Music is a language that everyone can understand. It transcends all difficulties, whether they be personal, political, or societal. Music is also a very important aspect in many cultures. As a Latina, I can’t remember a moment in my life when music did not exist. I remember listening to songs like “La Tortura” by Shakira and “Camisa Negra” by Juanes, while still enjoying music from artists like Vicente Fernandez, all between the ages of one and five. For me, music is a constant, whether it be if I am considering the soundtrack of my life or need to reflect my emotions in a song. In the book, Spit and Passion by Cristy C. Road, music serves as a refuge for the author. Road is able to find solace in her love for Green Day and uses this to begin a journey toward acceptance of her queer identity. I personally use music as a way to destress and connect more to the musical ways of my Colombian culture. Lyricism and composition in musical pieces are two aspects that have always captivated me. An early passion for music led me to always maintain a musical touch in my life.

I began to immerse myself more in music in fourth grade when I began to play violin. I became intrigued with the idea of conveying emotion and creating a story without words. By the time I was in high school, I maintained a position in the orchestra as the first chair. Classical music still remains an interest of mine, and I find myself turning to it when I need to feel focused and stable (or when I am studying.) I would love to attend a Joe Hisaishi concert at least once in my life. I have always been a type of “fangirl” at heart and even this narrative is something I combat as a young woman.

As I began to get older, I developed a passion for live music. This passion began around the time I turned 14. Concert-going as a teenager was not something my family felt comfortable with me doing. They feared that since I was a girl, anything could happen to me. However, I began to show them what concerts meant to me and how they helped me let go of my reality. Every time I went to a concert, I was able to forget all my worries and enjoy myself in the community that the artists created. I realized that concerts were my safe place. The sense of community and being around generally like-minded individuals made me feel at ease. I have attended concerts of various artists ranging from Kpop to Reggaeton to Alternative. I recognize that being able to attend concerts is a privilege and many people will never attend a concert in their life. For me, this makes every concert an experience to cherish. 

“I thought the darkness was just plain frightening — but it seemed to make absolute sense when there was just the right amount of light” (Road 157.)  This quote seems to have an infinite number of meanings. The darkness could signify loneliness, feeling “othered”, and feeling lost, but it could also mean literal darkness. I think Road was trying to describe how there needs to be a balance between dark and light. Road finds beauty and significance in the light within the dark and refuses to be consumed in the dark. She is able to come to terms with who she is and decides to share her story with an audience. This is a powerful step towards self-love because she is willing to create community. I related this quote back to my love for attending concerts in a more literal sense. The blinding lights in concerts paired with the darkness of the arenas create a perfect anonymity where we can all be connected through music.