Since arriving at college almost two and a half years ago, I am continually shocked at the amazing music my friends show me. From NWA to Sigur Ros, the creative forces I find myself exposed to never fail to impress. It has been interesting to see how these artists influence the way my friends act, dress and view the world.
A MOMENT OF NOSTALGIA
A couple days ago while at a photo shoot, there were several people my age or a little older getting ready. Music was pumping through the speakers, but no one really paid attention to it. That is, until “What’s My Age Again?” by Blink 182 came on. Everyone knew the words. Everyone. This little moment of nostalgia was an awesome shared moment with my friends.
You might be asking why this matters as we enter our early 20’s, and continually attempt to leave behind the dark past that was middle and high school.
SUBSTANTIAL CULTURAL BOND
As we enter adulthood, it becomes harder to find a substantial cultural bond with many of the people around us. The shared common denominator does not exist anymore. However, we can all recall flying down the highway listening to “In Too Deep” by Sum 41. The first time we heard My Chemical Romance’s “Welcome to the Black Parade” and saw the bleach white hair of Gerard Way, a sense of identity in something bigger than ourselves took hold. We share repressed giggles upon hearing “Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne, and beg our parents for Fall Out Boy tickets just to hear “Dance, Dance” live. In fact, the Jesus Saves sign from Biola makes an appearance in a Trapt music video.
POP PUNK IS NOT DEAD
In a music scene oversaturated with every kind of band, Blink 182, Green Day, Sum 41 and Simple Plan are names every twenty-something immediately understands. Filled with angst, the pop punk of the mid 2000s will continue to impact us for the rest of our lives. Pop punk is not dead. In fact, it will never die. Our generation found itself in this music filled with frustration, doubt, anxiety and a lack of communication with mom and dad.
It upsets me when people try to repress the music they listened to earlier in their life. Do not hide the fact that you can play “99 Red Balloons” by Goldfinger on guitar. Be bold. Be proud. Next time you look through your CD collection —if you have CDs anymore — take a listen to that Offspring album. Revel in the nostalgia, and forget your homework for a while. Take an hour to watch all the old music videos you saw in middle school, blow out your speakers and sing along.
