I'm not sure when in my life I decided or knew that music was a basic necessity for me. However, I can say it really kicked into overdrive once I got into high school.
When I was in middle school is when I initially stepped into the music world. I knew that I didn't like or want to listen to just one type of music. I wanted to be different. Everyone was listening to the same songs and people, I wanted to discover more. I started sampling music every night when I finished my homework. Trying to get a better understanding of what's really out there. I stumbled upon alternative rock. The first band I fell in love with was Paramore. At that time I was in a really weird place in life, still trying to figure out the foundation of my being, and who it was I wanted to become. I still listen to them to this day, but back then there was a more of a personal connection. And for me, music isn't really always about the words, it's about the composition. What makes up that song. How deep is the baseline. What's those guitar riffs sounding like? Are the ad-libs in the right place? Does this drumbeat correlate with everything else? I find joy in dissecting a piece of music. It's in doing so that you truly understand the beauty of music.
Once I got to high school I was listening to a little bit more rock. Bands like firefly, which is a Christian alternative band, Evanescence, Fall Out Boy, All American Rejects, and green day became daily listens for me.
It's always been important for me to not consume the same content, especially because listening to music has become a daily thing for me. I literally can't function sometimes unless I'm listening to music. It's the one thing that's universal. The one thing that everyone enjoys. The one thing that can really make you feel. Music keeps my heart beating and mind functional. It understands me and I understand it.
I bond with people over music. All my friends have similar taste in music as I, but they also challenge me to listen to other things that I normally wouldn't. Some of my favorite singers/musicians I learned about from my friends. I have recently gotten into listening to 30-minute mixes. When I'm editing video or photos I quickly go to Soundcloud and just get into my mode.
Last year I started faithfully attending music festivals, which I have absolutely fallen in love with. Nothing but fresh sounds, good vibes, food and drinks. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get into something new.
Music will always be a prominent aspect of my life and I seriously can say I don't know how I'd live without it.
