"The Most Important Song in My Life"

Specs: 35, writer/director

Song: “Deacon Blues” - Steely Dan

"It’s sad, yet upbeat, and every time I hear it - if I’m happy, it makes me happier, if I’m sad, it makes me feel happy about being sad, you know? It works both ways. You’re feeling all the feelings."

Specs: 23, poet (@beatslaveinc)

Song: “Somethin’ That Means Something” - The Pharcyde

"It was the first song that put a hole in my head. It’s groovy, keeps me positive and making shit that’s not devoid of meaning. Great for chilling and writing poetry, but also great for parties. It reminds me you can chill and party at the same time - which is important for an overly hyperactive person like me."

Specs: 28, Barista

Song: “The Past is a Grotesque Animal” - Of Montreal

"It’s the greatest love/break-up song of all time. So poetic. It relates to my life all of the times. All of them."

Specs: 35, real estate broker

Song: “Your Body’s Callin” - R. Kelly

"It just reminds me of college - the sexual explosion and the fact that I was a ladies man back then. I’ve been calmed by life, though. It could’ve been a dangerous time, so that’s probably a good thing. Actually, thank God I calmed down. But of course, it’s a fun time to remember. R. Kelly has this way of making you envision your youth so strongly."

Specs: 36, busker and activist

Song: “Outskirts of Life” - G.G. Allin

"Because, man. 'Always gonna fight, until the day I die / No laws or limits will stop me from the way I live my life / Don't get in my way, unless you want to die / I’m living fast and hard and I accelerate on high / I listen to the one, use who I got to use / Don't ever try and get too close, 'cause I'm a burning fuse / Everyone around me is someone I will play / I’m living out my life and I'm living day to day.' You hear that? That’s me as fuck."

Specs: 21, student

Song: "Wanna Be Cool" - Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment

"It emphasizes the important of just being happy with the person you are. It talks about how today, so many people are focused on how they appear outwardly, so focused on seeming cool - more than they should. That really resonates with me. I really don’t care what people think about me in that sense. Which I think is important to do."

Specs: 19, actor

Song: “Hurt” - Christina Aguilera

"She’s singing about her dad. I lost my own dad a couple years back, and it’s been really hard. Music is something that always helped me - I’m a singer as well. So I can really relate to Christina, I have the song saved everywhere - my phone, Spotify favorites, everywhere. My dad used to encourage me and my singing a lot, so it’s nice something reminds me of him and helps me deal with his loss."

Specs: 21, vapologist

Song: "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen

"It’s such a timeless, truth-speaking song. It speaks to the concept of growing up and realizing there’s a lot of tough shit in the world. It’s like… damn. The realness links up to everyone’s life in some way."

Specs: 23, barista

Song: “Your Hand In Mine” - Explosions in the Sky

"It helps me de-stress, mostly because there are no words. It’s a journey in seven minutes, so beautiful. Sometimes you just want something playing that won’t interfere with your thoughts, and this is that for me. I can’t think of something more useful."

Specs: 41, construction worker

Song: "0-100/The Catch Up" - Drake

"I would say that’s how my personality tends to go - especially my temper. I have really strong spontaneous reactions to things that don’t go a certain way. I don’t deal in BS about 92% of the time. The other 8% is people fucking up and my having to teach them something. This is how you gotta be. This is how you best serve yourself."

Specs: 22, producer

Song: "Your taste in music is perfect" Mix - 123Mrk

"123Mrk introduced me to a new type of music I didn’t know much about. As a producer myself, that’s really important. It lets me look at making music a different way. Like, with sound design and rhythms, and stuff like that. I really respect his style. He does a lot of sampling, uses live elements - it’s more locked in, funkier, groovier."

Specs: 21, bartender

Song: “High For This” - The Weeknd

"I like that it’s all about taking a leap of faith, trusting someone special to not lead you astray. I’ve been trying to do that a little more lately, and it’s definitely worked out for the better. Also, like, everything is better when you’re high, so…"

Specs: 49, painter

Song:"Oh Heavenly Day" - Patty Griffin

"It’s a really emotional connection. I heard a live recording of her talking about the song once, and she was saying something along the lines of, 'I hear about people wanting to play this at their weddings, but I’m like, I wrote it for my dog.' Which is hilarious. It’s one of those songs that’ll make you cry, if you’re in the right mood. I love songs that make me that emotional. The songs I love best make me bawl my eyes out, and this is one."

Specs: 24, filmmaker

Song: “Everyone” - Van Morrison

"It reminds me of my dad. It’s super nostalgic, reminds me of summers in Long Island. My dad would always play it while doing yard work."

Specs: 33, photographer

Song: "Iron Lion Zion" - Bob Marley

"It’s always inspired real strength in me. That’s the reason I named my first son Zion."