Does Music Influence Identity? By: Kenzie Ford

Music is more than just a sound, it’s a part of who we all are. The songs and artists we listen to reflect our values, shape our mood, and even influence how we see the world around us. The more lyrics we connect with and relate to, the more music itself becomes a mirror of our identity. In many ways, music tells the story of who we are and who we are becoming.

Wrestling Coach at Hillgrove High School, Coach Slenzcka, explains how music has affected his life over the years. "When I was younger, I listened to pretty much everything, a wide assortment, rock, hip hop, rap, and as I got older, it was just more country. I think most of the songs are a lot cleaner than some of the other genres I used to listen to." Along with age and music comes maturity, an article from The Medium says, “Music is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. It plays a vital role in our lives, often serving as a medium for self-expression and identity formation.”

Music can also act as a relief from stress. Avery Bush, a student attending Hillgrove Highschool states what music she listens to in order to regulate her emotions. "When I'm like, nervous, I listen to like hype music or I'm excited and lit" an article from Psychology Today, relates to this topic, “In East Asian societies, for example, individuals tend to focus more on interpersonal emotions such as affection, anger, and embarrassment. In Western societies, individuals tend to focus more on intrapersonal emotions such as pride, guilt, and anxiety.”

Music is loved all around the world. With different cultures, backgrounds, and identities, it is celebrated differently everywhere. Keeping the worldwide differences in mind, music still finds a way to connect people from all over.