Students share how their music tastes have shaped them

A 2019 poll found that 69% of adults aged 18 to 34 listen to music daily, and a 2020 NIH study shows that, on average, students consume 18 hours of music each week—some even more. 

But why? Simple: music shapes lives, communication and creates feelings. It alters our moods and colors experiences. 

Senior Aidan Fobian is one such student that music has impacted. He said, “Metal, punk, classic rock, vaporwave and recently, hip hop. It’s a spectrum, really, depending on how I feel that day.”

Fobian’s music preferences often cross genres rather than staying within one style. He expanded on his favorite band: “The band ‘In Flames’ strikes a chord with me—the aggression, guitar work, and vocals. I originally started with ‘Dark Tranquility’ and found In Flames on a whim. Their albums often tackle societal issues, and songs like ‘Clayman’ focus on becoming a better person.”

Fobian suggested Kendrick Lamar. “A lot of people don’t see the art in hip hop, but Kendrick is very artistic with his work. His albums feel like concept albums, telling stories. He’s a great way for people to experience hip hop in a more artistic sense.”

Finally, Fobian explained how music impacts him directly. “The pacing of a song can change my mood—slower tracks make me more relaxed, fast ones fill me with energy. Sometimes, a song even shifts how I see the world when I’m on a walk.”

A UNI college student, George Kimmich, also shared his insights as a passionate listener. “I try to keep variety in my music because variety is the spice of life. That said, I mostly listen to rock and its subgenres, especially hard rock, heavy metal, and punk. I was raised on it—my dad’s a metalhead, and my mom loves classic and alt-rock, so I naturally started exploring from there.”

Kimmich explains the influence of music on him, saying, “Music evokes emotions—sadness, awe, contemplation—but most of all, happiness. I love using musical references in my writing, and well-written lyrics can change my views on things.” 

Finally, Kimmich recommended, “Give metal a try. People know the extreme genres like death or black metal, but older metal—especially from the ’70s and ’80s—was more like hard rock. Metal has influenced so much of popular music. Queen started as a pseudo-metal band, and Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet is a glam metal album. I’d start with the ‘Unholy Trinity’: Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.”

Another senior, Dallas Hoeppner, weighed on his preferences. “I prefer music you feel rather than just listen to—songs that evoke strong emotions. It helps me tap into my imagination or sets a specific mood.” 

Hoeppner detailed his music preferences and impacts. “Music is a catalyst. It gets you going or brings you down,” Hoeppner said. “Angelic metal. It’s metal with choirs and pianos—it’s awesome.”