Ashely Alvarez Tovar

Seniors like Denise Acevedo use music to help them make it through the day.

Music is a big part of everyone’s life, and students at South are no different.

At South, seniors have diverse musical tastes. Seniors Joel Martinez Lopez, Denise Acevedo Jara, Ruben Huizar Rodriguez and Ava Marsh-Contreras shared with us their go-to music playlists and favorite artists and gave a glimpse into their day-to-day musical tastes.

When asked about their favorite music genres, the seniors had many different types of answers. Lopez said indie pop was his favorite while Rodriguez and Jara both share the same taste in Spanish music; Contreras said her favorite genres are hip-hop and R & B.

When it comes to their daily go-to songs, the group showed tastes that were reflective of their personalities.

Lopez said his song is “Homeward” by The Sundays. Jara said any song by Julion Alvarez is her favorite because he’s her favorite artist. Rodriguez shared that “La Escuadra” by Los Huracanes del Norte is his favorite because it gives him confidence in his life. Contreras said her go to-song is “While We’re Young” by Jhené Aiko because it picks up her mood.

While discussing the songs that matter most to them, the seniors opened up about their personal connections with the music they feel the most connected to.

Lopez said the song “In My Life” by The Beatles has a strong connection for him, he said that it reminds him of the people he loved the most and lost but not in a sad way; more like being grateful even though things change and people drift away.

Jara said her song was “Dios por Delante” by Hermanos Espinoza because it keeps her motivated to accomplish her goals. Meanwhile, Contreras shared that her song is “Ivy” by Frank Ocean because it relates to her final year here at South as a senior.

Rodriguez shared that his song is “Puro Campeón” by Marca Registrada because it talks about being at rock bottom in life and working hard to be set so it encourages him to not give up in life and continue being a hard worker inside and outside of school. He also stated that the song talks about people being envious and not helping when you most need it, but those same people asking for forgiveness when you are successful in life.

In addition to their personal favorite songs, the seniors shared some recommendations.

Lopez recommended “Jonny” by Faye Webster because the instrumentation is ethereal, the lyrics are heart breaking, and it is a must-listen.

“Faye Webster woke up one morning and decided to change lives when she released this song,” Lopez added.

Contreras said everyone should listen to Drake because of the variety of music he makes. Jara said Kali Uchis or Julion Alvarez are musts because their music is good, and Rodriguez recommends Fuerza Regida because they make good, relatable songs.