by Rose Orrala
Music, like any form of art, is an expression. Whether you play an instrument, produce music, or are a devoted music listener, we all benefit from the comfort music brings. The songs that resonate with us are unique to each of us and reflect our worldview. Rather than generalizing about how or who a music genre appeals to, I will be evaluating my personal connection to music providing a more authentic view of the value music adds to our lives.
First and foremost, as a daughter of parents from distinct ethnic backgrounds, I must address the varying music exposure I experienced as a child. Growing up in a biracial household, I would often wake up to Cumbias and Banda to start Sunday cleaning, and by the end of the week I was listening to Matchbox Twenty, Soil, and Rascal Flatts. Despite their differences, these various genres and artists remain my comfort music when I look back at my parents’ efforts to raise me.
Fast-forward to my first phone and Meghan Trainer, Katy Perry, and T- Swift were all the rage and my absolute favorites…until I discovered K-pop. In my early teen years, I gravitated toward music that was upbeat, catchy, and most importantly, had devoted fandoms. Although I sometimes cringe when looking back, I recognize that through music, I was searching for a community to connect with.
After my K-pop era, I started listening to more slow and introspective songs, including Billie Eilish, XXXTentacion, and Iann Dior. This was when COVID-19 abruptly ended my 8th grade year and threw my freshman year of high school into chaos. Luckily, this didn’t last long, and I began to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of a wide variety of genres.
Throughout the remainder of high school and into the present day, I find comfort and joy in listening to all forms of music. These days, you’re just as likely to find me listening to classical piano, indie pop-rock, lo-fi, hip-hop, cumbias, K-pop, or any genre in between.
My personal connection with music has changed over time and will continue to evolve. However, as I see it, music will always bring value to my life, as I’m sure it does to yours. We all listen to music for different reasons during different seasons of our lives, but we all listen for the experience.
