Music Archives - GirlSpring https://girlspring.com/category/music/ is an online community for girls (13-18) where all opinions are respected and welcome. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:33:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 /wp-content/uploads/2018/06/cropped-gs_icon-32x32.png Music Archives - GirlSpring https://girlspring.com/category/music/ 32 32 Are We Developing Taste — or Just Following Algorithms? https://www.girlspring.com/are-we-developing-taste-or-just-following-algorithms/ https://www.girlspring.com/are-we-developing-taste-or-just-following-algorithms/#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:00:04 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=36920 Let’s take a moment to be honest with ourselves. When was the last time you made a discovery independently? Not because it...

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Let’s take a moment to be honest with ourselves.

When was the last time you made a discovery independently? Not because it was on your “For you” page. Not because everyone at school got it at once. Not because your favorite influence decided that you “couldn’t live without it”.

But because you found it by chance, and fell in love with it before anyone told you to.

As the world dives deeper and deeper into the new age of technology, that is the question that more and more of us are starting to ask: are we actually developing our own taste, or are we slowly being trained by algorithms?

The Invisible Stylist Behind Your Screen

An unseen system operates in the background whenever you open Youtube, TikTok, Instagram, Spotify— any social media app. It keeps track of the things you pause on, rewatch, even the ones you send to your best friend at one in the morning. It picks up on everything, including the videos that you covertly watch through even though you “don’t like it”.

After that, it starts to adapt.

You see more of the media you choose to cling to. More videos about what drew you in. More of the things that capture your interests for a fraction of a second. And that feels fantastic at first. Your feed feels curated. Personal.

But your feed doesn’t mirror your taste. It creates it.

The Aesthetic Pipeline

Perhaps you were curious and watched a “clean girl” morning routine. An iced matcha, a matching workout set, gold hoops, a sleek-back bun. It appeared serene. Organized. Effortless.

Three more appeared on your feed the next day. Next, ten. Then, all of a sudden your scroll was glowing and beige. It stops feeling like a trend and begins to feel like a standard after enough repetition. Like this is what put together looks like. As if success looks like this.

And maybe you do truly love it. But it’s still worth asking if you hadn’t seen it fifty times that week,would you still find it as compelling?

These days, social media trends change so quickly that your sense of style can feel different every month. One month its soft cottage-core. Then it’s Y2K. Then minimalism, then hyper-maximalism. The speed makes it hard to tell whether you’re growing, or just adapting to like what you see.

The Psychology of Repetition

But don’t worry— it’s not just you. There is a real psychological effect behind this.

Our brains process information more readily when repeatedly exposed to it. Liking something can be the result of that ease, that “oh I’ve seen this before” feeling. To the brain, familiarity is true, and more importantly it is safe. This isn’t something that we consciously choose, it’s because repetition improves processing fluency and lowers uncertainty.

Research has proven that even brief, barely perceptible repeated exposure can increase our liking of something. This effect doesn’t just apply to lab created goods or shapes, this applies to faces, ideas, styles, slogans, and stories. Something can already change how appealing or true it feels just after two or three exposures.

Therefore, your brain begins to identify certain body types, aesthetics, humor, opinions, or lifestyles as familiar when they are constantly promoted to the top of your feed. And they begin to feel normal once you are accustomed to them. Then they seem appealing. Then they just feel right.

Meanwhile, what you don’t see doesn’t get that repetition boost. It remains strange. And because your bran hasn’t been exposed enough to lessen that uncertainty, new things frequently seem less appealing or just “off”.

This doesn’t mean that your preferences are fake, though. It doesn’t imply that you are easily swayed, or shallow. It just means that our brain runs on repetition. And that can be dangerous, especially in an algorithmic world.

Reclaiming Your Taste

It used to take friction to develop taste. You had to sift through racks. Check out CDs. Explore the strange corners of the internet. Pose inquires to others. Take the chance of not liking something. It seems like nowadays, everything comes pre-filtered.

