Copy Edited by Samia Orva

Hailing from the Mexican state, Yucatán, Gibran Alcocer is a young twenty-year-old pianist, composer, and producer. Although his name may not sound familiar to the general public, most of his songs have hit popular apps like TikTok and have often been used in many videos. A majority of the people who have listened to his works have actually done so unknowingly. Some of his most popular non-original songs include his cover of the song “Hotline Bling” by Drake and his cover of “Solas” by Jaime Duffy. 

Some of his rising popular songs include “Idea 22,” which has been used 118.6k times on TikTok, and “Idea 15,” which has been used 30.8k times. As you may have noticed, many of his songs begin with the word “Idea.” There is no specific reason as to why this is, but I can infer that this bright composer, who began writing music at the age of twelve years old, needed a way to write his songs without being burdened with naming them.

Many of his songs seem to have a story to be told, but I have also noticed that the stories are often open ended. They tend to be completely up to the listener’s own interpretations. Unlike most songs that tend to have specific messages, Alcocer’s compositions have an abstract nature to them. When listening to them, you feel as though they personally connect with you, despite knowing that the song can be about anyone or anything.

“Idea 10” and “Idea 22” particularly are songs that make you think of a story. Personally, when listening to them, novels like The Kite Runner by Khaled Hossein come to mind. There is a melancholic and contemplative feeling behind each piece that can’t help but make you reminisce. There is something about the highs and lows of each note played on the piano in these tracks that truly spark my love for classical music.

I tend to listen to modern classical music when reading or trying to relax, and I am frequently inclined to vary my song choice. However, for Gibran Alcocer’s songs, I only need one on repeat to truly enjoy. Songs like his are very unique; they are the type that can be played over-and-over again and still not get boring. I’m incredibly happy that this young artist is getting the spotlight he deserves, and can’t wait for the world of modern classical music to be even more loved.