Content in partnership with KCBS

Music Of My Adolescence

07.12.15
Music Of My Adolescence

On long family road trips, my brothers enjoyed watching movies on their portable DVD player. But I was listening to vintage western swing records my mom played on repeat.

My grandfather played the same songs to us on his guitar. I learned guitar hoping to develop the same smooth rhythm as my grandfather.

I wrote my first song when I was 12 years old. It’s called ‘Rollin’ – a song about driving with my friends. Listening back to it, I can hardly recognize myself.

At 12 years old I was convinced I was grown up. Now, my songwriting has changed. It focuses on more intimate things in my life. Things like friendships and family relationships and the kind of person that I want to become.

All my fears of saying things face to face fall away when I’m writing a song.

Music is something that helped me discover who I am. And after years of feeling different from my peers, it has played a major role in my adolescence as a companion I can always lean on. I’m grateful for that.

Support the Next Generation of Content Creators
Invest in the diverse voices that will shape and lead the future of journalism and art.
donate now
Support the Next Generation of Content Creators
Invest in the diverse voices that will shape and lead the future of journalism and art.
donate now