#465: SPOTLIGHT: Ryan Oakes

#465: Ryan Oakes 

May 19, 2026

A Backbeat of Community

Question for Ryan:  

Is there a specific song, lyric, or music genre that is particularly meaningful and moving for you—perhaps in a way you didn’t expect? What is it, and how has it had an impact?

Ryan's Response: 

I can’t stand salsa music. There, I said it. I consider myself an open-minded person with a wide appreciation for music, but salsa has always been the one genre of music I just couldn’t get into. I love to dance, but salsa never made me want to move. I don’t speak Spanish, and I never appreciated the lyrics. Every song sounded the same to me. 

But that all changed after I watched Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl. Now, I’m hooked. Bad Bunny has been on non-stop repeat since Feb 9th, the day after his half-time show. The whole family loves him. My 5 year old daughter even requests him more than Taylor Swift! 

So, what changed me? I came to appreciate an artist’s perspective. I now better understand a culture. I felt drawn to a community, and became enamored with the passion they showed for a genre. Bad Bunny is pushing salsa in new directions, incorporating various inspirations and widening the appeal of the genre. And I’m here for it! Much to my surprise and delight, I now feel the music, I catch myself singing the lyrics, and I’ve used Bad Bunny as a springboard into other modern artists in the genre. 

I enjoyed talking about him with other fans, and I’ve found myself advocating for him with those you aren’t fans. I discussed the cultural impacts of his performance with strangers in Puerto Rico last month during a family vacation there (planned pre-Bad Bunny fandom). His performance resonated with me in a number of surprising ways: as a music-lover, as a human, and as an ally of those under-represented. I’ve even asked myself, "is it salsa music that I love, or do I love the positive vibes it embodies for me"? 

As a magician, I love surprising people. But nothing feels better than surprising yourself. 

Thank you, Benito!