The stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs — I grew up with three best friends: my sketchbook, my journal, and music. I’ve felt like an outsider my entire life; consistently misunderstood. Those outlets are where I’ve continually found solace and validation. They’re the only entities that have always been eager to listen to what I have to say…

Affection on display — This article is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” in which I share the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. My dad wasn’t home much when my sister and I were growing up. …

The beautiful balance between dark & light — This article is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” in which I share the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. My teenage angst was often expressed without words. Sometimes, it exhibited itself as drawings. Other times, as fashion choices that I’ll classify as “interesting.”…

Be authentic, even if you don’t make sense to anyone else — This is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. The first time I heard a song by this artist, I didn’t get it. It was “Little Sister,” which the local Rock station played frequently upon its release in…

Stretching your genre comfort zone can uncover a more authentic self — This is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. It was the autumn of 2013, and I was going through a phase, as is kinda my M.O. There’s always “some big thing” I’m working on that I’m convinced…

The sound of falling and falling apart — This article is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” where I share the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. Remember not to listen to the song until I link it. The context is important. I glanced up from my desk to gaze out the…

The sound of falling and falling apart — This article is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” where I share the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. Remember not to listen to the song until I link it. The context is important. (Here’s Part 1 of this story.) The next several days…

The sound of falling and falling apart — This article is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” where I share the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. Remember not to listen to the song until I link it. The context is important. (Here’s Part 1 of this story. Part 2 is here.) …

The sound of falling and falling apart — This is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. (Start this song at Part 1.) A week later, Untitled told me he needed time and space to consider things between us. People were talking, although we’d thought we…

The sound of falling and falling apart — This is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. (Start this song at Part 1.) Six months later, my feelings hadn’t changed. I tried healing through singlehood. I tried dating, but they all ended with me walking home…

The sound of falling and falling apart — This is part of a series called “Love at First Listen,” the stories of why I instantly connected with certain songs. (Start this song at Part 1.) I returned to New York City and proposed a day and time for our call. Untitled responded with a “thumbs up.” …