The Sound of Home
By Diana Vidals
August has begun, kickstarting my countdown until I am back on campus. My transition back to school officially starts once I notice a change in my daily playlist.
Attending a private college in the overwhelmingly un-diverse suburbs has been a strange experience, marked by a feeling I can only describe as homesickness. While most college students grapple with homesickness, I can’t help but feel silly when I reveal my home is only a short drive away! I don’t even live on campus! Regardless, as a Mexican-American first-gen college student, that 5-minute drive can feel like a trip to Mars. The world I know is nothing like the one I enter on campus.
As I enter my third year this feeling has yet to subside but I have calmed it, bringing a piece of home with me wherever I go through my music. Growing up with the sounds of Vicente Fernandez, Selena, and Luis Miguel, my home is found in Spanish music. During my semesters my ears ring with the sounds of my “En Español” playlist, ranging in genre from nostalgic boleros to the most upbeat reggaeton songs so there’s something to match every vibe.
Initially, I didn’t understand my inclination towards music in Spanish, until I came across a TikTok video from the Hand Me Down podcast (@handmedownpod) discussing reconnecting with Spanish music in a college setting.
“When you’re pushed out of that community you..try to latch onto a sense of familiarity and sense of comfort. A lot of times it’s the music” - @handmedownpod
This sense of familiarity and comfort is brought to me by my “En Español” playlist. Consisting of 353 songs that I’ve curated to fit any possible emotion I might come across.
For motivation: “Hasta la Raíz” by Natalia Lafourcade
Written as a love letter to her home country, Mexico, “Hasta la Raíz” by Natalia Lafourcade is one of my favorites on this playlist. Lafourcade’s heartwarming lyrics discuss the importance of remembering your roots and carrying all experiences, good and bad with you wherever you go. I adore the song's meaning from the perspective of a love letter to Mexico as well as an anthem for taking your roots with you wherever you go.
For a calm stroll through campus: “Soledad y el Mar” by Natalia Lafourcade
Featured on her album Musas, Natalia Lafourcade's “Soledad y el Mar” is best for calm days when you want to live in the moment. I like listening to it on long and scenic strolls. Lafourcade’s soothing voice and the song’s soft guitar have both moved me to tears and brought a smile to my face. It feels like a nice, warm hug.
For angry days: “Si Te Vas” by Shakira
Shakira has songs for every occasion but on angry days, when I need an escape I run to “Si Te Vas”. The song touches upon the angry, angsty, and ugly thoughts we get after being left for someone else (it’s definitely not Shakira’s kindest song). Despite its heartbroken themes, its lyric “ yo no estaré aquí” (I will no longer be here) is the relief I need after a hard day. It’s the perfect way to remind myself things will pass.
For happy days: “Las Flores” by Café Tacvba
I associate Café Tacvba with the spring, sun, and all the pretty things that exist in this world. With its upbeat sound and love-struck lyrics it’s my favorite song to play after a great day. You aced that test? Class was canceled? The sun is shining and you’re stopping to appreciate how pretty your campus is? Listen to Las Flores and the day gets ten times better.
For an extra sense of home : “La Ley del Monte” by Vicente Fernández
Growing up Chente’s booming voice would ring through my house, from my father’s car speakers, and at any family gathering. While all of his songs make me feel at home, I have a deep love for this one! I have overplayed it to the max! While I think it’s a great song to replay after a breakup, my love for it comes from how loud and upbeat it is. Chente’s signature long notes, the blaring trumpet, it’s loud, it’s festive and unapologetic.
If you need a piece of home, listen to my “En Español” playlist here!
