Songs Passed Down, Songs Found by Chance, Songs That Grow With You
From childhood ballads and high school pop moments to unexpected algorithmic discoveries, Dustin’s picks reflect a listener who treats listening as a lifelong process of growth and return.
Music doesn’t appear in one form for Dustin (@dustintheheart). Sometimes it’s something inherited, already part of the background of everyday life. Other times it calls Dustin’s attention in between scrolls and interrupts whatever was happening. Either way, it has already gotten its foot in the door.
Dustin joins us for the June 24 to 28 prompts, tracing the different ways music arrives, settles, and returns in his life. The first prompt asks for a favorite artist from the 1980s, which leads to a reflection on the music that shaped his upbringing and early listening habits. The second turns toward a song that feels like a runway moment, found almost by chance yet charged with presence. The third asks for a favorite album by a favorite artist, opening into ideas of growth and transition. The fourth moves into an artist’s catalog currently being explored, where he reflects on a long-standing connection with a Danish musician. The final prompt connects music to color, and for his selection, Dustin has gone with “pearl white.”
What's your favorite artist from the 1980s?
I could say that Madonna or Kylie are my favorites, but the truth is that, like every Latino kid, we grew up listening to “música para planchar” (music for ironing) by great divas like Amanda Miguel, Yuri, Ana Gabriel, Rocío Dúrcal, or my favorite: the one and only Daniela Romo!
Although I was born years after her greatest commercial success, her music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up listening to her songs because of my mother, whose love for romantic music shaped my own musical taste. Through her, I learned to appreciate emotional lyrics, beautiful melodies, and singers who can tell a story through their voice.
For many children who grew up during the 1990s and early 2000s in Latin America, Daniela Romo’s music was part of everyday life. Her songs were often playing in the background while families cleaned the house on weekends, did chores, cooked lunch, or spent time together. Songs such as “Mentiras,” “Celos,” and “Yo no te pido la luna” became classics that many people still remember and sing today.
What makes Daniela Romo so special to me is her unique combination of talent, elegance, and charisma. Her voice is powerful and full of emotion, capable of making listeners feel every word she sings. I also remember her iconic long hair, her expressive stage presence, and the distinctive movements that made her performances unforgettable!
Beyond her music, Daniela Romo was also a familiar face on television. Many of us grew up watching her as an actress in telenovelas such as Alborada, Sortilegio, and Triunfo del Amor, so she became more than just a singer. She was a cultural icon who was present in many aspects of our lives.
For me, Daniela Romo represents much more than music. She represents family memories, shared moments, and the soundtrack of childhood. Her songs remind me of where my love for music began, and that is why she will always be my favorite artist from the 1980s.
Which song makes you feel like you're on a runway?
The song that makes me feel like I’m walking on a runway is “DJesus” by Magdalene.
Unlike many of the songs people might choose for this question, “DJesus” is not a global hit or a song that constantly appears on the radio. In fact, I discovered it by chance through an Instagram advertisement. Normally, I scroll past ads without paying much attention, but something about this song immediately caught my ear. Within seconds, I stopped scrolling and listened to the entire track. I was instantly hooked.
What I love most about “DJesus” is its confidence and energy. The song has a unique blend of electronic sounds, attitude, and modern pop influences that create a feeling of power and self-expression. Every time I listen to it, I imagine myself walking down a runway with confidence, completely owning the moment.
Another reason I associate this song with a runway is its bold personality. It feels stylish, fearless, and unapologetic. Even on an ordinary day, it can transform a simple walk into something cinematic.
For me, “DJesus” is more than just a song. It is a reminder that some of the best discoveries happen when you least expect them, and that confidence can be found in a melody, a beat, or even an Instagram ad that appears at the perfect time.
What's your favorite album by your favorite artist?
My favorite album by my favorite artist is Prism by Katy Perry.
I have been a Katy Perry fan for many years, but Prism holds a special place in my heart because of when it entered my life. In 2013, I was about to graduate from high school and begin a completely new chapter at university. Like many people at that age, I was excited about the future but also uncertain about what was coming next.
I still remember the first time I listened to the album. It was a rainy night, and I was lying under my blankets with my headphones on. As the songs played, I felt an immediate connection. It was one of those rare moments when an album seems to understand exactly who you are. The lyrics, the melodies, and the emotions felt incredibly close to my own experiences and personality.
What makes Prism so meaningful to me is how it represents growth. While Teenage Dream captured the excitement and freedom of youth, Prism felt like the next step. It was brighter, deeper, and more reflective. It encouraged listeners to embrace change, learn from challenges, and move forward with confidence. At that moment in my life, that message was exactly what I needed.
