Music has a way of defining generations, from Van Halen in the 70s to Taylor Swift today. However it also connects them. The gap between students and teacher music taste might not be as distant as one would think, with their playlists revealing surprising similarities.
Today it’s hard to tell what type of music people like. With so many genres, everyone finds something different to connect with. For Frankie Chapa ‘27 it’s edm.
“I definitely listen to edm the most right now it is for sure my go to, doesn’t matter the subgenre.” Chapa ‘27 said.
His favorite artists are Destroy Lonely, Kettama, and Riordan because of their energy, innovation, and consistency.
“Currently my top 3 favorite artists are Destroy Lonely especially since it’s cold now, Kettama because of how he is changing the ukg/speed garage type of music and probably Riordan because he is consistent in dropping absolute tunes.” Chapa ‘27 said.
Though Frankie enjoys all types of music, and can enjoy almost any type of song. His music taste isn’t meant to reflect who he is. Instead it’s used to connect with others.
“I would say that my music taste most definitely does not represent my personality because I listen to so many different types of music that a lot of people don’t know about, so it doesn’t really reflect me.” Chapa ‘27 said.
For Chapa, discovering new music is a part of the fun. Either from social media, other people, or spotify and apple music, he loves hearing a good song for the first time.
“I usually discover new music through TikTok and Instagram, usually from small artists, while I discover the big ones from Spotify.” Chapa ‘27 said.
Chapa knows if he found a good song if it has rhythm and groove. Without those two aspects, a song isn’t really a song in his eyes.
“The groove makes music good because if you can’t do one of these three: bob your head, tap your foot, or move your upper torso in any form whether it be side to side, up and down, or from the front to the back, then the song sucks. It is all about the groove.” Chapa ‘27 said.
Similarly to teachers, this connects to Mrs. Mundell’s aspects of a good song. Like Chapa, Mrs. Mundell needs a song that pumps her up.
“Rhythm, there’s gotta be rhythm, I listen to music in the car or on the treadmill, if I’m on the treadmill it’s gotta inspire me.” Mundell said.
Though their music tastes differ, they can both agree that good music is more than just entertainment, it’s a motivator, mood setter, and connector. While Chapa enjoys EDM, Mrs. Mundell leans toward classics like Neil Diamond, Journey, and Abba. In addition to Christmas music once November rolls around.
“I don’t really have a top 3. They kinda rotate, Pentatonix right now because their music selection is so wonderful.” Mrs. Mundell said.
Despite the generational gap, both students and teachers can agree music serves as a bridge between people. Chapa appreciates how music can connect him with others across all ages.
“I think that students and teachers could learn that all music is good if you can feel the groove.” Chapa ‘27 said.
Mundell agrees. She believes while songs themselves differ, the way people experience them is universal.
“Similar to literature, they are not that different from one another, because you probably like music the same ways I like music, to motivate you or inspire you.” Mundell said.
Like everyone, both have that one song they could listen to over and over again. For Chapa it’s a classic EDM track.
“Pilsplatt by Bonkers because it is just awesome.” Chapa ‘27 said.
While Mrs. Mundell sticks to her roots of 70s disco pop, which brings comfort and motivation.
“Going back to ABBA Dancing Queen is one of my favorites.” Mundell said.
In the end whether it’s EDM blasting through headphones or ABBA in the car on the way to school, music has a way of connecting generations. It’s not the genre or era that matters most, it’s the rhythm, energy, and feeling it inspires in everyone who listens.
