From a very young age, I've turned to music as a means of self-expression and coping with life's tragedies and triumphs. The first album that I remember feeling truly special to me was No Doubt's Tragic Kingdom. Of course I'd listened to music before then, but this was the first time it felt like something more. Like it was mine. I remember carrying that orange CD everywhere with me.

It wasn't long before I learned to play the organ, piano, and clarinet (plus others to varying degrees of proficiency), opening up a whole new way to enjoy music. Many long hours were spent learning to play my favorite game soundtracks - I remember Magus' Theme and Suteki Da Ne being particular highlights for me. From there, I was naturally exposed to J-pop and visual kei through anime, later expanding into K-pop and rock by way of Korean artists who were active in Japan. Into my teens, I got more into pop-punk, emo, and being a very annoying music snob. I spent a ton of time going to shows and looking for new music. Also got super into the Jonas Brothers at that time.

Nowadays, I still spend a ton of time on discovering new music, and my horizons are broader than ever! I listen very widely and will give anything a chance. I even admitted to myself that I secretly loved the country music I grew up hearing all around me as a kid. More recently I've started embarking on more focused music exploration journeys like listening to all the Billboard #1 hits ever and trying to listen to artists from countries I've never tried before.

Alongside checking out new music, I enjoy making playlists for every possible reason. Playlists for each nuanced mood, playlists for characters I love, playlists for certain memories/places/people, etc. RIP 8tracks (I know it's back, but it's not what it was).

I absolutely love sharing and receiving music recommendations, so please feel free to send me any suggestions you may have via email or carrier pigeon. I'm open to absolutely anything, so send it my way! If we've talked before, I'd probably be willing to add you on last.fm, too, just ask.