Started on: 09/12/2026 Finished on: 09/30/2026

My life has always had a kind of background music to it. The music I prefer comes from my curiosity, my imagination, and the many long car journeys I used to take with my family. During those trips, we listened to Spanish songs and classic albums from the youth of my parents, such as Supertramp, Electric Light Orchestra, and the Bee Gees. I have always liked all of that and still do. As time has gone on, I have come to appreciate an even greater variety of music, including ska, classical music, soundtracks, and any kind of music that helps me to visualise clear scenes.

When I was in high school, and in particular while I was learning to drive, I decided to look at the soundtrack of the film The Shining. It includes music by modern composers such as Ligeti and Penderecki. After hearing their music, I was introduced to a completely new world of music and possibilities, which in turn widened my musical tastes. The music that was popular with me as a young person wasn't just the works of Beethoven, Shostakovich, Supertramp, Rick Astley, and the songs from the anime Mermaid Melody, but it also included outstanding pieces such as Messiaen's “Turangalîla-symphonie”, Ives' “The Unanswered Question”, John Adams' “Shaker Loops”, and all of the works by Philip Glass or Alfred Schnittke. I am certain my life would have been different if I hadn't come across these pieces while searching for music on YouTube.

My musical palette continued to develop even into my college years. I distinctly remember that during my sophomore and junior years, I got into Yello and Leyland Kirby/ The Caretaker/ V/vm. I remember Yello's “Oh Yeah”, which is their only iconic song in the US's eyes, and I went down the Yello rabbit hole. Many of their songs have a cool, sleek, and stylish feel to them. I couldn’t help but imagine intense romantic scenes or something with secret agents. Too cool. As for The Caretaker, the YouTube algorithm gods have blessed me with the album “An Bliss Beyond this World”. I would wait for the newest installment whilst I work on school projects.

Just like when I first discovered DC's Captain Marvel and felt a deep connection, finding the Monkees and the Aquabats had a similar impact on me. These bands make me feel like I've found another part of myself—a part that keeps searching for joy and reminds me to stay positive. I first heard about the Aquabats in 2012, but back then I only knew them from their TV show. It took me a few more years to realize they were an actual band. When I finally found all their albums, it felt like stumbling onto hidden treasure with a loud, playful sound. I’m in so deep that as of 2024, I became a card-carrying member of The Aquabats Cadet Faction, which is the official fan club of the band. I even have a cadet name and everything. I knew of the Monkees for a very long time, longer than I knew of the Aquabats. I knew that Smash Mouth covered I’m a Believer which was originally by the Monkees. I didn’t know much about them other than the rumor that they weren’t a real band and didn’t actually play their instruments, which was only half true. Some years later, my sister and I became fans after we started watching reruns of the band’s TV show, which ran from 1966 to 1968. Watching the show encouraged us to get into their music, and we’ve been fans ever since. What made me so drawn to the Monkees was their sound. There’s so much joy and talent that oozes from any song by them that it's contagious.

Started on: 10/12/2026 Finished on: 10/15/2026

For those who know me irl or online, I really, REALLY like rainbows, or just bright, colorful things. I also like things that inspire hope and joy, like certain characters like Wander from Wander over Yonder, Superhero characters like Superman and Capatain Marvel (Shazam) or even the characters from Chiikawa. I often try to surround myself with pretty much anything that can invoke those feelings of joy and hope for the same reasons why anyone would want to be around anything that makes them happy.

Not only do those things induces joy onto me, but it is also a part of my personal style/aesthetic. And in turn, I find myself surounded by an aura that is uniquely me. I believe that every person has a unique style/aesthetic along with a unique world view. All this is a culmination of many things like: your upbringing, personality, and personal tastes. In my case, I always drawn to bright colors, heroes, and anything else that is associated with joy, happiness, and creativity.

I haven't had any critics, apart from my self-proclaimed fashion savvy mother but I already am ready to deal with pushback. I've heard it all (not directed towards me): its clownish, childish, a cry for attention. How funny. I guess some people simply can't wrap their heads arounds the idea of someone who enjoys things that they don't like so they feel the need to drag down others. What those people fail to realize is that fitting in was never a part of the agenda. It's as simple as it makes me happy. That should be enough.