Feeder for preciousness and being a guiding light, Yellowcard for being down-to-earth and unique, Ash for edginess and freedom, Paramore for empowerment and triumph over conformity, Soundgarden for godliness and soul, The Smashing Pumpkins for enlightenment and kicking 7 shades of ass, Muse for resolve and glory, Eels for integrity and quirkiness, Foo Fighters for strength and unity, Alice in Chains for eclecticism and being a diamond in the rough
Special mentions: Evanescence, Nirvana, Linkin Park, Incubus, A Perfect Circle and all the other artists in my library. Also integral props to 植松伸夫 (Final Fantasy composer) for creating music literally beyond words--that no youth should be without! It's what inspired me to play my first musical instrument: keyboard/piano.