Music is life. Music defines peoples' experience on this planet.

Host: The room was filled with a soft hum, the gentle light from the lamp casting shadows across the table. Jack sat with his legs crossed, looking at his phone, his expression a mix of thoughtfulness and a slight smile. Jeeny, sitting nearby, noticed his gaze and the thoughtful look on his face, so she set down her cup and looked at him curiously.

Jeeny: (gently) “You seem like you’re reflecting on something. What’s on your mind?”

Jack: (grinning) “I just came across a quote from Mark Hoppus. He said, ‘Music is life. Music defines peoples' experience on this planet. Name one time in your life that wasn't punctuated by the music you listened to at the time. When people are down, they listen to music that commiserates that emotion. When people are amped up, they listen to more upbeat, loud songs.’ It made me think about how deeply music shapes our lives and emotions. It’s like a soundtrack to our experiences.”

Host: Jeeny smiles softly, her eyes reflecting a quiet understanding. She leans forward slightly, clearly intrigued by the idea of music as an emotional anchor.

Jeeny: “I love that. It’s so true. Music really is like a language of emotion. We turn to it in every moment — when we’re happy, sad, excited, or even nostalgic. It doesn’t just accompany our experiences; it enhances them, shapes how we feel about the moment. It’s incredible how a song can take us back to a specific time in our lives and make us feel exactly what we felt then.”

Jack: (nodding) “Exactly. Music can match our emotions or help us process them. When you’re sad, you listen to songs that reflect that feeling, that make you feel understood. When you’re pumped up or celebrating, you gravitate toward songs that mirror that energy. It’s like music knows how to speak to us in a way words alone can’t.”

Host: Jeeny’s expression softens as she thinks about the power of music. The room seems a little quieter now, as if they’ve both been drawn into the shared experience of how music has influenced their lives.

Jeeny: “And it’s so universal, isn’t it? No matter where you are in the world, no matter your background, music connects you to those same human emotions. It doesn’t need to be in a language you understand to resonate with you. The vibe of a song can speak to you just as much as its lyrics.”

Jack: “Yeah, music transcends everything. It’s a constant in our lives, something that can help us express feelings we can’t always put into words. Think about how different songs can make you feel. A single track can bring up memories, inspire confidence, or give you comfort when you need it most.”

Host: Jeeny smiles softly, the room feeling warmer now as the conversation drifts into the power of music to shape our emotions and experiences.

Jeeny: “It’s like we all have a soundtrack to our lives, and no matter where we are or what we’re going through, there’s always a song or a genre that feels like it fits. Music doesn’t just mark the moments of our lives — it defines them. It becomes a part of our memories, like an emotional timestamp.”

Jack: (grinning) “Exactly. And that’s why music is so powerful. It’s not just something we listen to; it’s something that shapes who we are and how we experience the world. It’s the ultimate way to connect with the feelings and moments that define us.”

Host: The room falls into a quiet understanding, the realization that music is not just background noise but an essential part of how we connect with our emotions, memories, and experiences. Mark Hoppus’ words are a reminder that music is life — it’s the soundtrack to our journey, reflecting every mood, moment, and milestone along the way.