Music & Family

For this assignment, I decided to have a discussion with my mom about her relationship with music. I had to do this over the phone since I am unable to speak to her in person because I am all the way from Texas. During our phone conversation, my mom shared how music played a small but joyful role in her childhood, even though she said that it wasn't something she had constant access to. She explained how she grew up in a home where music wasn't played every day, but when it was, it brought the family together and filled their space with happiness. She said that most of the music she listened to as a child was instrumental, often featuring violins and singers that created an emotional atmosphere. Listening to music as a kid was different for her; she stated that they listened to music on the Radio that her mother bought for her and her siblings. Her mom was actually the one who first introduced her and her siblings to music, making it something that connected their family.

When I asked about her favorite artists, she smiled and mentioned that as a kid she loved the group "Los Menudos", especially their song "Súbete a mi moto." Nowadays, she says she listens to Frank Reyes, and that she enjoys all of his romantic Bachata songs. She says she's only been to one concert, which was Romeo Santos, a major Bachata artist that I live to listen to as well. She described it as an unforgettable experience and said she danced, sang along, and loved every moment of it, calling it "an amazing first-time experience." She explained that as she grew older, music changed for her; it shifted from being more romantic and emotional to being more rhythmic and danceable. 

Toward the end of our conversation, I asked if she liked to dance, and she laughed, saying she loves dancing to Punta, Bachata, and Salsa because those styles remind her of home in Honduras. She also said that when she's working or cleaning, she likes to play Merengue since it keeps her moving and puts her in a good mood. When I asked what she thought about my music, she admitted she doesn't really like it, she thinks it lacks meaning and emotion, but still respects it and listens when I play it. She states, "I don't understand most of the artists nowadays, it sounds like they are mumbling when they are singing." Hearing her talk about her deep emotional connection to music made me realize how it's been a part of her life in a very personal, joyful way, even if our tastes are worlds apart.