Music is one of the biggest influences in our lives. When growing up, the type of music we are exposed to really defines who we are when we grow up. Everyone lives through a pop punk phase, or even a little bit of screamo, but what really matters is what sticks with you and what you identify with the most.
Growing up, I spent a lot of days in the basement playing with my toys and games that I had collected through the years. My ears were constantly exposed to dance music and pop music since my father often enjoyed a good beat and an upbeat singer. This was always something I enjoyed. I would have my father burn CDs of all his songs so I could listen to them on my CD player in my room before bed. Many times, I'd fall asleep before the CD was finished playing, creating a perfect dream scenario, where everyone was happy and dancing.
This dream didn't change much as a grew older. I would listen to similar music, often anything that would make me want to get up and dance. I didn't care what kind of music I listened to so I never bothered learning what genre the type of music I liked. I only cared about the song and what it taught me.
When Katy Perry rose in fame, I felt myself identify with her upbeat songs about California and all her teenage dreams. Lady Gaga taught me how to just dance and perfect my poker face. Christina sang to me about a genie in a bottle and Britney taught me all about a womanizer.
Little did I know, these ladies would have influenced the future me. I would still find myself bopping around to all my old jams, a big smile on my face and happy memories in my mind. People often asked me why I chose to listen to bubblegum pop so much opposed to rap or country, and my response was, "I like my music sweeter."
I made the right kinds of friends because of my bubblegum pop. I grew up cheerful and bright, happy and excited, loud and animated because I had pop idols singing to me that it's going to be okay, it's going to be better one day and to be proud of who I am today and everyday.
I've grown more from bubblegum pop than if I spent my time listening to other types of music that didn't expose me to the right kind of crowds. To not point fingers, many people who did listen to other genres also did not always end up in bad positions, but I know I found myself in a space that made me happy always.
Bubblegum pop was and still is my life. Madonna still sings to me years later, One Direction was an inspiration to me for years, Ariana Grande has made me feel like I can be a dangerous (wo)man any day of my life. I still get excited when my favorite old jam comes on and I'm always excited to see what other inspirations come into my life when it comes to bubblegum pop.
