Since I was a kid, music has always been a major part of my life. Although my tastes have changed through the years, music never fails to give me something to dance to when I'm happy, or help me through a rough day. Below are responses I collected from ten people who have been influenced by the power of music.

Whether it's me creating my own music or listening to music from others, everything just feels a little better in my life when it's around. --female, 30

I've loved music since I was a kid: had all the old school vinyl Led Zepp, The Who, The Doors, Queen, Chicago--I love it all. As I got older, I wanted to hear everything from metal to alternative to some classical (no country though!), and as I raised my girls, they listened to all the cool stuff not on the radio, and my world opened up! I love music, and Circa [Survive] has been one of my faves. Music has the power to move your soul, whether you are happy or sad, it's a universal connection--a living thing.
--male, 52

Circa Survive has helped bring out emotions in me that I didn't even realize I was feeling. I come to terms with a lot of my decisions I make while listening. Not to mention, it's therapy. I sometimes cry when I sing and listen to their music. It's so healing. --female, 29

Music...has been my co-pilot navigating through this crazy life thing. Music and emotions are intertwined so intrinsically. It's my hype...in the good times and therapist in the bad.--female, 34

My dad passed away when I was 9, and the last thing we did together before he died was listen to the album "Sailing the Seas of Cheese" by Primus and "Lateralus" by Tool. He told me when we were listening to these albums, that no matter what happens to him, he wanted me to pick up a bass and become the next Justin Chancellor or Les Claypool . I didn't really think much of it. He was dead of an overdose not even 4 days later, so I took it as a sign, and I've since dedicated my life to music. --male, 23

I've been listening to music since a very young age. But it wasn't until middle school that I really started paying attention to the beats, what they were saying, and how it made me feel. Particularly, the song that started getting me into a lot of rock, indie ,hardcore, metal, etc. bands was "In The End" by Linkin Park. I remember my 6th grade field trip was spent singing along to "In The End". I remember looking at everyone feeling at peace, thinking it was the coolest thing. My friends and I spent the rest of our middle school days engulfed in more music, particularly rock music, and putting the songs as soundtracks to our lives. I also started writing lyrics at this time. Then YouTube came along, and I had gained a serious interest in music in particular, always searching for new music and singing and making videos to what the parents like to call "wtf is that noise," which prompted me into writing [my] own music, joining garage bands, and even playing some shows. The next band to really push me was Underoath. At the time, my friend was in the closet and still hadn't came out yet, but I remember she told me, and I felt so honored she trusted me with that. She is out now, but it was her that really pushed me to want to do more. I became involved in my local music scene and promoted a couple bands here and there on MySpace: My page, complete with a genuine list of pissed off, broken-hearted, and never give up anthems. Although I like many genres, some of my favorites at the time were included Circa Survive, Saosin, Silverstein, Underoath, From First to Last, A Day to Remember, Trivium, and Drop Dead Gorgeous. Flashforward to me at 19, I had started focusing less on my screaming vox and more on my clean vocals. I had since given up the music scene...It honestly takes a lot of dedication and searching to form the right band. And I just couldn't fight anymore. I lost my mom, and the next 8 years are a complete blur to me. Nothing but drinking, but with good tunes though. [Now] I have a 1 and 1/2 year old, and we are always listening to music together. She loves to head bang and dance to my music and any music. I'd like to say she got that from me. I just don't know what I would do without [music]. Its pretty much the backdrop to my life. --female, 28

My family would put headphones with music on me from when I was a baby, so it’s been a part of my entire life. It always had this calming effect on me from very little. I enjoy playing piano, and I love all different types of music, but Circa definitely has my heart. Their music has pulled me out of some really deep, dark places. I’m not sure where I’d be without them. Music in general is very therapeutic for me, and it’s definitely one thing I absolutely can’t live without. --female, 27

"On Letting Go" is the greatest of many albums to tell me that we are all so horribly alone...together. [It] taught me that, for some people, writing down our problems and creating art is a better outlet than a shoulder to cry on [could] ever could be, because we all go to bed alone with our thoughts no matter how close you are to someone you love. --male

I play music and go to a lot of shows. I would have no life without it. The ability to create is essential. I would go insane without music. Certain bands like Circa, The Dear Hunter, QOTSA, Shai Hulud, Converge, Avett Brothers, Deftones, etc., have changed my life forever through their music. I am able to connect and relate om a deep level with these bands. I would not be who I am without these people. --male, 29

Music has been so important to me since I was very small. Although my genre of choice has changed through the years (I adored country music when I was 8, and after I turned 10 up until now, I can’t stand it. I currently listen to bands ranging from Circa Survive to Parkway Drive and more), my love for classical music and anything orchestral has been a staple in my life for as long as I can remember. My parents got divorced when I was 3, and whenever I was with my dad, we would listen to different compositions together. We learned various songs on the piano and would play them together. He encouraged me to learn how to play string instruments. My first instrument of choice was violin. I played from 4th grade to 11th grade of high school and then switched to viola. The next year I learned how to play cello and taught younger players. That was two years ago, and they’ve grown a tremendous amount in that span of time. Later, my senior year of high school, I had the unbelievable chance to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City with my school orchestra. Music has had such a positive influence on my life and continues to help me grow and appreciate the beautiful things in the world. --female, 20

No matter the genre of music, it has the ability to help people through difficult, find beauty in the world, discover their passion, allow them to connect on deeper level with others, and so much more. Music will always be a powerful force in the world.