Music is more than just noise for Berkeley High School students — it’s a reflection of moods, personalities, and life-experiences. For many, crafting playlists isn’t just about organizing songs, but a way to process emotions, personal expressions, and a tool for connection.
Playlists allow students to share who they are without saying a word. Genres, artists, and specific songs can reflect their tastes, values, and humor. Some playlists hold memories, acting like personal time capsules. They can hold onto memories from last semester, friendship, or a certain event in their life. Others can be mood-based — happy vibes, study mode, or heartbreak songs. These songs can help students cope with stress, excitement, or sadness. Sharing playlists creates bonds, be it sharing a favorite song with someone, a road trip, or a group study session.
Students have unique ways of curating playlists. Some may organize songs to reflect moods, while others organize songs based on focus strategies. Playlists can serve as a creative outlet, a personal diary, or a reflection of personality. In stressful situations, music becomes a go-to destination. “I feel like I have a different song for each point in time where I needed one to help me feel something or think about what was happening in my life,” BHS sophomore Sofia Loza said, “I really internalize lyrics and find songs that speak and connect to me.”
For some students, playlist-making is almost like an autobiography. The tracks they choose help them understand what they’re going through and how to move forward. Students curate their playlists differently. Some are organized by mood, others by season, or even the color that the song brings to them. Some, like BHS sophomore Suraiya Dasari, focus on the vibe: “Right now probably ‘Glory Box’ by Portishead because it’s fitting the weather vibe, I don’t think a specific song has ever helped me though a tough time, in my opinion it makes my mood worse because if I’m sad then sad songs would make it worse.”
Along with expression, playlists can also play an important role in social life. Students often discover new songs through friends, share playlists, or bond over favorite songs. Playlists can be a way to share parts of themselves with others in a new outlet. Dasaria adds, “I love making Spotify mixes with friends because it’s really cool seeing similar songs.”
Beyond the social aspect, playlists are a method of self-expression. They capture vital moments, emotions, and personal growth. A playlist created during a busy or emotional time can later serve as a reminder of that period in life — and that good comes to those who wait.
Ultimately, playlists at BHS serve many purposes: they are diaries, social tools, and creative outlets all at once. They allow for story telling, memory preservation, and accompany students through the ups and downs of daily life. In a world full of noise, the sound of music offers students a way to navigate emotions, define identity, and maintain connections with those around them.
Whether it’s for studying, celebrating, or crying, students curate their playlists with care and precision. Each song choice contributes to the world from their point of view, making their mark in this world. In every playlist, BHS students aren’t just choosing songs — they are creating a soundtrack to their own lives.