelong affinity for the brand.

Ready to bring that same vibe home? Shop your favorite classic album cover posters at our store and turn your space into a music lover’s sanctuary. Explore now!