Our Playlist

 

Music and diversity is showing how people from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences can express themselves in unique and meaningful ways. Every culture has its own musical traditions, instruments, rhythms, and stories, and together they create a rich global tapestry of sound. Diversity in music helps us understand and appreciate perspectives different from our own, whether through the soulful melodies of blues, the energetic beats of Latin music, or the complex harmonies of Asian and African traditions. When we listen to diverse music we open ourselves to learning, connection, and respect for others. It reminds us that even though people may look, speak, or live differently, music is a universal language that brings everyone together.

My traditional song “Kalinka” it is one of the most famous Russian folk songs, known for its lively rhythm and energetic spirit. Often performed during traditional celebrations, the song features a fast paced tempo that builds excitement as it progresses. Dancers typically wear colorful folk costumes and move quickly across the stage with spirited steps that match the song’s accelerating beat. “Kalinka” has become a symbol of Russian cultural pride, showcasing the joy, color, and vibrancy of the country’s folk traditions. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0KKsyBoz8c&list=RDT0KKsyBoz8c&start_radio=1

My modern song “Tusa” by Karol G and Nicki Minaj is a global modern hit that blends Latin reggaetón with hip-hop influences, showcasing the power of international collaboration. This song came out in 2019,  becoming popular for its catchy beat, confident energy, and mix of Spanish and English lyrics. “Tusa” tells the story of trying to move on from a past relationship, capturing emotions of heartbreak and em-powerment at the same time. It was successful across multiple continents highlights how modern music can cross cultural and language barriers, bringing diverse audiences together through rhythm and emotion. I also can say I personally enjoyed this song when it came out. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbneQDc2H3I&list=RDtbneQDc2H3I&start_radio=1

“Sakura Sakura” is a traditional Japanese folk song that beautifully reflects the elegance and symbolism of cherry blossoms in Japanese culture. The melody is gentle and poetic often played on classical instruments like the koto to evoke the peaceful feeling of springtime. The song celebrates the fleeting beauty of sakura flowers, which bloom briefly each year and remind people to appreciate the moment. “Sakura Sakura” is performed during festivals, school events, and cultural celebrations across Japan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hvo4Db3NT8&list=RD0Hvo4Db3NT8&start_radio=1

“Auld Lang Syne” is a traditional Scottish song written by poet Robert Burns in 1788. It has become one of the most recognizable melodies associated with New Year celebrations around the world. The title translates to “old long since". This song reflects themes of friendship, remembrance, and looking back on shared experiences. Historically, explorers and researchers in Antarctica adopted “Auld Lang Syne” as a meaningful way to mark the New Year while far from home. In the isolation and harsh conditions of Antarctic bases, the song offered a sense of connection, comfort, and tradition. Singing it together helped create unity among crew members, reminding them of the people and memories they carried with them even at the edge of the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX47kd9L6oc&list=RDxX47kd9L6oc&start_radio=1

Music and Traditions

 

The first song that came to mind when I think of music from my family traditions or any traditions at all growing up was a song called " Los Mananitas" by Vicente Fernandez. If you can't tell by now Im Mexican and grew up in a very Mexican house hold. Besides the point, this song is a Birthday song. Every morning before I would wake up my family would barge into my room and play this song super loud in my ears. And if you were to have cake weather it was just with your parents or having a birthday party while the cake is getting brought out and setting up they play "Los Mananitas" and EVERYONE has to sing and I mean everyone. Then we get your old fashion birthday song but "Los Manaitas" is a must at every birthday. Understanding the lyrics and really listening to them brings me joy, truly is a beautiful song. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnokRScKgU0&list=RDfnokRScKgU0&start_radio=1

Other than that song I don't have any other family tradition songs that were played at a wedding, birthdays or a funeral. Majority of my tradition song came from my sport softball or being with my friends.  One song that I remember from my high school season that my coach played throughout my four year there was "Enter Sandman" by Metallica. Every home game we would play music on our speakers and this song would appear on the playlist and he HAD to hear it or he would request it before the game started. When we had our hitting days at practice we would also play this song just for him. He would look at us all and make a rock sign with his hand and just start bopping his head to the beat, like he was at the concert himself.  Every time we would mention this song to him, he would go on and on how this is the best song ever in the world. A girl on the team who was one of my best friends actually made it her walk up song so he could also hear it during the game and every time he did, we would all look down the third base line and there he was with his hand shaped into the rock hand sign. This rock hand sign became so serious that it showed up on one our practice shirts we got every year. At the end of the day, this song was just more than a song to him and the rest of us girls. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD-E-LDc384&list=RDCD-E-LDc384&start_radio=1

Another Song that came from softball for me was "Circo Loco" by Drake. Just like the previous song, this song would be played for every home game day and every hitting practice. But unlike the other song this song had to be played first. This song was a song I played over and over my senior year, it was considered "Myahs" song and I knew the song word for word. I would also play this song on the way back from lunch on game days with my friends in the car. Eventually this song would get played all the time in the car. If the game was an away game I would still play the song in my headphones as the first song. Me and my friends still play this song and is a continues song that gets played. This song brings back from many memories of my senior year especially my last softball season in high school. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxILuhLm6hs&list=RDjxILuhLm6hs&start_radio=1

Music & Me

 

Hi everyone!! My name is Myah Zuniga and I am a sophomore here at Converse University.  I also play a sport here at converse. I was born in Fresno California. I have grown up living in California but I have also lived in Mexico.  My music genre is very wide, Im not picky when it comes to my music all all. My music depends on my mood that Im in that day or who Im with.  

A song I like right now- Dreams, Fairytales, Fantasies by A$SP Ferg 

My favorite song of all time. I couldn't really pick a song that I like right now so I just picked my favorite song. This song always gets played in the car on my way to anywhere. I guess you can say this song is my comfort song.  This song also reminds of my friends from back home, me and my friends have always played this song especially through out my senior year. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ViV6aBkddw&list=RD3ViV6aBkddw&start_radio=1

A song with meaning- Corre by jessie y joy 

This song that will forever have meaning to my heart. When I lived in Sinaloa with my mom and her side of the family this was the first song I learned in Spanish. At the time this was my Tias favorite song and she was always play it in the car.  Even tho this song is about heartbreak. After a while this song became our song and was played everyday. Since I have moved back to California I still listen to that song everyday. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2hM9CLAMu4&list=RDP2hM9CLAMu4&start_radio=1

A song I dislike-  the emptiness machine by LINKIN PARK 

I am a person who listens to everything Im not really picky with the music I listen to, it depends on my mood. however a music genre I don't listen to is rock music. Rock music has never been my vibe, don't get me wrong there might be two to three songs Ive heard and Im okay with but I would never play in my car or for anyone who asked me to play a song. There are PLENTY of other songs I much rather listen to. And to be completely honest, I don't even know this song. I just looked up recent rock music and got this song. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRXH9AbT280&list=RDSRXH9AbT280&start_radio=1