So what can you do?

Well, taste has always been shaped by culture. So maybe the real rebellion isn’t deleting social media. Maybe it’s the decision to occasionally to step out of the norm. Looking for something wholly unrelated. Listening to an album that doesn’t fit your typical mood. Wearing a piece of clothing that may not garner the usual attention.

Maybe it’s just asking yourself: “Do I really like this or do I like that other people like this?”

The answer will most likely never be straightforward. And there’s no shame in that. It’s quite impossible to study the inner workings of your mind to trace where a certain liking was developed. The point isn’t to untangle every influence, but just to be aware that your preferences are always being shaped.

The Takeaway

It’s okay to adore trends. It’s okay to enjoy what’s popular. You are free to build Pinterest boards with images that were most likely recommended to you.

However, you are free to doubt it as well.

Because real taste isn’t just what you choose to consume. It’s about what speaks to you. It’s about what you would choose if there were no amount of likes and comments and influence telling you what to chose. If there was no algorithm studying your every interaction.

And the next time you feel like your feed is telling you who to be, consider this:

If the algorithm vanished tomorrow, what would I still love?

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The Perfect Playlist for Valentine’s Day https://www.girlspring.com/the-perfect-playlist-for-valentines-day/ https://www.girlspring.com/the-perfect-playlist-for-valentines-day/#respond Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:00:28 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=14062 Updated February 2021 A Perfect Playlist for Valentine’s Day Music is a versatile art form. It can be used to relate to...

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Updated February 2021

A Perfect Playlist for Valentine’s Day

Music is a versatile art form. It can be used to relate to and transcend its listeners to a different place. No matter what your situation is this Valentine’s Day, there are love songs out there for you. I’ve compiled a perfect playlist – fit for everyone this Valentine’s Day

Cigarettes and Coffee by Otis Redding

This song is a pretty traditional love song. Redding professes his love for the woman that he is with. Redding’s voice is wonderful and full of emotion. A must for any Valentine’s playlist.

Truth Hurts by Lizzo

Truth Hurts is one about self-love. Lizzo has left a relationship and is showing her confidence through this track. Unlike many songs that would be found on a Valentine’s playlist, this song makes the listener embrace themselves before worrying about any lover. A great song to sing and dance to!

There Is a Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths

The theme if this song seems to focus on the love of life (at least in the moment that the song takes place) and possibly the potential love of the person in which the song is addressed. The song feels so free, and you can’t help but to fall in love with it yourself.

Go Ahead by Perfume Genius

Another great song about self-love. The singer is dismissing all of those in his past who have judged him. He is embracing the things about himself that others view as odd.

Gimme All Your Love by Alabama Shakes

A very heartfelt song. It details a relationship that needs to be worked on. The singer is begging their lover to contribute to the mending of this relationship. Brittany Howard’s vocal performance on this track is amazing, and really makes the listener empathetic to her situation.

Send His Love to Me by PJ Harvey

PJ Harvey sings about waiting for a love in “Send His Love to Me”. Again, the vocal performance on this is great. The listener can understand how deeply the singer longs for the person that she is singing about.

Suzanne by Leonard Cohen

This is one of my favorite songs. It focuses on one character, Suzanne. She is a somewhat kooky character that the singer is infatuated with. He cannot have her, but he sings of his longing for her. The lyrics are beautiful.

Sweet Thing by Van Morrison

Sweet Thing is an amazing love song. It is dreamy and beautiful, taking the listener through vivid imagery and descriptions. It makes your heart light and long for love.

There’s my Valentine’s playlist! Hope you found some songs to add to yours!

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Ten Songs to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month https://www.girlspring.com/ten-songs-to-celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month/ https://www.girlspring.com/ten-songs-to-celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month/#respond Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:00:51 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=35720 I am obsessed with music, and Latin American songs have always been such an important part of my life. I always seek...

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I am obsessed with music, and Latin American songs have always been such an important part of my life.

