Whether she’s preparing for a show, hosting an event, or just going about her day, there’s always a song or a playlist to match the moment. “When I work out, I tend to listen to songs with fast-paced beats,” she says. “When I feel overwhelmed, I have a playlist with different frequencies. I listen to whatever speaks to me just like what anyone else does.”
When it comes to getting into the right headspace, Bey never gets tired of Ariana Grande. She looks up to the pop star’s artistry, and it’s her versatility across each release that makes Ariana’s discography a go-to for nearly every occasion.
As a singer, Bey draws from her own experiences, using nostalgia and the past as anchors for her songwriting. “I look back at when I was feeling strong emotions and try to turn it into a lesson for others to hear, or something they can resonate with,” she shares.
Her love for music runs deep, and it’s no surprise that it started early, with family at the heart of it all. Growing up, Bey and her family often went on road trips, and the time spent traveling in the car became a chance for everyone to sing together. Their playlists were nothing short of eclectic, rocking out to Fall Out Boy, easing into Daniel Bedingfield and John Mayer, throwing it back to the ’80s with Hall & Oates, or vibing to Usher.
For singers and musicians, beyond the struggle to break through creative blocks that arise from time to time, it’s staying passionate about the craft that often goes unspoken. What keeps Bey’s passion for music alive is how it has always been there for her, and as she says, in every season of her life.
“It almost feels like a constant companion, whether I’m sharing it with others or simply singing to myself in my room. Even in those quiet, solo moments, I feel a genuine sense of joy and freedom.” For Bey, music has this incredible way of lifting her spirits and reminding her of who she is, no matter what’s happening around her.
For the second part of the interview, we asked Bey to curate a playlist, aptly titled “another bey, another slay,” featuring her favorite tracks, particularly those that reflect how she navigates life and the mindset she embraces before a show, an event, or even a regular day.
“just like magic” – Ariana Grande
To kick things off, Bey is all about manifestations and always remembering that she is as good as what she believes in. As a true Arianator herself, she picks “just like magic” by Ariana Grande, which is a reminder that belief is power, and intention is everything.
“I’M THAT GIRL” – Beyoncé
From there, she turns up the affirmations, quite literally, with “I’M THAT GIRL” by Beyoncé. While repeating daily affirmations might feel routine to some, Bey sees the practice as both empowering and necessary in her life.
“like JENNIE” – JENNIE
When she needs a confidence boost, Bey turns to BLACKPINK‘s JENNIE with the opening track of her debut album, Ruby. “It’s a great song to dance to when I’m alone and when I need to be a bit more confident in myself,” she says.
“Begin” – BTS
A track she considers underrated, BTS‘ “Begin” talks about gratitude, perseverance, and determination, which reminds her to stay grounded and motivated.
“Tuloy Pa Rin” – Neocolours
A true OPM classic, “Tuloy Pa Rin” reminds Bey that “life goes on and that we’re strong enough to keep moving forward no matter what we go through.” Adding this to her playlist also serves as an ode to her upcoming GMA travel series, Be Cool in Bicol, co-starring Sassa Gurl, Kim Ji Soo, and Richard Juan.
“On My Mama” – Victoria Monét
In the spirit of boosting her confidence, another feel-good track Bey adds to her playlist is “On My Mama” by Victoria Monét.”
“Good Days” – SZA
Grateful for her good days, this track by SZA helps Bey stay positive and not let negativity get in the way. It’s a gentle reminder to appreciate the present and protect her peace, no matter what life throws at her.
“Lifestyle” – LISA
Rounding out her curated playlist is “LIFESTYLE” by BLACKPINK’s LISA, a track that once again centers on manifestation and embracing the girl boss mindset.