Jose Gamboa
Over the last few years, the internet has been substantial increase in multiculturalism. But the best part is it is not in just one direction anymore. While Western culture has been exported all over the place (just look at McDonald’s,) the internet gives other cultures a chance to bring their flavors to the worlds as well.
This new trend of increased access to international music is because more and more countries are becoming technologically advanced, adding more multicultural sources to the web. Hence, music from the Middle East, Latin American, Europe and Asia has been invading YouTube and infiltrating North American playlists.
Catchy lyrics and beats such as Korean Pop (or more commonly known as “k-pop”) have had a huge success in this part of the globe. Michel Telo, a Brazilian performer, and Don Omar from Puerto Rico are examples of international musicians who have made it to the top one hundred of YouTube’s most visited music videos. Do not forget the huge success of Euro-pop that not only is big on YouTube but also on every radio station across the country.
The Internet has opened the door for many artists around the world, giving them a chance to showcase their talent on a global scale. One of the wonderful things about music on the web is not only indie and non-major-label bands have a chance to showcase their music, but the web can function as a library of traditional music or something different from Justin Bieber.
I consider myself a music junkie (just look at my iTunes or Spottify.) My playlists are as diverse as a UN meeting—and my top destination when I look for new music is YouTube. Most of the international music I discovered I found while surfing the web. The accessibility to international artists is very simple.
International music has exploded into a global sensation and it is here to stay. Just last weekend I heard “Ai Se Eu Te Pego,” a song completely in Portuguese at the Buckhorn in Laramie. For a college town with the “nuclear family” statue in Prexy’s and a Western cowboy as our mascot, I say that is a pretty awesome step toward more multicultural integration.
No offense it is great and all but some music I refuse to listen to because it is not pleasant to my ears. I have listen to all kinds of music from Classical to Chinese Opera, I am open minded, but when it comes to my listening pleasure I have very closed eared. I listen to dark ambient music primarily because it does NOT have the human voice, which I like…..No singing. quite refreshing.