I always seek music recommendations for my seasonal playlists and for various events. Music is always playing while doing anything from studying to relaxing.

With the help of my family, friends, and music, I have been able to overcome some of my toughest moments.

Music helps tremendously by serving as a medium through which I can learn and connect with both my Peruvian and Hispanic cultures.

From Salsa pieces my mom uses to teach me how to dance (it’s all about the hips) to music that beautifully educates me about where I come from, I am grateful to have learned so much about myself and those whom I care immensely about through song.

The messages of these songs are universal. Music is universal. I hope these Latin American songs evoke similar feelings in you as we close out National Hispanic Heritage Month.

10. El Baile de Los Que Sobran – Los Prisioneros

I don’t remember the exact moment I was introduced to this tune, but every listen reminds me of the Sundays spent at our house, eating savory Anticuchos with family friends. Although Latin Rock, “El Baile de Los Que Sobran” sounds similar to some 80’s American rock, you may know.

The catchy chorus, “la-la’s”, and resemblance to Green Day should be enough reason for a rock fan to try.

9. Cariñito – Bareto 

Written and sung by a Peruvian music group, “Carinito” perfectly embodies the cumbia genre, illustrating the mix between Latin rock and the traditional, Andean-influenced genre Huayno.

Listen to this to get a glimpse at an extremely popular Peruvian music genre!

8. Una Aventura – Grupo Niche

Love, dance, and more love. “Una Aventura” warms my heart with its lyrics on the exciting adventures or “aventuras” one experiences with their first love.

The classical instruments of the drums, trumpets, and others create a pleasing experience for the ears, and make it difficult not to dance to. Of these Latin American songs, “Una Aventura” is an excellent introduction to the massive, wonderful world of Salsa.

7. Pedro Navaja – Ruben Blades & Willie Colon

At first listen, this song may seem innocent with its percussion and brass parts that strongly emulate the American Jazz genre, but the lyrics attempt to share an important message. Describing and illustrating a story about street criminals in cities like New York City, “Pedro Navaja” represents the dangers faced by people everywhere.

Ruben Blades ends the song with a bridge repeating the phrase “La vida te da sorpresas, sorpresas te da la vida, ¡ay, Dios!” or “Life gives you surprises, life gives you surprises, oh, God!” The entire story ultimately spreads a message to prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.

6. Robi-Rob’s Boriqua Anthem – C+C Music Factory y El General

The hilarious introduction will have anyone dying of laughter, the first few measures will have your eardrums ringing, and the entire song will have you defenseless against its dance-inducing instrumentals. Its length may seem intimidating, but the entire song jumps from singer to singer, one instrument feature to another, and vibe to vibe in each part.

5. Contigo Perú – Arturo Cavero, Oscar Aviles

Throughout my journey of rejection and acceptance of my identity, this song has never failed to produce in me a great sense of pride.

My love for who I am, who my family is, and where I come from is undeniable, regardless of how I feel at the moment. Our family has blasted this song at gatherings, soccer game watch parties, and in the car. The words flow out of us each time as naturally as the beats within our chests.

This song’s effect is not exclusive to Peruvians, however. “Contigo Peru” details the relentless love and loyalty anyone can feel for another. Listen with an open mind and heart to Cavero’s resounding voice, and these feelings will be drawn out of you, too.

4. Fotografía – Juanes y Nelly Furtado

My attachment to “Fotografía” develops solely from a story told by my parents. After some time apart while dating, my dad drove several hours to see my mom. He pleaded for their reunion and described his time apart from her with this ballad.

Although now listening to this with them only brings more stories of humorous and sweet moments between them, this song’s descriptions of the tribulations of love are relatable across all languages.

Would it be an exaggeration to say this song is the reason for my existence?

3. Brujeria – El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

The beauty of traditional Salsa, with its instrumental and vocal elements, will captivate anyone.

Undoubtedly fun, this song is perfect for someone trying to get into dancing or listening to Salsa.

