To me, music is not just about entertainment, relaxation, or filling my mind with momentary doses of happiness. It is far more profound than that, as it is an essential part of who I am. I cannot imagine going through a single day without it, because music has become the tool through which I connect with myself and the world around me.
As an introvert, expressing my emotions openly or deeply in front of others has always been difficult for me. Yet, in music, I find a language or voice that speaks for me when words fall short. It understands me in ways no one else can. Through its lyrics, rhythms, and melodies, I feel truly seen and heard. Music has been my constant companion in struggles, as it is the voice that validates my complicated feelings and the force that reminds me to keep moving forward. Being an avid listener, I explore a wide range of genres, each of which serves as a tool to shape my emotions. When I need motivation, I turn to the raw energy of hip-hop; when I am lost in thoughts about people who hold a special place in my heart, jazz comforts me; when I want to reflect quietly, I lean into softer and more introspective tunes like acoustic and indie. At times, I lose myself in the intensity of rock, the storytelling depth of blues, or the warmth of soul and R&B. Each genre paints a different shade of my inner world, helping me embrace and discover new parts of myself.
Along with genres, what inspires me the most are the artists whose journeys and struggles have shaped the music I deeply admire. Like Lauryn Hill’s timeless voice and raw honesty, Kendrick Lamar’s powerful storytelling in hip-hop, Amy Winehouse’s sheer vulnerability, Eminem’s resilience through pain and struggles, and Tupac Shakur’s poetic truth or reality about life and society—all of them remind me of the strength found in expressing yourself. Michael Jackson’s unmatched artistry and ability to move the world through music, A.R. Rahman’s ability to blend cultures and emotions into pure magic, and the Bengali rock bands like Cactus and Fossils, who connect with my restless soul—their music doesn’t just entertain me, it keeps me going. Their struggles, their persistence, and their art, show me that music is more than sound; it is a form of survival and healing, and it is a force of transformation.
In the end, music is more than a pastime or habit, it is a lifeline. It has become the bridge between my silence and expression. For me, music is not just background noise, it is the very soundtrack of my life—shaping my emotions, guiding my thoughts, and giving voice to everything I cannot always say aloud.