I don't just listen to music - I live in it. Music is my background noise, my main character moment, my comfort blanket, and sometimes, my therapist. There's rarely a day that goes by without music playing from somewhere around me. And the way I choose to listen? That depends entirely on my mood, my space and sometimes, how dramatic I feel.
I have a little collection of things I use to listen to music: a big headset, a simple wired earpiece, and a pair of Airpods (I still don't know if they're Airpods or Earpods, but you get the idea). They're not just gadgets, they're part of how I experience sound
The Headset - For when I want to drown everything out
This one is my personal favourite. Not because it's the fanciest or newest, but because of how completely it swallows me whole. When I put on my headset, it's like entering another world. The rest of the noise -the honking cars, the loud neighbours, the chaos in my mind- just fades away into the background
This is what I reach for when I want to feel a song deeply. Maybe it's a sad playlist, maybe it's some instrumental music while I'm writing or reflecting, or maybe it's a moody beat that matches the weather. Whatever it is, the headset helps me sink into it completely.
It's also my don't talk to me signal. If you see me with it on, I'm either working... or just pretending to be busy so I can be left alone
The Earpiece - My classic companion
Ah, the trusty earpiece. No battery worries, no Bluetooth tantrums. Just plug in and go. This one is for my regular everyday moments - commuting, running errands, sitting outside. It's the one I throw in my bag without thinking twice.
It's usually connected to upbeat music, basically anything that keeps me moving and makes waiting in line less boring. And for some reason, music sound raw on it. Like it doesn't try to filter or polish anything. Just the song, as it is.
Airpods - For my chill, no-stress vibes
These are the *I'm lazy but I still want music device. I use them when I'm doing chores around the house, lying down, walking short distances or just not in the mood to deal with wires and bulk.
They're convenient, small, and get the job done. When I don't want anything on my head or I just want to lie on my side, and listen to soft music, I pop them in.
Sometimes they fall out though - especially when I'm feeling myself and dancing around. But I forgive them.
And then... Sometimes I just blast it out loud
There are moments when I don't want anything in my ears. I just want the music to fill the space around me, that's when the loud speakers comes in. Usually while cleaning, cooking or writing.
Those moments are loud, messy, and freeing. I play songs that match my energy. It's less about sound quality and more about presence. Letting the music be in the room with me, not just in my ears.
What I listen to and how I listen to it are always changing. Some days, I need music to calm me down. Other days, I need it to lift me up. And there are days when I just want it to match my sadness.
That's why I switch between all these devices. Not because one is better than the other, but because each one brings a different kind of closeness, a different way of hearing the same song.
So whether its my chunky headset, my humble earrpiece, my convenient Airpods, or even my good old music player - I'm always tuned in to something.
Because for me, silence is nice.... but music? Music make everything feel alive.
Thanks for reading.
Images are mine