2. Azúcar de Caña- Eva Ayllón

Azúcar de Caña was one of those songs I put on every playlist. I play it on every drive and in every study session.

Eva’s voice has never failed to enthrall me, and her effortless vocals hold my highest admiration.

“Azúcar de Caña” falls under the Peruvian Criollo genre, a type of Peruvian music that blends the country’s influences from the Spaniards and Africans.

1. Enamorada de Estar Aquí – Eva Ayllón

If I were to be asked to pick one song that describes the conglomerate of stories that make up me, this song would be the one. This song is written by a woman with the class and confidence that I aspire to have, but it also evokes the feeling of belonging I have chased forever.

The lyrics “Entre la gente hay muchas ganas, De demostrar un gran cariño, Para el extrano y el amigo” translates to “Among the people there is a lot of desire, to show great affection, for stranger and for friend” may refer to the people of Peru, but I see these words as depicting the people I surround myself with.

While I am grateful for the amazing country I come from, I also appreciate the community I live in, as expressed through Eva Ayllón’s beautiful words.

I really am “in love with being here.”

 

Learn and listen to more Latin American Songs!

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My Halloween Song Line-Up https://www.girlspring.com/my-halloween-song-line-up/ https://www.girlspring.com/my-halloween-song-line-up/#respond Sun, 28 Sep 2025 04:18:53 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=35453 During the year, there are many things to look forward to, but my favorite time of the year is Halloween. From the...

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During the year, there are many things to look forward to, but my favorite time of the year is Halloween. From the decorations to dressing up in costumes, Halloween has always been a super fun and exciting holiday. For me, Halloween would not be the same without one critical component: music. I love Halloween songs because they set the mood for the whole spooky season, and I wanted to share some of my favorite songs on my Halloween playlist with you. Here are some of my favorite Halloween songs:

“Goo Goo Muck” by The Cramps:

This song might sound familiar, and that is because it was played on the show Wednesday. I like this song because it is a little spooky, but also groovy.            

“Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell:

This song’s lyrics are perfect to get anyone in the Halloween mood because I think we can all agree that it is extremely creepy to feel like someone is watching your every move. I also have the sped-up version of this song on the playlist, as it adds a cool spin to the same great song.

“Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads:

This song has a kind of grunge feel that not all spooky songs have, and I am here for it! This song is special because the lyrics are not the only thing that makes this song so good. The music, especially the guitar and bass, makes this song really stand out for the season. 

“Fearless” by Olivia Holt:

When you look this up, you may notice that it is, in fact, from a Disney Channel movie. Don’t let that deter you because Disney Channel songs are bops! Trust me when I tell you that this song does not disappoint. I would also recommend the movie this song is from, called Girl vs. Monster.

“Haunted Heart” by Christina Aguilera:

This song is insane because it is a jazzy song, and I would compare it to an Amy Winehouse song. There is so much grit in Christina Aguilera’s voice, and that makes the song really shine. This song is in the cartoon film version of The Addams Family, made in 2019.

“This is Halloween” by Danny Elfman:

You know I had to throw in a classic song from an iconic Tim Burton movie. This song is from the beloved film The Nightmare Before Christmas. I love this song because it is creepy and fun.

“My Family” by Migos, KAROL G, Snoop Dogg, and Rock Mafia:

This song was also featured in the 2019 version of The Addams Family. This is a modern twist on the classic Addams Family song. I love this remake because it is so much fun to listen to. 

This concludes the list of some of my favorite Halloween songs. I hope that some of these songs get added to your spooky playlist this Halloween.

Find out what music genre you are here!

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Back to School Playlist https://www.girlspring.com/back-to-school-playlist/ https://www.girlspring.com/back-to-school-playlist/#respond Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:00:17 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=29684 It seems as though back to school season is upon us. I don’t know about you, but I like to have music...

