Music and Family

 I decided to interview my mom for this assignment because she has a very diverse music taste. She has this particular music taste because she was born and raised in Yauco, Puerto Rico. However, when she was in eighth grade, she then moved to California. Not knowing English, she had to go to school and navigate the schoolwork load. To learn English, she used things like TV shows and music to help. I love her music taste because it is so broad but speaks a lot to all the different experiences she has had throughout her life. 

Interview

Me: What are your top three genres of music? 

Mom: My top three genres of music are salsa, 80s alternative, and Christian worship music. 

Me: What's you favorite song?

Mom: My favorite song is “The Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. 

Me: Who is your favorite artist? Why? 

Mom: One of my favorite artists is Juan Luis Guerra because his lyrics to me are like poetry. He is a storyteller through music, and his song themes are very diverse. He talks about love, his country, God, relationships and so much more. His music is very complex. 

Me: If you could only listen to one artist, who would it be and why?

Mom: It would also be Juan Luis Guerra because he includes different types of music, such as bachata and salsa, and talks about God. He combines both of our culture roots and faith. 

Me: Is there any kind of music you don't like? Why?

Mom: I don’t like Latin reggaeton because I find it monotone. To me, it all sounds the same and is vulgar. It has potential, but to me, it just sounds sloppy. 

Me: How does music, in general, make you feel?

Mom: When I was little, it brought peace in a lot of chaos. A lot of the times it is very nostalgic. It also allows me to connect with God. 

Me: Does music help you connect to your community/culture? Why? 

Mom: Yes, it is ingrained in our upbringing. It is as important as the food we eat as far as our identity. 

Me: What is your earliest memory of music?

Mom: My earliest memory of music is when my dad would play vinyl records and 8 track tapes of Niel Diamond and other 70s music at home. 

Me: Did your parents/family have a role in shaping what type of music you listen to? 

Mom: I wouldn’t say just them because music is everywhere, not only in my family, but also at church too. 

Me: When do you think you started to develop your own musical tastes?

Mom: I think I started to develop my own musical tastes in the 9th grade. 

Me: What was your favorite way to listen to music?

Mom: My favorite way to listen to music is when I go on a walk or at church. 

Me: Would you consider music to have been a big part of your social life? 

Mom: Yes because every holiday or family gathering is marked with music and dancing. 

Me: What was your favorite song as a kid?

Mom: I do not remember a particular song that was my favorite as a kid, but I remember Menudo was popular. I used to watch them perform on the TV and had their records to listen to. 

Me: Do you listen to the same music you listened to when you were younger? Why? 

Mom: No, it is not that I don’t want to, but it is not as easily accesible. I would have to go looking for it. It’s not on the radio. I’m practical and listen to what’s there. 

Me: How has music changed since you've grown?

Mom: It has changed in many ways, such as the accessibility of it and how to go about listening to it. We payed a lot of money on CDs, and now we have to buy it again. I think a lot of music now is watered down, and lyrics are not as deep and meaningful. 

Me: How did you learn about new music growing up? 

Mom: I learned about new music through friends or MTV. 

Me: What were the biggest artists when you were younger?

Mom: The biggest artists were Duran Duran, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins, and Radiohead. It went from alternative to alternative rock. 

Me: What was the most popular genre of music when you were a kid?

Mom: The most popular genres of music in high school were heavy metal and alternative rock. 

Me: Is there an instrument you wish you could play?

Mom: I wish I could play the piano. I think it is a good base for understanding music. I enjoyed it when you guys (my sister and I) played it. 

Me: Did your parents like your music?

Mom: My mom liked my music in Spanish, but not English. My step-dad liked my music in both English and Spanish. 

Me: What did you think of your parents' music?

Mom: I liked it. It was always in the background at home. 

Me: What kind of music was popular when you were in college?

Mom: Alternative rock and techno were popular when I was in college.

Me: Did you and a sweetheart ever have a special song? What was it? 

Mom: Your dad and I’s special songs were by Jerry Rivera. His songs were really popular when we were dating. Two songs that stick out to us are “Cara de Niño” and “Que Hay de Malo”. 

Me: Have you been to any concerts? What were they? Which one was your favortite? 

Mom: In high school, I went to a heavy metal concert that featured White Snake and Guns and Roses in Jacksonville. I also went to John Mayer in Jacksonville and Maroon 5 opened for him. Maroon 5 was nobody at that time and simply just opened up for him. I went to Juan Luis Guerra in Orlando, FL. Then, I went to Marc Anthony in Atlanta, GA. I went to Gilberto Santa Rosa in Atlanta, GA. I went to The Cure in Atlanta, GA. I also went to the symphony in Atlanta and in Jacksonville. My favorite concert was definitely Juan Luis Guerra because the band was amazing. He played both older and newer songs, and the production was really pretty. The venue was nice too. 

Me: What do you think of the music I listen to?

Mom: Not good. It sucks. It is horrible and is disgusting. 

Me: Do you like the music that is popular right now?

Mom: I like some of the music that is popular right now, such as the new Christian artists’ music. I do not like artists like Bad Bunny or Becky G. 

Me: Do you think the new generation of music is really different than when you were younger?

Mom:  Yes, it is not the same. The lyrics do not have depth like they did before. It is not nicely constructed and is not a craft anymore. It is “instant” music. I am also concerned that there are not new artists that produce traditional music, such as salsa and merengue. I am scared that they are not taking the time to include big bands, typical instruments, etc.