With more than 51,000 students, finding a close community at UT presents a challenge for some. For those into music, no matter the genre, there are dozens of organizations across campus that provide creative outlets for music-minded students seeking connection. The Daily Texan talked to some music organizations on campus about creating friendships on campus through beats, notes and lyrics.
Reggaeton Dance Club
For Reggaeton Dance Club founder and president Laysha Renee Gonzalez, music provides the mental health support and Latin community she was missing during her first few years at the University.
“I didn’t feel like I had a group where I could really be my authentic self,” said Gonzalez, a Plan II and Race, Indigeneity and Migration junior. “To be loud and happy and proud to be first-gen or low-income or a daughter of immigrants, a lot of identities.”
Currently, in its first semester with more than 50 members, the RDC works with other organizations on campus, such as the Hispanic Business Student Association. Their work also includes tabling to support National Suicide Prevention Week, fostering an engaging community for Latin students of various backgrounds and capabilities.
“If you have a body, if you like to dance, if you like the way music makes you feel, that’s all we need from you,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez said the club comes together to share music, including through a communal Spotify playlist. For the larger UT community, she recommended reggaeton hits “PUNTO 40” by Rauw Alejandro, “Me Quedo” by Daddy Yankee, “OKI DOKI” by Karol G and more.
The Texas Electronic Music Club
Celebrating another genre of music, the Texas Electronic Music Club, founded in 2013, attends raves as a group and teaches its members how to DJ.
President and English senior Natalie Ohlsen said the club fosters an environment of kindness, individuality and experimental style.
“PLUR (peace, love, unity and respect) has been a thing for years (in the EDM community),” Ohlsen said. “It’s a judgment free zone. It’s a safe space for everybody.”
On behalf of the TEMC, Ohlsen shared their fall 2021 Spotify playlist and recommended Subtronics’ “Open Your Mind (Anthology 999),” ODESZA’s “All My Life” and “Capa City,” a single by vice president Emiliano Reyes, known professionally as .Clouded.
Beauties and The Beat
Psychology sophomore Rita Reul joined Beauties and the Beat, a gender-inclusive treble a cappella group at UT, as a freshman, where she found a lasting connection.
“It’s kind of like a family,” said Reul, who serves as social chair for the group. “It’s definitely the best community I’ve ever been in.”
The group sings a variety of music, ranging from “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles to “Me and Your Mama” by Childish Gambino, Reul said.
Reul recommended music that reflects the diverse tastes of the group, including UMI’s “lost and found,” Tory Lanez’s “The Color Violet” and Taylor Swift’s “Enchanted.”
Texas Taylor Swift Appreciation Society
While other clubs explore different genres, the newly founded Texas Taylor Swift Appreciation Society or SAS, sticks to one artist.
“Our main goal is to have fun and honor the legacy she’s building,” said Abby DeYoung, Communication in Leadership sophomore and president of SAS.
DeYoung said the popularity of Swift’s ongoing “The Eras Tour” generated an influx of new interest this semester.
“When I’m walking along Speedway and I meet someone that’s wearing a Taylor Swift sweatshirt, there’s an instant connection,” DeYoung said. “That’s what I love about her music. There’s a song for every single person.”
For interested listeners, DeYoung recommended Swift’s tracks “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve,” “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” and “mirrorball.”