My favorite song on the album is “Walking on Air.” Every time I hear it, I feel the same energy and optimism that I felt when I first discovered it. I also love “Ghost,” a beautiful song about letting go of what no longer belongs in our lives. Another favorite is “Choose Your Battles,” whose message about wisdom, maturity, and knowing what is truly worth your energy becomes more meaningful with every passing year.
More than a decade later, Prism is still the album I return to the most. It reminds me of who I was, who I wanted to become, and how much I have grown since then. That rainy night in 2013 may be long gone, but the connection I felt with this album remains exactly the same. In many ways, Prism became the soundtrack to one of the most important transitions of my life, and that is why it will always be my favorite album!
Which artist's catalog are you diving into?
I am currently diving into the catalog of one of the most unique scandinavian artists, the danish pop rebel: Asbjørn.
What makes this choice special is that he is not a recent discovery for me. I have been following his music for around 13 years, long before he gained attention with his second album Pseudo Visions. My favorite song by him is still “Kiddo,” a track that perfectly captures the honesty, emotion, and unique sound that first made me a fan. One of the things that has kept me connected to Asbjørn all these years is how close he remains to his audience.
Lately, I have been exploring parts of his catalog beyond the studio albums: new releases, collaborations, alternate versions, and other projects that reveal different sides of his creativity. The deeper I dive, the more I appreciate his artistic evolution. His music also reminds me of another scandinavian artist I deeply admire: Robyn.
I also admire his resilience. Over the years, he has faced significant challenges, including a serious injury that forced him to rethink the way he performed and connected with his music. Around the same period, he was preparing to release an album that he once described as having been “created with his body,” which makes that chapter of his career even more remarkable. Rather than letting those obstacles define him, he adapted, found new ways to express himself, and continued evolving as an artist. His commitment to authenticity and creative independence is something I deeply respect.
His most recent album has been especially meaningful to me. Songs like “Vulnerable Happy,” “Sound of Heartache,” and “YET” showcase an artist who is not afraid to be emotionally honest. These tracks explore growth, healing, and self-acceptance while maintaining the sound that makes Asbjørn unique.
For me, diving into Asbjørn’s catalog is about more than discovering music. It is about following the journey of an artist whose work has accompanied me for years and whose authenticity continues to inspire me.
Which song do you associate with a specific color?
If I had to associate a song with a specific color, I would choose “Hide and Seek” by Imogen Heap. The color I see when I listen to this song is pearl white.
For me, pearl white is not a plain or empty color. It is a color that changes depending on the light, revealing different shades and reflections. In many ways, that is exactly how I experience this song. Every time I listen to it, I notice something different: a new emotion, a new interpretation, or a new memory attached to it.
I have always been interested in understanding people and the stories behind their actions. “Hide and Seek” feels like a conversation that takes place beneath the surface, where emotions are present even when musical instruments are missing.
Pearl white also represents balance to me. I associate it with resilience, with the ability to remain calm during uncertain moments and continue moving forward. Whether facing personal challenges, pursuing goals, or simply navigating everyday life, I believe there is strength in quiet determination.
Another reason I connect this song with pearl white is its timeless quality. Years after its release, it still feels fresh and meaningful. “Hide and Seek” seems to exist outside of time.
That is why, whenever I hear “Hide and Seek,” I imagine pearl white… a color that reflects introspection, emotional depth, and the beauty that can be found in subtle things. It is not the brightest color in the room, but it is often the one that leaves the strongest impression.
By the end of these five prompts, it almost feels impossible to ignore what Dustin himself also acknowledges: “songs mark entire chapters of my life." The music never really stays in one place. An '80s artist becomes a childhood memory. Prism becomes the soundtrack to standing on the edge of university. A chance Instagram ad turns into a favorite discovery. Even after thirteen years, Asbjørn still feels like an artist worth following rather than one to simply look back on.
That idea of chapters doesn’t really end there. Different moods send him toward different artists. A familiar song becomes a way of processing emotions, celebrating a milestone, or revisiting an older version of himself. And when someone really captures his attention, he doesn't stop at the songs everyone knows. He follows the albums, the collaborations, the side projects, the unreleased songs, and the creative journey.
Maybe that's why Imogen Heap is an artist he would thank for her music. Dustin admires the music, but he also admires the person behind it. The experimentation. The emotional honesty. The willingness to keep pushing forward creatively. Her impact on musicians and listeners alike. The same qualities quietly show up in the way he listens, too. Not because he’s trying to chase something new, but because there’s always another layer waiting to be heard.
A melomaniac at heart, drawn to music as memory and meaning, moving between nostalgia, discovery, and a habit of exploring artists far beyond their most familiar work.
