Music & Me
About Myself
the country since the beginning. I was born in Las Vegas, NV and lived most of my childhood in Texas and Ohio, but my family and I moved to Sarasota, FL when I began 6th grade. I claim to be from Sarasota since I feel like most of my relationships, hobbies, and interests started and flourished there. I enjoy listening to music and most of my music taste actually stems from my older brother and older sister. Around 4th grade I started actively seeking out and listening to my own music through their guidance. My brother introduced me to Kid Cudi, Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, and the old Kanye. I was hooked in the drama and the art of music instantly. My sister and I would listen to more female artists like Lady Gaga and Rihanna. My older siblings are 8 years older than me, so when I was in elementary school, they were in high school. We didn't have much in common, so we bonded through video games and music.
Current Go-To Tunes
A typical genre of music that I like to listen to often is modern R&B. This is my "go-to" genre while studying, cooking, cleaning, or on a short drive. It’s my go-to genre because it’s so easy to vibe to and helps me zone out in a relaxing way. I can easily get lost in the music. I find this genre calming yet energetic, especially when I can relate to the lyrics. Some of my favorite R&B artists are Miguel, Brent Faiyaz, The Weeknd, SZA, Jhené Aiko, Aqyila, PARTYNEXTDOOR, GIVEON, H.E.R, and Tems. Tems is also afro-beats and that genre is another one I like to have on. Artists like Tyla, Asake, Omah Lay, and Spinall are ones I have in rotation. It’s also perfect to listen to on the way to my early morning practices and lifts that I have. It’s chill enough to wake up to, but not too hype to make me feel anxious. Listening to R&B definitely sets a better tone for my practice and the rest of my day.
Most Meaningful Tunes
I got the chance to see Goth Babe perform at the Roadrunner in Boston, Massachusetts in 2023 while attending Stonehill College. Then in 2024, I got to see him perform in Asheville, North Carolina while attending Converse University. During the concert in Asheville, I got chosen by him to crowd surf on a inflatable pool toy while he played... Casita. It was a complete full circle moment that I'll never forget.
That's me crowd surfing in the inflatable
Listening, But Not Relating
There is not a lot of music I don't enjoy, in my opinion most music has a purpose and if it sounds good, it sounds good. However, one genre I don't connect with is what's generally called "screamo music". The actual genre is heavy metal or death metal. Songs where the artist is producing harsh sounds from the vocal cords like scream singing or growling is not something I find relatable. I'm thinking of artists like Of Mice & Men and Poison the Well. I do understand the emotion that type of music holds, and the passion that comes along with it but it is not something I could listen to for more than a few minutes.
Hey Sofiya! I noticed that we literally have the same music taste and I listen to all the R&B artists that you listed and more! I especially loved how you included swimming pools by Kendrick Lamar because that song reminds me of my childhood so much😁! I also love how you included that you get your music taste from your older siblings because I relate so hard getting my music taste from my older brother and cousins (though I wouldn't admit that to them)😛. Your vlog was very fun to look at and take a trip down memory lane!
ReplyDeleteCrowd surfing at a concert in a mini pool... That looks so fun, especially with your favorite artist playing. The song Casita has such a summer road trip vibe. I totally get where you're coming from about listening during winter because it just makes me think of driving with the windows down headed to the beach. The song Found by Tems was my favorite. I also really like R&B music because some R&B is really chill, but some of it can put me in a better mood as well.
ReplyDeleteHey Sofiya, I love R&B as well. I had never heard that specific Kendrick Lamar song, I was not a huge fan of that song, but I do like some of his other songs. I had never heard of Found but loved it enough to add it to my playlist. Crowd Surfing sounds so cool, I am glad you had that experience. I had never heard of Casita, I did enjoy listening to it. I agree I am not a huge fan of heavy metal or of Mice and Men. It hurts my ears a little and is something I could not listen to a lot.
ReplyDeleteHey Sofiya, I absolutely love that you added the song swimming pools from Kendrick because it is one of my favorites from him. I have never listened to any songs from Tems but have heard of her. I thought the song you added from her was a good way to introduce me to her in a way and thought it was good. I do think that your favorites artists are definitely a go-to!
ReplyDeleteHey! Sofiya, first off your layout is TOP TIER!! Breathtaking. I love HER and SZA their music is so satisfying to me and feel like a safe place. Also, your concert moments are ICONIC we love a good concert where we can feel connected and seen.
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