Student Blog: What I'm Listening To

Anytime someone asks me what kind of music I like to listen to, I usually answer with “a little bit of everything.” While most people probably assume this is a cheap answer, it is honestly true. I love to challenge myself and listen to new music and artists. I also always enjoy sharing music recommendations with as many people as I can. So, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite artists who I have had on repeat. I couldn’t fit every artist I love on here, but here are some I can’t get enough of lately!

Dominic Fike: I began listening to Fike’s music in April 2023 and I’ve been obsessed ever since. He was an artist that I “forced” myself to listen to at first. I was eager to find some new music to listen to and I had heard his name mentioned and recommended a bunch. I began listening to his discography and loved his unique production style. After learning some more about Fike as an artist, I found out that he is very involved in the production side of his music. Fike never shies away from playing with unique filters, samples, and transitions. On top of all that, Fike writes and plays some incredible guitar riffs. I would highly recommend Fike’s new album “Sunburn” to anyone who is a fan of indie, R&B, rap, or pop music- Dominic Fike does it all!

Taylor Swift: I am sure it is no surprise that Swift made it to this list. Beyond just writing catchy songs, I am most drawn to Swift because of the diversity in her discography. Swift has made a name for herself in almost any genre you can think of. I always have to chuckle when people say “I don’t like Taylor Swift’s music” because she truly has a song for everyone. Swift is the kind of artist you cannot put into a box or describe in one genre. Some of my personal favorites of hers are “exile (feat. Bon Iver),” “I Wish You Would,” and “Delicate.” 

Stevie Wonder: Wonder is the kind of artist that always makes me no matter how sad I am. He truly cracked the code of what it takes to make great jazz music. Wonder’s bandstand style and instrumentation are bound to make you want to get up and dance. It always shocks me how many younger musicians aren’t familiar with Wonder’s music. For any music-lover wanting to get into Wonder’s music, I would recommend “Do I Do,” “We Can Work It Out,” and “I Wish.” 

Carole King: I began listening to King’s music when I went to see Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on Broadway. I immediately fell in love with King’s story and songwriting. King is responsible for so many classics and chart-topping records. King’s songs are also my favorite to sing as I play guitar or piano. You can feel the heart and passion King put into every one of her songs. It is no fluke that she wrote so many hits. My “Tapestry” vinyl is by far the album I put on the most. 

Stephen Schwartz: Of course, I listen to my fair share of musical theater albums and cast recordings. Whenever I am asked who some of my favorite composers are, I always include Schwartz in the list. Schwartz's discography is so fun to go back and listen to because he was writing music at such an important time for musical theater. In Schwartz’s music, you can hear the shift from more classical music theater to rock musicals and even into “poppier” musicals, like “Wicked.” I also always appreciate Schwartz’s use of a nice drum fill and guitar line. 

Some Extra Recommendations: Olivia Rodrigo’s “GUTS,” SZA’s “SOS,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “emails i can’t send,” Beyoncé’s “RENAISSANCE,” Tom Kitt’s “Almost Famous - The Musical,” Jon Batiste's “WE ARE,” Billy Joel's "An Innocent Man"

Over the last year, I have been challenging myself to expand my horizons and listen to new genres and styles of music. I have come to love styles of music I never thought I’d listen to. Listening to a wider variety of music has helped me come to appreciate music as an art form. “Good music” can come in all shapes and sizes. I encourage any music fan to try and listen to an artist completely different from what you normally listen to. There is no harm in adventuring outside of your musical comfort zone. And who knows, you may get a new favorite song out of it!