Something that is very representative of a community is the music that is created within it. Whether this means communities classified by ethnicity, region, or special interest, different music provides insight into different ways of life. Listening to Mexican music, for instance, can help you better understand the culture and people of Mexico, whereas rock music can show you how “headbangers” see the world.
This is why it’s so important to have an expansive music taste. It allows you to connect with a vast number of people on a deeper level. It also creates opportunities to experience life in different ways or through another person’s lens. A strong understanding of other people is what allows us to empathize and grow our humanity.
Having understood the significance of music and the connection between knowledge of music and humanity, I have spent years exposing myself to every possible song that I could. If you wish to do the same, here are a few quick tips to get you started on your journey.
1. Use social media
With the rise of TikTok and Instagram Reels, the use of audio attached to videos has become an increasingly common form of media that we consume. Whenever you scroll through these platforms, you are exposed to music, and chances are you’re hearing songs that you have never heard before. Whenever this happens, it’s a good idea to switch apps to whatever music platform you desire and hear the full thing. Usually, the app will recommend similar songs to the one you just listened to, as well!
2. Let your friends put you on
The quantity of songs that I listen to because my friend recommended them or put them on in their car is insane. If your friend is putting on songs you’ve never heard of, don’t be afraid to ask for the song name. If asking for the song name is too embarrassing for you, you can always Shazam or look the lyrics up online. If my friends post their Spotify Wrapped on their story and I don’t recognize a song, I’ll go look that song up. Their influence can be direct or indirect.
3. Absorb Music everywhere
Restaurants, bars, clubs, street music, and clothing stores. There is music literally all around us. For example, I always leave Zara with a new house song to listen to. Street music was one of the first places I was introduced to reggae. By paying attention to the world around we can find music in even the least expected places.
4. Go to concerts and music festivals
Concerts can reveal new music to you if you are unfamiliar with the artist or discover new songs from an artist you already know. It also provides you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the community that enjoys the type of music. Music festivals are special in that large and small artists perform all in the same place. This is the perfect environment to scope out new artists that may not be as mainstream.
5. Pick up playing an instrument
Playing an instrument not only grows your appreciation for music but can also expand your knowledge of songs that use the instrument. When I was learning to play piano, I was introduced to a number of classical pieces that have stuck with me today. As I learned guitar, I gained an appreciation for country and folk music that I would not have looked twice at before. More recently, I’ve picked up DJing, which has shown me the best of house and EDM music.
6. FInd sampled songs
Artists today often sample music from other genres. Rap music loves to incorporate soul music. House music often incorporates soul vocals, rap, reggae, and the list goes on. I love going through my playlists and finding the samples used to make the beat. One of my favorite samples is from The Weeknd’s song “Often,” which samples the 1970’s Turkish pop song “Ben Sana Vurgunum.”
7. listen to different cultures’ Music
Different cultures have a wide variety of music to be exposed to, each with its own cultural and historical influence. From Desi music to K-pop to Brazilian Funk, there are nearly an endless number of genres to discover. The implementation of different musical instruments and techniques adds variation within the music that touches different parts of the brain.
The more music you hear, the more you expand the comfort zone of your ears, and the more comfortable you will feel in different environments. This is the very reason you listen to cultural music on the way to a different region. You’re making an attempt to connect with the culture – and more importantly, the people.