Songs That Shaped My Journey: Reflections on Music, Life, and Serendipity

Last week, I attended a meditation retreat in Big Bear, CA. It was an incredible, spiritual experience and an opportunity to slow down, pause, and reflect. While there, quite randomly, I heard two songs that are intertwined with pivotal moments in my life: Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” and Björk’s “Hyperballad.” I love these serendipitous moments—when tracks that hold a special place in your heart are played in the most unexpected places. It got me thinking about some of the artists who are woven into the narrative of my life, creating a soundtrack that has reverberated through the years. Music has taught me the importance of creativity, perseverance, and emotional intelligence—qualities I bring to my work every day. It’s a reminder that, in our professional lives, sharing stories and connecting with others on a human level is essential.

Given the sonic prompt from last week, it feels fitting to begin with Kate Bush, an artist whose music has been a constant companion since childhood. I vividly remember watching the “Wuthering Heights” video with my mum, her patient explanation of the novel’s tragic love story captivating my five-year-old imagination. That early sense of wonder blossomed during my university years, where I obsessively explored her discography with fellow fans who have since become some of my closest friends.

As a teenager, I fell in love with The Smiths, my first true indie rock obsession. Their jangly guitars, catchy tunes, and provocative album art, along with Morrissey’s witty, introspective lyrics, spoke directly to my angsty teenage self. One of the coolest teachers of my high school years (shout-out to Mr. Vertigan) used to play The Queen Is Dead and Hatful of Hollow on 12” vinyl during morning registration. In 1990, that seemed pretty radical and cemented my love for the band. “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” will forever be deeply personal to me, with the capacity to make me smile through tears every time I hear it played.

Around the same time, The Cure offered a darker, more introspective side to my evolving taste in alternative music. Disintegration, with its haunting melodies and Robert Smith’s raw emotional depth, resonated deeply. Songs like “Pictures of You,” “Lullaby,” and “Lovesong” captured the melancholic beauty of love and loss. The Cure felt like the next step in my alternative journey, expanding my appreciation for mood and atmosphere.

Fast forward to my university years, when I first discovered the Cocteau Twins, a band that provided me with a completely new sonic experience. Their ethereal soundscapes and Liz Fraser’s otherworldly vocals were the perfect accompaniment to my many all-night essay writing sessions. Heaven or Las Vegas and Treasure were albums that seemed to be on constant repeat in my CD player during those years. Their music, so dreamlike and emotionally resonant, felt like the gentle escape from reality I sometimes needed back then.

Björk is a truly unique, genre-bending artist who brought something much more visceral and experimental to my world. Songs like “Hyperballad,” “Unravel,” and “Army of Me” (both the original and the version featuring Skunk Anansie) resonated greatly with their exploration of complex relationships, sexuality, and identity. I lost touch with her music for a while, but our relationship has rekindled, and her newer material continues to fascinate and inspire me.

These are just a few of the many artists who have shaped the soundtrack of my life. Perhaps I’ll write a follow-up piece about Madonna, Disclosure, The Pet Shop Boys, Ella Fitzgerald, Kylie, and Janet Jackson—and all the other artists who have brought me joy, creative inspiration, and emotional connection.

Thanks for listening!

Which artists or bands have shaped the soundtrack of your life? Do you find yourself returning to certain songs or albums at key moments? What’s the one song that always takes you back to your teenage years? I’d love to hear your stories and reflections