Music is a worldwide phenomenon that everyone can enjoy. International pop music is popular among American teenagers.
The rhythm of foreign music appeals to the younger crowd because it is upbeat and modern. It varies from country to country.
The languages most prevalent at EGHS are Japanese, French and Italian. The student taking a foreign language has a glimpse into the culture, and for most countries, music is an integral part of it.
Latin American countries tend to have Caribbean sounds while Europeans go with a techno vibe. Senior Danfer Flores listens to all types of music and does not stick to only one.
“I get bored of the same thing on the radio. I like to diversify myself,” Flores said.
Flores grew up living and breathing foreign music. His dad was into ‘80s rock and their Hispanic culture opened up many other genres of music.
From then on, his love of music grew. To list a few, Flores listens to Italian, Spanish, Dutch and anything European.
“I grew up with it. It’s all I listen to on my iPod and when I DJ, it’s all I play,” Flores said.
When it comes to music, Flores seems to know his fair share. He has a broad understanding of what different music brings to culture.
“Latin American countries add their own flavors and culture. They use different beats and instruments,” Flores said.
All international pop music invents their own twist by using common English words in their lyrics. Although most are not like this many songs are meant to hit a mainstream audience.
They use upbeat tempos so that people can jump up and dance or easily tap their foot. These bubble gum hits are meant for American ears.
“Most Korean people usually intertwine English lyrics into theirs, mostly like the chorus. Otherwise most of it is Korean, but there is a random English word in it,” junior Shannon Chan said.
Record labels and American artists are known for their profanity and subtle innuendos.
“[Korean music is] usually more upbeat than most American music, and if you actually look up the words, they’re not as vulgar as American lyrics can be,” Chan said.
For Chan, Korean music is unlike common American hits. She explains that Korean songs actually have real meaning behind them and that is why she likes them better.
Even though the U.S. receives plenty of popular tracks, most of it never reaches the recording labels in L. A. The majority of unheard of songs go to Canada.
International music opens new generations to new ideas and adds to the great melting pot of cultures the U.S. has accumulated over the years .
“Since Latin American countries are closer to the U.S., all of it can be listened to by Latin communities and then passed down,” Flores said.
By: Kaylinn Esparza