For junior Nolan Breckon, music has been a constant source of inspiration and comfort for as long as he can remember.

No matter what emotion he may be feeling, Nolan has a playlist to go along with it. Whether it be getting ready for swim meets or just wanting to chill, he has a specific kind of music to accommodate that feeling.

“[The music I listen to] depends really on what kind of mood I’m in,” Nolan said. “If I’m in an angry mood or I’m getting ready for a swim meet, then that would have to be Metallica. If I’m trying to chill and not do anything, it would probably be Frank Ocean or 21 Savage.”

Nolan was first introduced to his love for music by his dad, which now leads to a better connection between the two of them. 

His dad took him to his first major concert, Metallica, which created the most out of a childhood dream.

“[My favorite thing about the concert] would have to be being able to go and spend time with my family,” Nolan said, “and do something that I had been wanting to do since I was around five years old.”

This concert wasn’t the only thing that connected Nolan’s love of music with his dad, there are many other memories that he holds this bond to.

When he was younger, Nolan would have moments before games when he would sit in the car with his dad and prepare.

“I used to listen to my dad’s aux plug with headphones before a soccer game,” Nolan explained. “It’s always just been a good way to get ready and a good way for him to give me pointers on how I can be better.”

Not only does he have playlists to go along with different emotions, but he also has extensive playlists to go along with an activity he may be doing.

Nolan has put many hours into creating these playlists and, in turn, made them also multiple hours long.

“My workout playlist is around 25 hours long, I have an ‘angry dad music’ playlist which is about 30 hours, and my everyday music playlist is nearly 31 hours.”

Although these playlists consist of music by many different artists, Nolan has five of which he listens to the most.

This year for his Spotify Wrapped, Nolan’s top artists and songs were all very different. They come from different backgrounds and genres, showing Nolan’s musical diversity.

“My top five artists were Tyler, the Creator, Metallica, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, and Kanye West,” Nolan said. “My top five songs were Family Ties by Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar, Static by Steve Lacy, The Color Violet by Tory Lanez, Many Men by 50 Cent, and Nothing Else Matters by Metallica.”

Though he may not be listed as one of his top five artists, Nolan has one person whom he’d love the opportunity to meet and have a meaningful conversation with.

The retirement and upcoming musical endeavors of “Weird Al” Yankovic have piqued Nolan’s interest, prompting a desire to interview him.

“It would be awesome to meet Weird Al,” Nolan explained, “because I would love to discuss the new songs that he might be coming out with if he hasn’t already retired.”

Within the presence of music, Nolan feels as though he has been changed into a new person with each new thing he listens to.

When it comes to music, Nolan thinks that other people should get into what makes them become a better person.

“I feel like if I listen to a specific genre of music for a very extensive period of time, I feel like a changed man,” Nolan said. “Other people should be able to have that opportunity as well.”