International Music Is Becoming Mainstream and I Love It!
Posted (2012-09-17)
International Music Is Becoming Mainstream and I Love It!
By Jocelyn Martin
Make way for K-Pop. If this is the first time you’ve heard of this type of music, it won’t be the last time.
K-Pop is the next musical sensation, and probably the way in which you’ll boogie down at the next party or wedding you go to.
K-Pop is dance, electronic, electropop, hip hop and R&B music originating in South Korea.
Even U.S President Barack Obama has hopped on the K-Pop train: "It’s no wonder so many people around the world have caught the Korean Wave," he said on a visit to South Korea. And now there’s a certain someone who’s proving that K-Pop is here to stay. I’m talking about the South Korean rapper Psy (pronounced "Sigh"), who’s known for his current hit "Gangnam Style." He was on Saturday Night Live just this past weekend and the Ellen Degeneres Show last week and even gave Britney Spears a run for her money as he taught her all the moves required to Gangnam-Style-it-up! You may have heard me talk about it on the air and let me tell you, it is one catchy tune! And the rest of the world apparently agrees because the video has surpassed 180 million views on YouTube. Needless to say it’s the most viewed K-Pop video on YouTube.
Some of the catchiest tunes today are from international artists, and it’s amazing that other countries are doing so well in their music industry that it can be mainstream enough to be high on the Billboard Charts in North America. Don’t get me wrong, there have been many international songs that have been hits here back in the day as well, like Los Lobos’ "La Bamba," inspired by traditional Spanish and Mexican music.
Plus, there was the start of the whole Latin American crossover pop movement from artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and Shakira, to name a few. But what’s really showed the progression of international music’s success in the Western world is the range of countries the songs are coming from. It’s not just Latin pop anymore. And social media has certainly helped other countries’ music industries gain exposure here.
"Gangnam Style" is putting Korea on the musical map of the Western world’s diversified mainstream music of today. The next wedding or party you go to, don’t be surprised if you witness a large group of people spontaneously breaking out into synchronized moves involving "Dress classy, dance cheesy." If you haven’t seen the video or haven’t heard of the song, do yourself a favour and get in on some of this Gangnam Style madness! You won’t regret it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9bZkp7q19f0
Do you know any great international songs that have crossed over to the mainstream and are huge successes? Let me know about your favourites! Since music is my life and since I have the honour of being the Music Director here at 97.7 the Beach, I love learning about new songs and I love hearing from YOU, so email me at jmartin@bayshorebroadcasting.ca or contact me through Facebook or Twitter at www.977thebeach.ca.
