Musical inspiration

Music fuels my life. I use it to self-regulate, fulfil my sensory needs, and process my feelings. Almost every year, I create a new favourites playlist on Spotify, and this year’s playlist features a mixture of high-energy pop and rock songs, breathtaking vocals, beautiful and satisfying instrumentals, and amazing ensembles. 

I wouldn’t be who I am today without music, and I probably wouldn’t be creative without it. I have always listened to music while I sleep. If I'm not listening to my favourite playlists, I enjoy ambient instrumentals, epic soundtrack covers, and, more recently, indie folk music. I also enjoy exploring and listening to new things. 

In this blog, I will discuss three of my biggest musical influences: a musical genre that I have adored since childhood and still do, a new band I have been obsessed with for the last year, and a band that I have followed for almost ten years and have seen evolve over the years. 

1) Favourite Childhood music: Disney and musical theatre

Disney music and musical theatre have been the soundtrack to my imagination for as long as I can remember. The Lion King 2 soundtrack, especially songs like ‘We Are One’ and ‘He Lives in You,’ has become my go-to tracks lately, and I’ve had them on repeat. There's something incredibly grounding and uplifting in their layered harmonies, lush instrumentation, and emotionally charged vocals. “On My Way” from Brother Bear and the entire Tarzan soundtrack by Phil Collins has a similar effect—hopeful, reflective, and full of forward motion. As a child, I didn’t have the words for it, but now I understand that these songs helped me regulate my emotions and provided a comforting, sensory-rich escape.

Musical theatre hits that emotional sweet spot, too. I’ve always been drawn to the power of ensemble performances and the complexity of storytelling through song. Shows like Les Misérables, Matilda, Hadestown, and Dear Evan Hansen shaped my love for drama, melody, and character-driven narratives. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the ebb and flow of tension and resolution in musical theatre. These shows taught me about resilience, vulnerability, and connection in a way that felt personal and profound. As the Disney Realists article put it, this kind of music doesn’t just entertain—it “boosts cognitive development and creativity.” For me, it planted the seeds for both my creative practice and my emotional toolkit.

2) Morat

Over the past year, I’ve become obsessed with Morat, a Colombian pop-rock band known for their high-energy sound and emotionally rich songs. What immediately drew me in was their use of ensemble-style choruses—when all the members sing together, it creates a powerful, layered effect that’s incredibly satisfying to listen to. Their instrumentation, especially the inclusion of banjo and concert bass drum, adds a unique, percussive texture that stands out in the pop-rock genre.

I first discovered Morat through a Spanish pop playlist on Spotify when their song "506" came on. I was instantly hooked. Its infectious rhythm made me want to dance, and the blend of vocals and instrumentals felt electric. Since then, I’ve explored their entire discography—from upbeat hits like "Cómo Te Atreves" to softer songs like "Mi Suerte" and "Date La Vuelta," the latter of which features a beautiful solo by bassist Simón that feels like a lullaby. I admire how they continue to experiment with new sounds across their work while staying true to their identity—each song feels fresh but still unmistakably Morat.

Their latest album, Ya Es Mañana, showcases this creative evolution beautifully. With a mix of energetic singles like "Faltas Tú" and more introspective tracks like the orchestral title song, they prove they’re not afraid to take risks. Their approach to music and storytelling inspires me deeply—they don’t just create catchy tunes, they build emotional worlds. Even though I don’t speak fluent Spanish, I enjoy translating lyrics and watching videos to understand the songs better. It’s become a fun and meaningful way to connect with the music, and it’s even helped me learn new Spanish vocabulary.

Morat’s storytelling also shines through their music videos. "Aprender A Quererte" tells a heartwarming story about education and kindness, while "Besos En Guerra" explores the emotional toll of love during wartime. These visuals add depth to their songs and reflect real-world struggles in a relatable, emotional way. Whether it’s a powerful narrative or just a fun jam session like in "Al Aire," Morat’s music encourages me to think about how I can use storytelling in my creative work, not just to entertain, but to connect and move people.

3) Pentatonix.

I’ve been inspired by Pentatonix since 2015, when I stumbled across their cover of “Cheerleader” on YouTube. I was instantly drawn to the way their voices blended and how rich their sound was without instruments. From that moment, I dove into their discography and became fascinated by their journey, starting with their Sing-Off win and growing into a globally recognised, Grammy-winning a cappella group.

What I love most about Pentatonix is how each member brings something uniquely powerful to the group. Their individual voices are incredible on their own, but when combined, they create something extraordinary. Their arrangements are cleverly crafted to highlight their vocal ranges and musical strengths. All the members have some kind of musical training, and their versatility in arranging and composing, playing instruments, has shown me the value of developing a wide skill set and continually refining your craft.

Their commitment to growth is something I find deeply inspiring. Over the years, they’ve embraced vocal coaching, experimented with new genres, and supported each other’s solo ventures. This willingness to learn and evolve, whether it’s Kevin taking singing lessons or the group adopting opera techniques to improve their stamina, reminds me of how important it is to keep pushing myself creatively.

Outside the group, Scott and Mitch’s side project, Superfruit, also had a huge impact on me. Their YouTube channel helped me discover new music, express my queer identity, and explore fashion in new ways. Their openness about their experiences as gay men made me feel more confident in my own identity and helped me see how varied and authentic queer expression can be.

Watching Pentatonix grow over the years—from their early 20s to now starting families in their 30s—has made me feel like I’ve grown up alongside them. I was 16 when I first discovered them, just beginning to explore who I was, and now, at 26, I can see how their music, evolution, and values have shaped who I’ve become. Their influence on my creativity, identity, and understanding of adulthood is something I’ll always carry with me.

Notable mentions

Two other artists I adore are Ainoa Buitrago and Ben Platt. Ainoa Buitrago’s music has a poetic, intimate quality that I find moving. My favourite songs of hers—“TE QUIERO,” “Sin Querer,” and “LA NOSTALGIA”—are rich in emotion and beautifully arranged. Her lyrics often feel like quiet reflections, and I love how her voice brings them to life.

On the other hand, Ben Platt brings a theatrical yet heartfelt energy to his music that never fails to resonate with me. Songs like “Rain,” “Imagine,” and “Need You Like This” are deeply emotional and vocally stunning. His ability to blend vulnerability with soaring vocals makes his music especially powerful.

In Conclusion

Music has always been a vital part of my life—helping me regulate, reflect, and express myself. From the imaginative soundtracks of my childhood to the emotionally rich songs of Morat and the innovative vocal work of Pentatonix, each artist has shaped my creativity and identity in powerful ways.

These influences continue to inspire my approach to storytelling, connection, and growth. Music isn’t just something I listen to—it’s something that helps me understand who I am and where I’m going. And I can’t wait to see which artists shape the next part of that journey.

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