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It seems as though back to school season is upon us. I don’t know about you, but I like to have music to power me through every season of life. Because of that, I’ve created a playlist to serve as the soundtrack to the start of your school year. It features some upbeat summer tunes, some sentimental sounds, and some beats to get your ears ready for fall. Feel free to add some of your favorites to the list. I hope you find something you like to get you through the highs and lows of back to school season!

 

“Summer Child” by Conan Gray

“Amelie” by Gracie Abrams

“Grape Juice” by Harry Styles

“Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson

“dorothea” by Taylor Swift

“Wonder” by Shawn Mendes

“Must Be Love” by Niall Horan

“Together” by Sia

“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers

“You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home” by Hannah Montana

“Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” by Train

“Grace Kelly” by MIKA

“Silver Tongues” by Louis Tomlinson

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

“Breakthrough” from Lemonade Mouth

“What About Us” by P!nk

“I’m Still Standing” by Elton John

“Fifteen (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift

“Little Things” by One Direction

“September” by Earth, Wind, & Fire

“Sunrise” by Norah Jones

“Hey Lover” by Daughters Of Eve

“Hurricane” by Bridgit Mendler

“Generation Why” by Conan Gray

“Something That I Want” by Grace Potter

“Davy Crochet” by The Backseat Lovers

“Tongue Tied” by GROUPLOVE

“Glue Song” by beaba doobee

“When Emma Falls in Love (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” by Taylor Swift

“We’re Going To Be Friends” by The White Stripes

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A Playlist For A Fun Summer! https://www.girlspring.com/a-playlist-for-a-fun-summer/ https://www.girlspring.com/a-playlist-for-a-fun-summer/#comments Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:25:40 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=15695 A Playlist For A Fun Summer! originally published July 2022, but still a great playlist! Summer seemed to approach so quickly, especially...

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A Playlist For A Fun Summer!

originally published July 2022, but still a great playlist!

Summer seemed to approach so quickly, especially since much of the world has been locked in quarantine. I haven’t really felt in the mood for summer because of this. Since music always helps transport me to another place, I made a little throwback summer playlist to get you dreaming of sunshine!

Word Up by Cameo

Every Little Step – With Rap by Bobby Brown

Lonesome Loser by Little River Band

Magnet by NRBQ

If You Let Me Stay by Terence Trent D’Arby

That Summer Feeling by Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers

Fascination by The Human League

Rio by Duran Duran

Thunder Island by Jay Ferguson

Lemon Firebrigade by Haircut 100

I hope you like these songs! Stay safe!

Here’s the playlist on Spotify:

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My Di Zhao Flute: A Personal Journey in Music and Craftsmanship https://www.girlspring.com/my-di-zhao-flute-a-personal-journey-in-music-and-craftsmanship/ https://www.girlspring.com/my-di-zhao-flute-a-personal-journey-in-music-and-craftsmanship/#comments Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:00:14 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=32747 My Di Zhao Flute  I still remember how I felt when I laid my hands on my first flute. It was the...

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My Di Zhao Flute

 I still remember how I felt when I laid my hands on my first flute. It was the summer before sixth grade, the first year of middle school, and I had chosen band as my elective. The magical metal invention felt so light yet so heavy in my hands. It had a beautiful engraving at the bottom of the head joint of the flute. At that time, I didn’t take much notice of it. But when the store associate told us the price, I quickly understood why. Of course, as a musician, the expenses of buying an instrument and maintaining it were not new to me. Once my father had gotten me a piano after playing for years on my keyboard. But this time, my dad trusted me with an expensive instrument before I knew how to play it. I felt exhilarated to learn to play such a beautiful and high-quality flute. Truthfully, I felt it was almost too fancy for a complete amateur like me. But I was still more excited to have it than to accept my dad’s offer to buy me a flute from Amazon.

