Byline: Some songs are more than just background noise—they’re roadmaps to our hearts, diaries set to music, or the kindling that sparks creativity. Here’s how my life, my work, and occasionally my playlist-induced dance breaks come together in perfect harmony.
Setting the Stage: The Playlist of the Panadería
Growing up in Hialeah, music wasn’t just something you heard; it was something you felt. My parents ran a Cuban bakery in our neighborhood—a tiny, warm space where the smells of fresh guava pastelitos mingled with the sounds of Celia Cruz, Benny Moré, or whatever 1960s bolero my abuelo was blasting on the radio that day. And when I say “blasting,” I mean you could hear it from the parking lot.
The soundtrack of my childhood? Love songs dripping with yearning, percussion so intoxicating it demanded your hips to move, and choruses belted out with voices so full of soul they could bring even the neighborhood chismosa to tears. Those songs weren’t just background noise; they were the glue of relationships. Customers would pause in the middle of ordering a cortadito just to share memories of falling in love to the same tunes pouring out of our speakers that day. As a kid, I soaked it all in, learning how music could transport you, heal you, or remind you of someone you were trying (and failing) to forget.
And, honestly? It explains a lot about my taste in music—and my understanding of romance.
Side A: Ballads for the Bold and the Heartbroken
If I’ve learned anything from falling in love (and falling flat on my face in the process), it’s that you’re going to need a mix of songs to get you through. A little joy, a lot of melodrama, and yes, maybe a salsa beat or two for good measure.
Take “El Carretero” by Guillermo Portabales. My mom used to hum it while packing lunches, the day’s stress melting off her shoulders. Today, it’s my go-to when I need a pick-me-up. The lyrics are simple, but its rhythm carries a quiet confidence, a reminder to keep plodding forward—carretero-style, if you will—no matter where love (or heartbreak) is taking you.
When things get rough (and they always do), I lean on something heavy, like “Toda Una Vida”—a bolero classic. Imagine yourself ugly crying into a pillow about unrequited love while this song soars in the background. Cathartic, right? It’s textbook drama but also proof that the knife-twist of heartbreak is a universal feeling, transcending language or time.
Actionable Tip: Love and heartbreak have their own rhythms. Curate a playlist for both spectrums—songs that pick you up when you’re down and songs that let you wallow until you’re ready to move forward. Sometimes, healing looks like leaning into emotion, not running from it.
Side B: Creative Fuel vs. Romantic Distractions
Confession: I can’t write without music. But—and here’s where it gets tricky—not all genres work. For example, I once tried editing a short story while listening to Pitbull. Mistake. That man could turn a eulogy into a nightclub remix. His beats demand shots of rum and bad decisions, not literary precision.
For fiction, I keep it breezy: old-school Buena Vista Social Club or Billie Holiday. These sounds give me just enough space to think clearly without stifling my creativity. But when I’m writing the kinds of stories that dive deep into messy relationships? It’s all about Latin funk or jazz to mirror the turbulence and rawness of human connection.
But here’s the thing music does best—it stops me from texting the toxic ex when I’m procrastinating. (Don’t act like you haven’t been there.) Instead of sending an ill-advised “WYD?” at 1 a.m., I crank up something empowering, like Outkast’s “Hey Ya!”, equal parts groovy and low-key wise (“If what they say is ‘nothing is forever,’ then what makes love the exception?”).
Relatable Moment: The next time you’re tempted to send a “just saw this and thought of you” text to someone whose middle name might as well be “emotional unavailability,” put on your favorite break-up bop (yes, breakup songs deserve their own playlist) and dance it out. Better yet, text your group chat and tell them what almost happened. Accountability and Beyoncé-level jams? You win.
The Crossover Hit: Playlists and First Dates
Here’s an underrated relationship skill: knowing your playlist compatibility. My theory? If you can’t vibe to at least one song together, it’s a red flag. Like, if “Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo comes on at a wedding, and they don’t immediately stand to dance? Run.
One of my favorite date nights was years ago in Tallahassee. We didn’t go to a fancy restaurant. We didn’t even plan much. My date showed up with a bottle of wine and a playlist labeled “For Raúl.” (Points for personalization.) We spent the night talking, laughing, and debating which song to play next. Did it lead to a relationship? Not exactly. But I walked away knowing something crucial: chemistry sometimes begins with shared playlists, not shared zodiac signs.
Pro Tip: Singles, hear me out—next time you’re flirting with someone new, ask what they’re listening to. Maybe their favorite artist is your personal nightmare. Or maybe their taste is so perfectly aligned with yours it gives you butterflies. Either way, music can reveal chemistry faster than a “What’s your major?” convo ever will.
The Finale: More Than Background Noise
Here’s the thing about soundtracks: At first, they feel like background noise, but then you realize they’re full-blown supporting characters in your life. Songs have acted as my greatest confidants, my cheerleaders, and sometimes my therapists. They’ve helped me learn how to sit with complex emotions—love, loss, and everything in between—without needing all the answers right away.
Music is there when words fail. It bridges the gaps between what we wish we could say and what we’re too scared to admit. Whether you’re chasing a first-kiss spark, healing after heartbreak, or simply trying to write without distraction, the right song can make all the difference.
So, what’s on your soundtrack? Whether it’s a playlist curated for your greatest love story or just something to get you out of bed on tough mornings, remember: You don’t have to know all the lyrics right now. You just have to press play and let life carry you.
