I love music that’s fun, full of energy, and tells a story. For me, music is more than just sound—it's about feeling something, moving, laughing, remembering, and connecting. Some of my favorite genres are ska, Balkan music, hip-hop (especially from the early 1990s), and Euro pop from the 1990s and 2000s. I also enjoy music with hard bass and dubstep. No matter where it’s from, if it’s got heart and groove, I’m in.
When I was in middle school, I had the song “I Wish” by Skee-Lo memorized (or so I thought). The group that really made me fall in love with hip-hop was Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Their song “Tha Crossroads” is a classic. What makes Bone Thugs so special is how they mix rap with singing, their fast rhythms, and deep stories, stories that matter. And did I mention the bass? Their music feels powerful and emotional, and the beat always pulls you in.
One thing I love about hip-hop is how artists sample other music. This means they take a piece of another song—maybe a melody or a beat—and use it in a new way. It adds new meaning and layers to their music. It’s kind of like how classical composers would quote famous tunes in their music to make a point or create emotion. Hip-hop does the same thing, just with different tools.
My love for Bone Thugs connects to my favorite Ukrainian hip-hop group, TNMK (Tanok na Maidani Kongo). They have powerful songs like “Voda,” “Mushu yty,” and “Voseny.” These tracks go deep with meaning, but TNMK also has a fun and silly side. Sometimes they’ll put random fake commercials between songs. Another great Ukrainian band I enjoy is Mandry. They lean more toward folk-rock, and their song “Kartata sorochka” is all about taking it easy and enjoying life. If you're curious about Ukrainian music, you should also check out Okean Elzy and 5’nizza (pronouced "pyatnitsa").
When I really want to boost my mood, I turn to ska. Ska is a style of music that mixes upbeat rhythms, strong brass instruments like trombones, and a happy, danceable feel. You probably know No Doubt, but there are also some cool ska bands from Europe. Skampararas is a great Polish ska band, and Tlaskač from the Czech Republic has a fun sound too (you can see the word “ska” in their name!). Ska always gets me moving, and if a band has extra trombone, I’m all for it. I don't feel the same about trombones in Tchaikovsky 6!
Another favorite of mine is Balkan music. The Balkans is a region in southeastern Europe, and the music from there has a strong beat, colorful instruments, and a mix of happy and sad feelings. Artists like Sinan Sakic and Haris Dzinovic mix folk and pop in a way that’s really fun to listen to. There are also incredible brass bands, like Fanfare Ciocărlia and the amazing composer and performer Goran Bregović. Balkan brass music reminds me a lot of ska, which is probably why I love it so much.
Speaking of world music, another big influence in my life has been klezmer. Klezmer is traditional Jewish music that started in Europe. It’s joyful, emotional, and full of personality. Klezmer bands often played at weddings and celebrations. When I was a teenager, I played klezmer clarinet and even performed at Carnegie Hall over 20 years ago! Some great klezmer bands to check out are The Klezmatics and The New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars. Their music is a great way to get into the klezmer sound.
And finally, I have to give a shout-out to Euro pop from the 1990s and early 2000s. It’s cheesy in the best way—bright, catchy, and full of feel-good vibes. Songs like “Eu vin acasa cu drag” or “Kanikuly” are perfect for a road trip.
In the end, music connects people from all over the world. Whether it’s a rap song from Cleveland, a ska tune from Poland, or a folk melody from Ukraine, good music tells a story and lifts your spirit. That’s why I keep exploring, listening, and bopping along.