Diva's Daily Tunes

1. California Gurls- Katy Perry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F57P9C4SAW4

The queen herself, Katy Perry, has a song that I love more than any other. My best friend and I both fell in love with Katy Perry, and the two of us listened to her songs nonstop. Her colorful wigs, as well as her flamboyant wardrobe, made us obsessed with her. We would do anything to be like Katy, including buying hair chalk to color our hair. We were so in love with her that we begged my dad to take us to see the Katy Perry movie, and we downloaded her entire album right away. California Girls always brings back memories of my childhood and ignites my inner 7 year old. Every time I need a confidence boost or when I'm getting ready, I listen to Katy Perry.

2. Tik Tok- Kesha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP6XpLQM2Cs

I will state that music prior to 2010 was inherently superior to music today. Throwbacks somehow give me a feeling of being so alive and happy. Nevertheless, Kesha was one of my favorite female musicians, and this song in particular speaks to me because it makes me think of the days when my best friend and I used to perform to Tik Tok in front of all of our friends and family when we were just five years old. Every time we went to an event together, everyone would want us to dance to Kesha, but we had no idea how inappropriate her music was for a five-year-old. In any case, I love listening to Kesha when I’m driving or working out and I’m always reminded of how much fun it was to perform in front of our families.

3. Love You Different- Justin Bieber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hziNlrrNdvM

I first fell in love with Justin Bieber when I was around nine years old, and I also experienced severe "Bieber fever." It was so intense that I watched his documentary series five times in a 20-hour period as a result. And when my cousins asked who my favorite artist was they would follow up with “and please don’t say it’s Justin Bieber”. I really thought I grew out of my Bieber obsession after I turned 10 but ever since he released his “Justice” Album in 2021, my obsession was reignited. His music continues to be one of my favorites. The Justice album is my favorite because of how dynamic and adaptable it is. That is to say, he has a decent balance of lively songs and more somber ones. If you really wanted to, you could listen to Justin Bieber nonstop, and I did just that last summer. I relate to my younger self when I listen to this album in particular and consider how evolved I have become in addition to Justin Bieber and his music.

4. A little Too Much- Shawn Mendes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dvv6OkU874k

My favorite male artist has been Shawn Mendes since my freshman year of high school. I don't really know what it was that drew me to him, but my earliest memories of freshman year are of me playing Shawn for hours on end. O once I became infatuated with Shawn Mendes I listened to him nonstop for two weeks. My favorite thing about his music is how he has a variety of tunes for any mood. His music is always so calming and comforting, whether you're happy, sad, or angry. When I was having a difficult time at school my freshman year, I think listening to Shawn helped me to relax and take a deep breath. Because it helps me to decompress and unwind, I still listen to his music whenever I experience strong emotions like pain, worry, or anger. Shawn Mendes is also very special to me because I attended my first concert at one of his concerts. For my 15th birthday, my dad took my best friend, my cousin, and I to see Shawn Mendes perform, and that will always be one of my favorite birthdays. I am always brought back to such wonderful moments when I listen to Shawn. I still have an obsession with this man to the extent that I sleep with a Shawn Mendes blanket every night.

5. Tareefan- Qaran, Badshah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SWc5G8Gx7E

Without mentioning Tareefan, my favorite Bollywood song, this list wouldn't be complete. I absolutely love this song since I danced to it during a friend's wedding, and it always makes me remember how much fun dancing with our family friend group was, as well as all the late hours and sleepovers we shared for rehearsals. Everytime I listen to this song I am always so thankful for being desi because it allows me to enjoy the best music ever. Because it enables me to connect to my cultural roots and with other people in the desi community, desi music has grown to be one of my favorite music genres. Honestly, I think it gives my personality a little extra spice. When I listen to Tareefan, I am reminded of how upbeat and exciting it is to be apart of desi culture and it always reinforces my love for being Bengali. When I'm getting ready for desi events like weddings and eid parties, I especially enjoy listening to desi music since it always puts me in the best mood. There is a collection of desi songs that always bring back memories of someone's wedding and all the fond memories that follow, especially because I have danced at so many weddings.