Di Zhao’s story

You might be wondering why it matters so much that this flute comes from the Di Zhao brand. Well, a Di Zhao flute isn’t a run-of-the-mill instrument. Di Zhao is one of the best flute companies in the world. The brand is dedicated to crafting hand-made flutes while incorporating modern production techniques to keep up with the market. Mr. Zhao, the company’s founder, was a flutist himself. His father gave him a wooden flute on his 7th birthday. He was ecstatic to play it, but it broke apart two days later. Di Zhao asked his father for a new one. But buying an instrument wasn’t easy due to his family’s financial position. After graduating and becoming the principal flutist of the National Ensemble Orchestra of China, he pursued a master’s degree at the University of Indiana in the United States.

Mr. Zhao wanted beginner musicians to experience top-quality instruments at a reasonable price. When he was younger, instruments of such caliber were typically only afforded to professionals at an expensive price. Di Zhao gained techniques from professional and world-class flute-making companies. He developed a great knowledge of the intricacies of hand-crafted flutes. Equipped with this expertise, Di Zhao decided to found his own flute-making company. Di Zhao’s childhood experience and his dreams to provide his children with what he never had, motivated him. He founded his company in 2006 and quickly grew it. Since then, his company has remained committed to Zhao’s mission, which became a key part of my own journey as a musician and marked the beginning of my life as an avid “band kid”.

Personal Impact

I started my junior year of high school using the same Di Zhao flute for both marching band and concert band. Yet the value of my flute hadn’t struck me until it started to have problems. The repairs, which began with my apprehension about being told to upgrade, triggered the same sense of novelty and care I when I first got the flute. Especially since I wasn’t planning on getting a new flute or returning to the repair shop yet again. I had grown comfortable with it, and my carelessness had resulted in some wear and tear that was starting to show. I was thankful that my flute had lasted me a significant period. Its quality and durability allowed me to advance through different levels of music and experience the joys of marching shows. Unfortunately, it took the physical damage of my flute to remind me of its value in granting me those enjoyable experiences. 

The Evolving Value of My Flute

Predictably, I treated the flute carefully back when I first got it because I was aware of its value assigned by the price tag. But after owning it for some time, I grew careless with it. Value is such a strange thing that humans assign to things regularly. Even within my review of my Di Zhao flute, I evaluate its value concerning myself. Value varies from person to person, but it is ultimately determined by how it affects one’s world. The value of our relationships with people or material objects we purchase depends on our criteria. In the seven years of owning my flute, I didn’t bother to learn the about the history or creator behind the brand Di Zhao. It was not until I realized how much the instrument had let me do when it was working properly- allowing me to play music with my friends by myself- that I became curious about the brand. It’s weird how we don’t appreciate the value of things until they leave or inconvenience us. I guess we should be more critical of why we are so quick to qualify something’s value to decide how to treat it.

What is Value?

We often forget how we determine the value of things. We give things value through a mesh of our personal experience and a shared perception of its usefulness projected by society. The world operates on how we place value on things. This is true of each food item that we buy from the grocery store. It holds true within the capitalistic economy that we keep alive and which keeps us alive. Value has become less transient and more decisively stagnant. Fast fashion, fast food, and short-form content push a society geared towards quick, extreme judgments. This guiding perception has infiltrated our lives. Divergence and discussion aren’t encouraged anymore as we continue to let the values decided by others influence our own sense of value.

Conclusion

The value of my flute may come from the unforgettable memories I made through the band with my friends. It may come from the relationship between my experience as a child of immigrants, and Di Zhao’s dream to provide any kid with the chance to play top-quality instruments. Or perhaps the fine craftsmanship and well-reputable brand gives it its value. My determination of its value could be for any specific reason at any point of time.

 My review of the Di Zhao flute inevitably ends in a rating. However, the reasons behind the value I assign to it now will likely be different from those I’ll consider years from now. The values someone else places on something can only influence you if you don’t question the motives behind it. We should think more carefully about value, instead of treating it in the haphazard way we’re accustomed to.

At first, on impulse, I had valued my flute for its cost, reputation, and quality. Now, its value to me comes from Di Zhao’s hope for young musicians, the people I met because of it, and the unique musical experiences I’ve had with it.

