How Music Is My Outlet

José Santiago, January 2024

Music has helped me in a multitude of ways. Whether it’s conveying an emotion or vibe I’m feeling one day, or helping me stay focused on doing school assignments. There’s one thing that I’ll always remain grateful for when it comes to music, and that’s giving me a form of escapism. Being an outlet for when times aren’t the best. 

Being raised with a single mother, there wasn’t a lot of support financially, for the most part. There was the looming question of where next month’s rent was going to come from. It was hard to see my mom struggle with trying her absolute hardest to supply for me and give me every opportunity possible to grow without the worry of money. Music gives me a way to think that things will turn out better than the current situation. Being in band class and playing music gets me in a zone where everything just falls into place. It gives me emotional reassurance that things in life will be better and there is no need to worry – just become part of the current moment. 

Now, producing music with my colleagues and friends gives me the creative freedom to express what I feel and the opportunity to let others hear my mind when making a song. Music is a beautiful artform. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to be exposed to music. There is never a day in my life that I don’t think about music. It’s like having someone you can always rely on. Music lets you hear yourself out and gives you space to think or just zone out and savor the current moment. With music, you can always rely on it to give you an opportunity to help escape from any struggles you may have. Life is hard and we all have our struggles, but you can count on music to help you along the way.

Check out José’s highlight in U2’s Your Song Saved My Life