2012 was a significant year of cultural discovery for my family. Harry Potter mania had taken over the house, particularly for my 8 year old daughter Talya who tore through the novels faster than we probably wanted. This ultimately led to a memorable trip to Harry Potter World in Orlando that spring. Meanwhile on the music front, Ili (also 8 years old) had become obsessed with One Direction. "What Makes You Beautiful" peaked on the charts, and this year marked the point where both Talya's and Ili's taste started to evolve towards pop music.
Experiencing music through my kids over the years has undeniably shaped my own taste. When I look at the artists I love today — Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, Gracie Abrams — I know I wouldn't appreciate them the same way without my children's influence.