Marcy’s initial relationship with music was tumultuous. Having endured playing the trumpet throughout middle and high school, she didn’t have the inclination to leisurely explore Spotify during her adolescence. At that time, she considered it eccentric not to have a favorite artist or know any songs, a notion she now acknowledges as misguided.
During her quarantine workout phase, Marcy’s workout partner urged her to listen to music while exercising instead of zoning out. Unsure where to begin, she reached out to everyone in her contacts for song recommendations. The resulting eclectic mix of 74 songs formed her first Spotify playlist, shaping her diverse music taste.
Reflecting on a particular song, Marcy struggles to articulate why she is drawn to it despite its brevity, upbeat tempo, and somewhat inappropriate content. She acknowledges its flaws but admits that some songs have an inexplicable hold on us, like nostalgic memories. Although it may not be her current favorite, the song “DRUGS” holds a special place in her playlist due to the memories associated with it.
The purchase of her first car marked a significant milestone in Marcy’s musical journey. Commuting to her part-time job on a two-hour train ride, she bought a 2007 Honda Accord named “Baby Blue,” inspired by the song “The Other Side of Paradise.” This track, despite its lively tone, delves into themes of shattered dreams and coping with adversity, resonating with Marcy on a deeper level.
Glass Animals became the first band Marcy avidly followed, with tracks like “The Other Side of Paradise” holding a profound existential significance for her. The song’s melancholic undertones provided solace during challenging times, offering a temporary escape from life’s uncertainties.
Overcoming her fear of riding a bike without training wheels, Marcy recalls her experiences practicing to the tune of “Idol” from the anime “Oshi no Ko.” The song’s Japanese lyrics provided a soothing backdrop for her practice sessions, signifying a personal milestone in her journey.
Discovering the song “Airhead” challenged Marcy’s preconceptions about music aesthetics, introducing her to indie girl rock. Despite the mismatch between the upbeat melody and introspective lyrics, the song resonated with her, prompting her to explore and share indie artists with others.
Delving into a TikTok musical project based on Homer’s “Odyssey,” Marcy became captivated by Epic the Musical, particularly the song “Wouldn’t You Like.” The groovy interpretation of Hermes in the musical added a playful twist to the character, rekindling Marcy’s interest in the project.
Introduced to the song “Blue Hundreds” by her high school friend Sapna, Marcy considers it the ultimate love song, celebrating themes of passion, emotional depth, and resilience. For Marcy, music serves as a bridge to connect with others, fostering meaningful relationships through shared musical experiences.