If you’ve ever sat down to create a playlist and realized halfway through that it’s basically your life story on shuffle, welcome to my world. Music has always been my closest confidant—the one that doesn’t interrupt you mid-sentence or tell you to “stop overthinking.” It sets the mood, guides the moment, and, sometimes, forces you to confront your messiest emotions (thanks a lot, sad indie ballads).

As someone who’s spent years puzzling over the intricacies of relationships—both in life and on the page—music is my constant co-writer. Whether I’m scribbling down a scene for my next novel, walking Toronto’s tree-lined streets, or awkwardly avoiding eye contact on the TTC, there’s always a soundtrack playing.

Here’s what I’ve found: Your personal playlist isn’t just background noise. It’s a mix-tape manifesto; a subtle, curated reminder of who you are, who you’ve been, and who you might still become.

Track 1: The Riverdale Beginnings (Cue The Tragically Hip)

Growing up in Toronto’s Riverdale neighborhood, my soundtrack was shaped by the hum of streetcars and my parents’ eclectic music collection—equal parts Joni Mitchell introspection and Rush’s technical wizardry. But it was The Tragically Hip that stuck with me like a maple syrup stain on a flannel shirt. To this day, “Bobcaygeon” feels like home. It’s the kind of song you let simmer in the background while navigating childhood crushes or trying to psych yourself up for gym class dodgeball.

The lesson here? Your first musical loves aren’t random. They’re the opening act to your life—setting the stage for the moments that come next.

Track 2: First Crush Anthem (Thanks, ‘90s Pop)

Remember how every crush in high school felt like the plot of a Meg Ryan rom-com? Yeah, same. Only instead of Meg Ryan, it was me hoping the girl at my local coffee shop noticed the brooding guy in the corner with headphones on (spoiler: she didn’t). Back then, Destiny’s Child and Savage Garden dominated my discman. One day it was “Say My Name,” the next it was “Truly Madly Deeply.”

Your crush playlist is always a chaotic rollercoaster of soaring ballads and angsty bops. It’s confusing, yes—but like love, it’s supposed to be.

Pro tip: To survive cringeworthy romantic missteps, pick a go-to pump-up jam. Mine’s always been “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. No song takes you from heartbreak to “I’m fine, actually” faster.

Track 3: The College Years - Soundtrack Of A Citi-Plan

During my university years, downtown Toronto became my unofficial campus. Between marathon lectures, cheap Chinatown eats, and late-night brainstorming sessions fueled by caffeine and mild panic, I found solace in my earphones. Enter Arcade Fire, Metric, and Broken Social Scene—local legends whose music felt as sprawling and alive as the city I called home.

Their lyrics echoed the underlying themes I was obsessed with: fleeting connections, small moments that carry big stories, and discovering yourself through the chaos. Nothing screams “figuring out who you are” like walking through Kensington Market at dusk with Emily Haines singing “Gimme Sympathy” in your ears.

If college taught me anything (besides how to survive on a flimsy student budget), it’s that your playlist can offer clarity when life feels overwhelming. You’re lost in the labyrinth? Music is the red thread that guides you through.

Track 4: Vancouver Interlude – Rainy Vibes Only

Fast forward to my short stint in Vancouver. Picture this: drizzle-soaked mornings, mountains barely poking through the mist, and me trying to write in a coffee shop while pretending I enjoyed almond milk lattes. My Vancouver soundtrack was all about introspection—a mix of early Bon Iver, lots of Fleetwood Mac, and a new appreciation for jazz.

This was also the chapter in which I started to embrace solitude. Life teaches you that relationships—whether they’re with people, or with places, or even with yourself—don’t always need grand finales. Sometimes, they’re interludes, meant to be savored.

And hey, if your interlude needs accompaniment, go with Miles Davis’ “Kind Of Blue.” It’s the musical equivalent of mindfulness with a saxophone.

Track 5: Love, Loss, And Carly Rae Jepsen

Let’s talk heartbreak playlists. Truly, no collection of songs is more personal, more sacred, or more embarrassingly over-dramatic. My first post-breakup playlist included everything from Radiohead’s existential “Creep” to Carly Rae Jepsen’s perky-but-sad “Your Type.” Because sometimes, you just need to wallow before you can heal.

Here’s an important life tip I’ve learned: Let a playlist validate your feelings. There’s no shame in belting out Adele’s “Someone Like You” three times in a row. But don’t let it define you. Eventually, you’ve got to move to the next track—ideally something upbeat and empowering. (Lizzo, I’m looking at you.)

In relationships, music teaches us empathy and healing. After all, the saddest songs remind us we’re never alone in sadness.

Track 6: Falling For The Process

These days, my “writing playlist” isn’t about flexing my seriously niche indie music knowledge. It’s about creating a mood that both inspires me and keeps me grounded. A little Leon Bridges here, a sprinkle of Hozier there, with some lo-fi beats if I’m wrestling with writer’s block. The through-line? All these songs remind me to slow down and enjoy the process—whether that’s penning an article, editing a story, or navigating relationships.

Somehow, music has always been there when I needed to remind myself: you’re not just living your story, you’re writing it. Every choice, every song, every moment—it all adds up.

Track 7: The Future Sounds Good

What comes next? Well, I have no idea. But I do know my soundtrack will continue to evolve, reflecting every new chapter like a well-worn yet consistently fresh diary. Maybe yours will, too.

So, here’s my challenge to you: What’s your playlist? Find your anthems, your heartbreak jams, your victory symphonies. Craft them thoughtfully, respect their purpose, and allow them to speak for you when words aren’t enough.

Because true connection—whether it’s with someone else, or with yourself—always deserves a proper soundtrack. And as for the moments when you find yourself shuffling aimlessly, unsure of what to play next? That’s okay, too. After all, some of the best songs are discovered by accident.