Music is a language that connects people from all over the world. By exploring music from different cultures, we can learn more about the traditions, values, and creativity that create each community. I’ve chosen four pieces of music from other cultures across two continents in this playlist. The selections include traditional and modern music, showing how each culture combines its heritage with contemporary styles. These songs provide a glimpse into the world’s diverse music.
The first selection comes from Mongolia, a country known for its traditional throat singing or khoomei. Derlcha by Anda Union is an example of this fascinating technique, where the singer creates multiple pitches simultaneously. The song also features the morin khuur, a traditional two-stringed instrument. I chose this piece because it shows the connection between Mongolian music and nature. The sounds mimic the winds and the landscapes of Mongolian steppes. The tones of throat singing create an eerie yet beautiful experience. It’s fascinating to hear how music can be so tightly linked to the environment and culture in such an ancient form.
Next is Jerusalema, a song from South Africa that became a global sensation. This track is an example of the Amapiano genre, which mixes traditional South African rhythms with modern electronic beats. It has become a dance anthem worldwide, with millions participating in the viral dance challenge. I chose this song because it demonstrates how South African music has evolved to include global influences while maintaining its original sound. The beat and melody of Jerusalema show how music can cross cultural boundaries bring people together and allow them to connect through joy and movement. This mix of old and new shows the creativity of combining traditions with modern influences.
Next is a Balinese Gamelan song from Indonesia titled Gamelan Gong Kebyar. Gamelan is a traditional form of music that uses different percussion instruments, such as gongs, metallophones, and drums. The rhythm in Gamelan Gong Kebyar is fast-paced, which is typical of the Kebyar style. This music is often used in religious and ceremonial contexts, and its sound reflects the energy and spiritual life of Bali. I selected this piece because it provides a glimpse into the cultural heart of Bali, where music plays a crucial role in religious ceremonies and festivals. The mix of instruments and fast rhythms create a mesmerizing listening experience. Gamelan music is a perfect example of how music is connected with spirituality and community life.
Lastly, I’m sharing Malhari, a song from the Bollywood movie Bajirao Mastani. Bollywood music is known for traditional Indian instruments with modern techniques. Malhari is a perfect example, combining classical Indian rhythms with energetic beats and powerful vocals. I chose this song because it shows how Bollywood music can embrace both traditional and contemporary elements. The song’s rhythm and mood capture the spirit of India, where music is often used to convey strong emotions and create an unforgettable experience for the audience. Malhari demonstrates the power of music to bring together old and new, combining India’s musical heritage with the modern sound of today’s music industry.
This playlist shows the diversity of music from different cultures, with a mix of traditional and modern music. From the ancient tradition of Mongolian throat singing to the energy of Bollywood music, these songs offer a glimpse into the world’s music. Each piece reflects the unique history, values, and creativity of its culture while also showing how music can evolve in the modern world. Music connects us across borders and languages, allowing us to experience and appreciate the beauty and creativity of cultures from around the globe.
Growing up I would be in my dad's truck while he would only listen to country music. He would listen to artists like Jonny Cash, Willie Nelson, and George Strait. This early exposure shaped a perception of this genre only being males. I thought you could only play this music if you had a deep and rugged voice while singing themes of cowboy life, heartache, and independence. This belief was emphasized when he would turn on the radio and I only heard female artists a handful of times. As a kid, I internalized this stereotype and it never really crossed my mind that women could be just as good as men in these country songs. It was when I got older and started exploring music on my own that I discovered that women also sang country music good if not better than these men. There were artists like Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and Loretta Lynn. These women not only contributed to the genre but also shaped it by bringing their own stories, voices, and perspectives to the scene.
The realization that women had always been part of country music, despite their underrepresentation on the radio in my early experiences, made me reflect on how gender biases can shape our understanding of music and even the world. It highlighted the importance of representation in media and culture. the lack of female voices in the country music I grew up with wasn't just a coincidence; it was a reflection of broader societal norms that only profited make artists. This bias had a horrible impact on my perception of gender roles within the genre. It made me understand how powerful these biases can be, subtly influencing our beliefs and expectations from a young age.
As I dived deeper into country music, I found that female artists brought a unique perspective to the genre. Their songs had themes of resilience, love, and hardship from a female viewpoint. This discovery was eye-opening, showing me that country music, like all forms of art, is full of diverse voices. It also didn't show the importance of the narratives we are presented with, especially those that seem to exclude certain groups. My journey from believing that only men could play country music to understanding the contributions of female artists has been a powerful reminder of the need for inclusivity and representation.
This is one of the songs my dad would play in the car when I was young.
Hi! My name is Ashley Grogan and I am from Irmo, South Carolina. If you're familiar with Columbia, South Carolina it's a town right outside of it. I am currently a psychology major and a minor in pre-law. I play lacrosse here at Converse and I before Converse I played the violin through elementary all the way through high school.
1. An example of what I like right now:
Something that is my current go to is a band called Blink-182. This summer I got to see them live in Greenville, South Carolina. So all summer I was preparing for the concert and listening to all of their songs. This has left me to listen to them a lot recently and reminisce on the amazing concert.
This is the main song from their newest alum that they went on tour for. This is one I would listen to frequently since it's the most popular one right now.
2. An example of music that deeply impacted me
An artist that has been really meaningful to me is Claire. She expresses herself freely and doesn't care what other people have to say about it. I also love all the topics she sings about in her songs. I've been listening to her since early high school and she's always been my go to.
This is a song from her newest album. This one is probably my favorite one from the album.
3. An example of music that I don't really connect with.
Even though rock music is my go to genre I don't really connect with rock bands from the 1970s. Bands like Queen, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, and Led Zeppelin. I just can't seem to connect with the way they sing and the beats of the songs. But I do like punk rock music and I can see why someone would listen to them it's just not for me.
Their most popular song that people usually listen to but it's just not for me.
