What does Music Mean to You?

I think most people can say that music plays a significant role in their day-to-day lives. It can be used as a form of escape from reality, work as a backing track to your daily routine, and change your mood depending on what you choose to listen to. As a self-proclaimed music-obsessed gal, I could list off millions of ways that music helps me and everyone I know live their lives. The realization of the impact music has on all of us got me thinking, “What does music mean to you?” So I decided to ask.

The beauty of this question is how open-ended it is. I had zero expectations for what people would say, and zero requirements for their answers. Responses could range from emotions, physical feelings, specific memories from moments in our lives, or just general opinions on music as a concept. I find the effect that music has on individuals’ lives so unique and exciting because everyone has their own story to tell. By asking this question, I wanted to dive into the true depth of music’s influence on the people who love it.

The first answer to my question came from a very emotional space. Ria Bhatt, who works on the playlist team here at Align, said to her, music means “feeling like I am not alone when I think the world hates me.” I find this answer to be such a relatable feeling because music can be something we rely on when we have nothing else. The lyrics of the songs don’t change, the music doesn’t change, it’s consistent, and the emotions can be powerful. One of the most common activities among friends of mine is to make playlists catered to certain emotions. Most people I know have a sad playlist, a happy playlist, and other very specific mood-based playlists that are personalized to them. There is so much beauty in the fact that we can build safe spaces for ourselves in the music and the songs that we love.

Another wonderful thing about music is how it brings people together. I got a response from Noah Villanueva, also a contributor on Align’s Playlist Team, who said music to him means “Connection. A universal bond to transcend all barriers.” Thinking back to pre-COVID, when concerts and music festivals were still very much a thing, the variety of people who went to shows and festivals was unlike anything else. Music has no bias, which means anyone and everyone can listen to all different artists and genres. Your polar opposite could potentially be listening to your favorite artist right now. Music has such a strong ability to create friendships. I couldn’t count on my fingers and toes how many amazing people I have met from shows or concerts I’ve been to. Even just posting a song that I am listening to on my social media stories works as an invitation for someone who is also a fan to reply and start a conversation.

There is nothing like witnessing the way music creates unity between people. Having music shared with you and being able to share it with others is how that unity forms. So take some time and make your best friend a playlist! Swap some songs with your siblings or take it upon yourself to dig up some cool oldies that your parents always play in the car. Music flows through friendships, generations, stories, and struggles, and it is such an honor to keep it alive and moving.

So with that, I encourage you to think about what role music really plays in your life and what life would be like without it. Don’t take the tunes for granted, and maybe even broaden your musical horizons by talking to people about their favorite songs and artists. Music has so much potential to be a positive element in our lives, and hearing people’s own experiences with it is a great way to broaden your own views and keep that musical positivity growing.

P.S. If you ever want to swap playlists you know who to ask!! :)

WRITTEN BY AYDEN MEYER ILLUSTRATED BY ELSA DOUGLASS DESIGNER KAELEIGH JAMES