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Different Ways To Use Music In Your Life https://www.girlspring.com/different-ways-to-use-music-in-your-life/ https://www.girlspring.com/different-ways-to-use-music-in-your-life/#respond Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:00:10 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=31812 Music is more than just a collection of sounds; it’s a powerful force that can shape our emotions, inspire creativity, and bring...

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Music is more than just a collection of sounds; it’s a powerful force that can shape our emotions, inspire creativity, and bring people together. For teen girls navigating the ups and downs of adolescence, music can be an invaluable companion and a source of endless possibilities. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys listening to your favorite tunes, there are countless ways to incorporate music into your life that can uplift your spirits and enrich your experiences.

Express Yourself Through Music:

  • One of the most beautiful aspects of music is its ability to express emotions that words alone cannot capture. Whether you’re feeling joyful, sad, or somewhere in between, music can be a safe outlet for expressing your innermost thoughts and feelings. Take some time to explore different genres and artists until you find the songs that resonate with you on a personal level. Create playlists for different moods or occasions, and let the music be a reflection of who you are.

Find Your Rhythm:

  • Beyond just listening, consider exploring the world of music through rhythm and movement. Dancing to your favorite songs can be an exhilarating way to release stress, boost your mood, and get your body moving. Don’t worry about being a perfect dancer – the most important thing is to let go and have fun. Whether you’re dancing alone in your room or joining a dance class with friends, let the music be your guide and embrace the freedom of movement.

Discover New Perspectives:

  • Music has the power to transport us to different places and cultures, allowing us to explore perspectives and experiences beyond our own. Take the time to broaden your musical horizons by listening to music from different parts of the world. Whether it’s the vibrant rhythms of Latin America, the soulful melodies of Africa, or the intricate harmonies of classical music, each genre offers a unique glimpse into the diversity of human expression.

Create Your Own Soundtrack:

  • Imagine your life as a movie – what songs would be on the soundtrack? Creating your own personal soundtrack can be a fun and creative way to document your experiences and memories. Keep a journal where you write down the songs that resonate with you at different moments in your life, whether it’s a song that makes you feel empowered, a song that reminds you of a special friendship, or a song that captures the essence of a memorable moment. Over time, your personal soundtrack will become a cherished keepsake filled with musical memories.

Use Music as Motivation:

  • Whether you’re studying for exams, working out at the gym, or tackling a challenging project, music can be a powerful motivator to help you stay focused and energized. Create playlists filled with upbeat and motivational songs that inspire you to keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough. Let the music be the fuel that propels you toward your goals and reminds you of your own strength and resilience.

Connect with Others:

  • Music has a unique ability to bring people together and foster connections across differences. Whether it’s bonding over shared musical tastes with friends, attending concerts and music festivals, or joining a choir or band, music can be a powerful catalyst for building relationships and creating lasting memories. Embrace the opportunity to connect with others through music, and you may be surprised at the meaningful connections you’ll make along the way.

Music is a universal language that has the power to uplift, inspire, and transform our lives in countless ways. As teen girls, we have the opportunity to harness the magic of music and let it guide us on our journey of self-discovery and growth. Whether we’re listening to our favorite songs, dancing to the rhythm of life, or creating our own musical masterpieces, let’s embrace the beauty of music and let it be a source of joy, inspiration, and empowerment in our lives.

 

For inspiration on music to bring into your life, check out this positive energy music playlist by Girl Spring Contributor, Eden!



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Music By: Corra Maddox https://www.girlspring.com/music-by-corra-maddox/ https://www.girlspring.com/music-by-corra-maddox/#respond Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:00:20 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=31338 Music  It is all around us It is a living thing It flows from one place to another Leaving joy or sorrow...

