When people ask me what kind of music I listen to, I never have the answer they’re expecting. Simply because, I listen to everything. I’d like to think I have a very diverse taste in music which demonstrates the many facets of my life. Every proclivity towards a genre or artist has developed from a different aspect of my life, and serves to play different roles. I can go from Daft Punk and David Guetta, to Celine Dion and Orchestral pieces. I have grown up around music nearly my whole life. I’ve been singing since before I can remember. I played the viola for eight years and the guitar for five. Having what I hope is a fairly musical ear, I try to never object any genre of music, always giving the song and artist a chance. I usually find myself surprised.
My songs by Mohombi, Daft Punk, and David Guetta are usually what I listen to for a sort of wake up, and up beat feel. They remind me of summers and parties with friends, and never fail to put me in a good mood. Some of the more folk like and cinematic styled songs by Lana Del Rey, Agnes Obel, or John Legend, are pure enjoyment. The composition, harmony and musicality always bring about a soothing feeling. I included Requiem for a Tower, first because it is a sick piece but it also attests to my eight years in an orchestra. It has played a huge role in building my foundation in music and theory. I always have and will continue to have an ear for classical or early music (Plus it helps me study). The song by Hillsong just touches upon my roots as a christian and a church choir girl. I finally specifically selected my final song by Celine Dion, because she was one of my first inspirations as a child. I still remember my feeble attempts to mimic her incredible voice. She was a foreigner who learned our language simply through singing, and transformed her life. Celine definitely deserves that spot on my list. This playlist is simply a snapshot of a very large selection of songs, without which I frankly couldn’t get through my days.
-Manna Samuel
