Students at Pahrump Valley High School listen to a variety of different music artists and groups. Finding new songs outside of what people already know can be difficult, especially when most music streaming platforms push what’s popular and not what’s new or unique. Students introducing their peers to new music is one of the best ways to help expand people’s taste and inspire them to discover songs and genres they really enjoy.
Popular music right now is the overplayed music heard walking through the grocery store, the tracks played repeatedly on every radio station, and the songs that you’ve never listened to but somehow know every word of the chorus. Mitzy Godinez, a sophomore at Pahrump Valley High School, said she thinks some of the most popular artists right now are “Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, and Billie Eilish.” Many other students thought of the same few people when it came to who the most widely known singers and songwriters are right now. While everybody has their own interests and preferences, every person has similar influences for what’s popular. It gives everybody something in common with their peers.
There are many genres of music, and thousands of sub-genres. Music grows and changes rapidly all the time, leaving room for really diverse preferences. Kalan Thunderwolf, a freshman, said that he listens to “RnB and hip-hop, mostly 90s and 2000s stuff,” and has strong opinions on how prominent artists, like Michael Jackson, shaped music today. Another freshman, Charisma Woodard, said, “I like any music, but I’m really into different alternative genres and nu metal.” Growing up with music can greatly influence what people listen to. Parents, guardians, or older siblings loving certain genres can lead to an appreciation for those types of sounds.
Talking to peers about music can be intimidating, especially when so many people are obsessed with staying unique or aren’t open to tastes other than their own. Small artists can struggle with getting out there for those same reasons. Tyler Murphy, a freshman at PVHS, said that “Nemzz or Autumn! are artists that definitely deserve more recognition.” Addy Murphy, also a freshman, stated, “Violent Vira is so good, I would love it if more people knew her.” It’s normal to hope that niche musicians stay that way, but getting more popular is what helps build careers. A lot of it depends on fans and introducing the music they love to others.
Music is also a big way that students connect with the people around them. “I think my music taste is pretty different, but you’ll always find that one person who loves the same stuff.” Godinez said. Having friends to share playlists or excitedly talk about concerts with helps teens connect on a deeper level with their peers. Oftentimes students that play instruments themselves feel a lot more comfortable around other people that do the same. Emery Miller-Rocha, a junior said that “as a musician, I think I get a different perspective from my peers that lets me appreciate the technical side of music.” Understanding the work that goes into creating different sounds, and relating with people who can see the same things, is an important aspect of enjoying songs for many people.
Music is an important influence on how students at PVHS see their peers and build their identity. It’s impossible to find two people with the same taste or opinions. Don’t be afraid to talk to classmates about what songs you really enjoy, because it’s an amazing way to discover something new!