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Music 

It is all around us

It is a living thing

It flows from one place to another

Leaving joy or sorrow in its wake

It tells stories of heroes and villains

True love and heartbreak

Friendships and betrayal

It creates dreams and nightmares

It makes moments powerful

It makes you cry

Or laugh

Or dance

It makes you feel like you are flying

Or falling

It sweeps you up in its arms and carries you to a new place

It envelopes you in its warmth 

It amplifies every emotion

It causes pain and healing

It is a hand to hold through dark times

It is a masterpiece

It is inspiration

It is chaos

It is peace

It is the very essence of what it means to be human

It is creation

It is destruction

It is everything 

It is magic

 

Check out this positive energy playlist curated by Girl Spring Contributor, Eden here!

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Shining the Spotlight on Juanes https://www.girlspring.com/shining-the-spotlight-on-juanes/ https://www.girlspring.com/shining-the-spotlight-on-juanes/#respond Wed, 06 Dec 2023 17:00:49 +0000 https://www.girlspring.com/?p=30688 Who is Juanes? My sister and I discovered Juanes about a year ago, and we are still listening to his incredible songs...

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Who is Juanes?

My sister and I discovered Juanes about a year ago, and we are still listening to his incredible songs and lovely voice today. Juanes is a Colombian singer and songwriter known for his profound songs of love and struggle. Born Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez in 1972, he began lessons in piano and music at the age of two. Juanes plays many instruments, including the piano, guitar, and many others.

Much like another well-known artist; Taylor Swift, Juanes has ten solo albums that explore a vast variety of genres. These albums in order are Fíjate Bien, Un día normal, Mi Sangre, La Vida…Es Un Ratico, P.A.R.C.E, Loco de Amor, Mis Planes son Amarte, Más Futuro Que Pasado, Origen, and Vida cotidiana.

Some songs, such as his famous Me Enamora, are rock songs with heavy guitar instrumentalization and an upbeat tempo. Others, like Mis Planes son Amarte, are slower, more jazzy songs. Whatever genre though, Juanes’ lyrics are profound and carefully selected. Each song shows a full and beautiful perspective on life, often offering views on the struggles and passion of romantic and patriotic love and the strive for social change.

A Deeper Meaning

Some of Juanes’ most heartbreaking and genuine songs are about the grief of the state of his home country, Colombia, and the rigid hope he still has for it. Bloody conflicts have plagued the country since Juanes was young. Unfortunately, they still plague the country today. Juanes grew up in Medellín, Colombia, when the city had the highest homicide rate in the world.

He lived through a bloody civil war that forever changed him. Despite all this tragedy, however, Juanes continues to have hope for his country, and his songs reflect that hope. “Colombia has suffered so much that the only way to go forward is to imagine a better country,” he once said. He claimed, “para mi, hacer música que no tenga luz no cabe. La misión que vinimos a aprender a esta tierra…es amar.” (for me, to make music without light [without hope] doesn’t work. The mission we came to learn on this earth is to love.)

Below are some of my favorite songs and lyrics by Juanes. I highly recommend every one of his songs!

~Favorite lyrics~

“No te olvides de estos hombres
Que el viento silbe sus nombres
Pa’ darles honra, pa’ darles vida
Pa’ darles vida
Que nuestra gente
No se nos quede desaparecida.”

*English*
“Don’t forget these people
Let the wind whistle their names
To give them honor, to give them life
To give them life
So that our people will never disappear.” )

“Este mundo necesita amor
Una actitud diferente
Si de amor llenas tu corazón
Más tranquila es tu mente.”

*English*
“This world needs love
A different attitude
If you fill your heart with love
Your mind is more at peace.”

~Favorite songs~

A Dios le Pido (Un Día normal)
Me Enamora (La Vida…Es un Ratico)
La Camisa Negra (Mi Sangre)
Hermosa Ingrata (Mis Planes son Amarte)
Actitud (Mis Planes son Amarte)
Mis Planes Son Amarte (Mis Planes son Amarte)
Es Tarde (Mis Planes son Amarte)
El Ratico (Mis Planes son Amarte)

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