For the past several years, music has been an integral part of my daily life. Whether it be walking around the school campus, attempting to do my schoolwork, or even just idling in my room listening to music, it’s very rare for me to not have something to listen to. In fact, I’m actually listening to music right now as I write this. Besides the ways that music is woven into my daily life, it is also a huge part of my background. I grew up learning how to play the piano, joined the school choir in elementary and middle school, and later joined band and the marching band for the entirety of high school. I’ve always been fascinated by the ways people create and compose music, especially instrumental music. Game soundtracks fall under my interest in instrumental music, with one of my favorite songs of all time, My Castle Town by Toby Fox, being extremely high on my spotify wrapped for the past 3 years (plus me being in his top .005% listeners for 3 years straight). Music also helps keeps my brain ticking whenever I do work since it helps take the “edge” off my procrastination sometimes. Writing on the Wall by Will Stetson in 2023 was my most played spotify song because I had a deadline due and I listened to that song for around 5 hours straight in order to actually focus on my work.
Unruly Bodies 
Music is something that helps me function as well. Without my headphones or AirPods, I’m not sure how sane I would be. Listening to music has also helped me gain confidence in myself. I played violin from third grade to the eighth grade and after that I picked up the piano. Even at the loneliest of times, it’s my music that gives me comfort.
I can definitely relate to this experience! I also use music to put myself in different mindsets and make sure that I have something playing for each occasion. For studying an instrumental track either with rain sounds in the background or cafe sounds is usually my go to! Regardless, it really helps me be put in a “focus” mindset where studying becomes the only thing on my mind. It is also how I can hype myself up about various events and holidays. For instance, I usually play particular Hindi music when getting ready to go out to a wedding/event or house party, and one of the ways I can best get in the holiday spirit is to listen to various Christmas classics. It can be such a great way to connect and get out of our own heads!
Music is such an amazing thing! It can bring up a multitude of emotions from anger, sadness, joy etc. I personally have been listening to a lot of Phonk and EDM music and it hypes me up a little despite my major depression that has been kicking my butt lately. I always feel like I cannot trust someone that tells me they don’t like/listen to music because how could you NOT?????