She plugs in her headphones and listens to the music. Each song in the playlist is a surprise; given to her from a friend or even a significant other.
The beat courses through her veins, she closes her eyes and she is transported to a magical world of music.
All that she sees is her fantasy: no stress, no fights, and no worries. Just those butterflies in her stomach. Not the nervous ones, but the thankful ones that only appear when someone has done something sweet for her.
Her only care in the world is the meaning behind the songs.
She wonders how this person has found the perfect songs with the perfect lyrics to communicate the perfect message. And all of this is in a single playlist.
“Music is the most thoughtful gift. It can brighten any day and it conveys so much about a person and how they feel. As you listen to these songs, you know that the person thought of you when they heard them and that is the most special feeling. The gift of music is like the gift of happiness,” said senior Annie Klups.
Music has been a common gift between friends for decades, whether it is in the form of a mixtape or a playlist.
Although the technology has drastically changed from old cassette tapes to iPhones, many believe that the emotions of making and receiving a mixtape have not only stayed the same, but are actually the reason that the gift is so popular.
Stephen Thompson from NPR Music explained this point of view and said, “When you’re picking songs for a mix, based on your specific experiences, emotions, and inside jokes, you’re saying more than ‘I love you’ or ‘I like you,’ or whatever; you’re capturing a connection that is unique to you and your shared story.”
When making these playlists, many students worry about the message that is being sent. The stress of giving someone such an emotional gift can lead people to second guess every word of every song choice.
Junior Liam Jocson gave his advice on song choice and said, “I would put songs that are happy and upbeat. The goal is to make the person enjoy themselves and tell them that you appreciate them and want to share your feelings.”
Many students at Carlmont enjoy making their own playlists for their peers to listen to.
These students often find that the easiest way to capture an audience is to choose songs that emphasize a feeling or time period that people want to surround themselves with.
Junior Ashley Wen created her own playlist on Spotify that has become very popular around Carlmont. The playlist is called “Middle School Bangers” and showcases songs that Wen and her friends enjoyed during their years in middle school.
Wen explained how the songs in the playlist were chosen and said, “The songs allow people to reminisce and remember the middle-school energy and freedom. I’ve found that people love throwback songs because they bring a source of unity as everyone remembers the joys of the past.”
Like Wen used older songs to create unity, others choose to use songs that the recipient of the playlist has an emotional connection to.
Klups explained, “I make playlists with songs that will remind them of me, of fun things that we’ve done together, or songs that remind me of them. The playlist is always better when it brings up happy emotions or memories.”
Many feel that playlists are timeless gifts that bring memories and emotions to its recipients and will continue to do so as long as the music industry is alive.
Sophomore Ben Hood said, “Mixtapes are a good way to express feelings and show your appreciation for someone. They’re a great way to spread positivity and I think they will continue to be made in different variations as technology progresses.”
The Highlander, March 2016
The beat courses through her veins, she closes her eyes and she is transported to a magical world of music.
All that she sees is her fantasy: no stress, no fights, and no worries. Just those butterflies in her stomach. Not the nervous ones, but the thankful ones that only appear when someone has done something sweet for her.
Her only care in the world is the meaning behind the songs.
She wonders how this person has found the perfect songs with the perfect lyrics to communicate the perfect message. And all of this is in a single playlist.
“Music is the most thoughtful gift. It can brighten any day and it conveys so much about a person and how they feel. As you listen to these songs, you know that the person thought of you when they heard them and that is the most special feeling. The gift of music is like the gift of happiness,” said senior Annie Klups.
Music has been a common gift between friends for decades, whether it is in the form of a mixtape or a playlist.
Although the technology has drastically changed from old cassette tapes to iPhones, many believe that the emotions of making and receiving a mixtape have not only stayed the same, but are actually the reason that the gift is so popular.
Stephen Thompson from NPR Music explained this point of view and said, “When you’re picking songs for a mix, based on your specific experiences, emotions, and inside jokes, you’re saying more than ‘I love you’ or ‘I like you,’ or whatever; you’re capturing a connection that is unique to you and your shared story.”
When making these playlists, many students worry about the message that is being sent. The stress of giving someone such an emotional gift can lead people to second guess every word of every song choice.
Junior Liam Jocson gave his advice on song choice and said, “I would put songs that are happy and upbeat. The goal is to make the person enjoy themselves and tell them that you appreciate them and want to share your feelings.”
Many students at Carlmont enjoy making their own playlists for their peers to listen to.
These students often find that the easiest way to capture an audience is to choose songs that emphasize a feeling or time period that people want to surround themselves with.
Junior Ashley Wen created her own playlist on Spotify that has become very popular around Carlmont. The playlist is called “Middle School Bangers” and showcases songs that Wen and her friends enjoyed during their years in middle school.
Wen explained how the songs in the playlist were chosen and said, “The songs allow people to reminisce and remember the middle-school energy and freedom. I’ve found that people love throwback songs because they bring a source of unity as everyone remembers the joys of the past.”
Like Wen used older songs to create unity, others choose to use songs that the recipient of the playlist has an emotional connection to.
Klups explained, “I make playlists with songs that will remind them of me, of fun things that we’ve done together, or songs that remind me of them. The playlist is always better when it brings up happy emotions or memories.”
Many feel that playlists are timeless gifts that bring memories and emotions to its recipients and will continue to do so as long as the music industry is alive.
Sophomore Ben Hood said, “Mixtapes are a good way to express feelings and show your appreciation for someone. They’re a great way to spread positivity and I think they will continue to be made in different variations as technology progresses.”
The Highlander, March 2016