Most people would agree that being told they have good music taste is one of the best compliments you can receive—made even better when handed the aux cord. For today’s teens, having control over the music means more than just picking songs. It’s a way to showcase their personality and set the tone for the moment, whether it’s a car ride, a party or a casual hangout with friends.
It’s not uncommon to get pushback when deciding who gets to play their music. Especially in the car, there is often heavy debate on who should get the go-ahead. There are three major choices: the driver, with their car and their rules, the front seat passenger, who can queue songs most efficiently; and the person with the best aux.
While 35% of 205 surveyed Warhawks indicated that the driver should get to choose the music, a 45% majority of students noted that the person with the best music taste should take control. To determine who deserves the aux, students highlighted several key characteristics they consider essential before handing over the phone.
- Matching the Occasion
More than anything, being able to match the music to the occasion is an essential skill when on aux. Whether it’s syncing with the setting, the weather cycle or even the time of day, playing music that aligns with the ‘vibe’ is crucial. For instance, imagine driving in the rain—you might lean toward chill R&B or slow alternative pop; on the other hand, cruising with the windows down on a sunny afternoon calls for Top 100 hits or upbeat country tracks.
“If you match the vibe you know you’re doing something right,” said Naomi Sandrowitz (’25). “I feel like I listen to everything, so it depends on the people I’m with and what I’m doing. My gym playlist, which has a lot of Gunna and Lil Baby, looks completely different from the Lizzy McAlpine and Phoebe Bridgers I play when I’m relaxing and doing homework.”
- Genre Variety
Second to matching the occasion, having a variety of genres in one’s music taste is almost always appreciated by listeners. Versatility demonstrates thoughtfulness in curating playlists that resonate with everyone in the car. A similar taste in music, but with different artists or styles, is also respected because it exposes listeners to new musicians they’re likely to continue enjoying.
“A green flag is when someone puts on a song on aux, and you know every single word to it,” Maukon Khazmi (’25) said. “Shoutout to my friend Levi Wentz. We have almost the exact same music taste and spend a lot of time freestyling in the car together, which really soul-bonded our music and playlists.”
- Tailored Playlists
Last, but certainly not least, is the ability to create tailored playlists for specific moods or moments. Sorting artists and genres helps associate music with memories. These music-evoked autobiographical memories are powerful, as certain songs, artists or genres can transport listeners back to meaningful moments. Tailoring playlists for specific events or routines can make the listening experience deeply personal and memorable.
When asked about his own music taste, Khazami noted, “I hope my friends enjoy it. I spend countless hours perfecting it in the lab.”
So, next time you hop in the car with friends and debate who gets to plug in, consider these traits—the right person will elevate the musical experience for everyone.