What is Arcadia Listening To?
Music. It’s more than just melodies and lyrics; it’s a universal language that resonates deeply within our souls. Whether you’re studying for finals, hanging out with friends, or simply taking a stroll across campus, music has the power to accompany, uplift, and inspire us through every moment of our college journey and life. In the bustling halls of academia, music serves as a constant companion, weaving its way into the fabric of our lives in ways both profound and subtle. From the upbeat rhythms that fuel late-night study sessions to the soulful ballads that offer solace during moments of introspection, the soundtrack of college life is as diverse and vibrant as the students who inhabit it. Here are some students’ journeys with music and how different their tastes are.
Murphy Hastings is a second year English Literature and Philosophy major at Arcadia. He describes his music taste as “erratic, a lot of Americana folk, outlaw country, and hard rock and roll.” Some of his favorite artists include Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt, Tyler Childers, Bruce Springsteen, and R.E.M. He shared how he views music. “Music is an expression of the times, it responds to changing attitudes.” I wanted to know if he has been able to connect to others through his music taste. “Since music is multigenerational, it is always interesting to see that the people I am discovering today were artists my parents once listened to.” One of his current favorite albums is “Purgatory” by Tyler Childers.
Jamie (Jay) Lamond is a first year Art Therapy major and has a very broad taste when it comes to music. “My music taste changes depending on my mood! One minute I’ll be listening to metal and the next I’ll be listening to Fleetwood Mac.” This also ties into some of their favorite artists, which are Pierce the Veil, The Foo Fighters, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Deftones, and Korn. “As cliche as it sounds, music means everything to me. I feel like everything I listen to has some sort of personal connection that resonates with me, no matter the genre.” They have also been able to connect to their parents with their music tastes: “They were really excited to see me gain a sense of their tastes!” One of Jay’s favorite albums at the moment is “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd.
Kevin Blickley is a first year Actuarial Science major and has many thoughts about music. His favorite genres are “jazz, jazz fusion, and soft rock.” Kevin’s favorite artists include Hall & Oates, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Chicago, and The Smiths. He also has a connection to different aspects of music as well: “ I not only listen to music, but play music myself over the years with my saxophone, I feel it is a way to express myself, de-stress, and relax.” He finds that music unites people because “it allows us to connect with each other, share our music, and expand our tastes.” A favorite album for Kevin is “Daryl Hall and John Oates” by Hall & Oates.
Being able to hear some other perspectives and tastes really makes me examine my own taste in music. At the moment, I would say I even have a favorite genre; I try to listen to everything, but most of the time I lean towards 2000s rap and pop, sad indie, and punk rock music. I am a huge fan of Harry Styles, but some of my other favorite artists are Childish Gambino, Boy Genius, The Cure, Cage the Elephant, Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Hozier, and so many more. As we navigate the complexities of college life, let us never underestimate the profound impact that music can have on our personal and collective experiences. Whether it’s the timeless classics that evoke nostalgia for bygone eras or the cutting-edge sounds that push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, music has the power to uplift, inspire, and unite us in ways that defy description.
