Did you know that Benjy Grinberg, a Jewish man from New York, is credited with being the first person to sign Tupac Shakur? And that rap music would be nothing without the influence of different cultures? Benjy Grinberg is a prime example of how culture has influenced modern music.
In this article, we will explore six ways culture has shaped modern music. We will discuss how cultural influences have impacted some of today’s most popular genres, from rap to country. Keep reading to learn more!
African American Culture and the Blues
African American culture has profoundly impacted modern music, particularly genres like rap and hip hop. Without the blues, these genres would not exist. The blues is a genre of music that originated in the late 19th century in the American south in areas like Mississippi and Louisiana. It is a style of music characterized by its use of blue notes, improvisation, and call-and-response vocals.
African American culture has also influenced the way rap is performed today. Rappers often use elements of speech like rhyme, meter, and wordplay to deliver their lyrics. African American culture has also impacted the way rap is produced. Sampling, a technique used in hip hop production, was first popularized by African American producers in the 1970s.
Latin American Music and Rhythms
Latin American music has also had a significant impact on modern music. Rhythms like salsa, merengue, and cumbia have become some of the most popular. These genres often incorporate African and European music elements, resulting in a unique sound that is beloved by many.
Indias Influence on Classical and Pop Music
India’s influence on modern music can be heard in classical and pop music alike. Indian classical music is characterized by its use of ragas, which are melodic scales that provide the foundation for a piece of music. Pop music, on the other hand, often incorporates Indian instruments and rhythms into its sound.
The Celtic Heritage in Modern Folk and Rock Music
The Celtic heritage has also had a significant impact on modern music. Folk and rock music often incorporate elements of Celtic music, such as the use of Celtic instrumentation and melodies. Celtic music is also known for its use of drone notes, which are sustained notes that add a sense of depth and feeling to a piece of music. Artists like Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles have all been influenced by Celtic music.
Australia’s Contribution to Contemporary Pop Music
Australia has also made a significant contribution to contemporary pop music. Contemporary Pop music often incorporates elements of Australian music, such as the use of Aboriginal instrumentation and sounds. Australian music is also known for its electronic music, which has become increasingly popular in the Pop genre.
Australian artists like Kylie Minogue, Sia, and Gotye have achieved international success with their unique sound. This sound is often characterized by its use of electronic instrumentation and catchy melodies.
Japan’s Impact on Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
Japan has had a significant impact on electronic dance music (EDM). EDM is a genre of music characterized by its use of electronic instruments and computer-generated sounds. Computer-generated sounds are often used to create a sense of rhythm and feeling in a piece of music.
Japan is also known for its traditional instruments in EDM, such as the taiko drum. This type of drum is often used to create a sense of urgency and excitement in a piece of music. Japanese artists like Daft Punk, Skrillex, and Porter Robinson have helped shape EDM’s sound today.
Conclusion
As we can see, the modern music scene is a melting pot of different cultures, each influencing the other in exciting and unique ways. Rap music, for example, has been heavily influenced by African American culture and the blues. In contrast, Latin American rhythms have played a significant role in shaping pop music. India has had a considerable impact on classical and pop music, and Australia has made its mark on contemporary pop tunes. While it’s impossible to cover all of the cultural influences that have shaped modern music, we hope this article provides a snapshot of some of the most interesting ones.
