By Mia Hanuska
“What do you listen to?” I was asked late last year. I opened Apple Music and scrolled through my library. A couple playlists from COVID, Hamilton, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and of course… Taylor Swift. At the time, Taylor Swift plagued my music—I fell asleep to TS, I woke up to TS, I listened to TS while typing away on English essays.
Then, early this year, I discovered other music! Wow! Branching out! I began listening to Bruno Mars and Ariana Grande. Even later, I found new music through friends, old playlists from COVID years, siblings (thanks Anna!), and social media, discovering many of my new favorite songs.
And to everyone who only listens to Taylor Swift, I urge them to do the same. Please, as much as I love Taylor Swift, develop a diverse music taste. If I hadn’t branched out, I would’ve never found Happy Fits, Laufey, Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), Jack Johnson, and more. I wouldn’t’ve learned I love rock and jazz, two genres Taylor Swift has not touched. Going through movie soundtracks, talking to peers, and sourcing songs from social media are all great ways to find new music you may like. If Taylor Swift is your jam, consider starting with similar artists, depending on what albums you like, and going from there. Please, for the sake of yourself, branch out a little.