Jan 23rd, 2025

Our New Playlist

In this blog post, I’ll talk about four different types of music from different places: K-pop from South Korea, folk Sicilian music from Italy, traditional Japanese koto music, and modern Puerto Rican music. Each genre offers something special, whether it’s catchy rhythms, emotional lyrics, or a mix of cultural influences. 

K-pop (Asia)

K-pop, or Korean pop music, comes from South Korea and has become really popular around the world. It is a modern genre of music. It mixes traditional Korean music with Western styles. So, it creates a catchy sound that sticks in your head. I wanted to talk about K-pop because I love the music, and its melodies are so easy to remember. I have a lot of K-pop songs on my Spotify playlist. What I find interesting about K-pop is how it blends different types of music from different cultures, making it popular worldwide. Plus, the choreography in K-pop music videos and concerts is amazing. The song I chose to feature was Pink Venom by K-pop girl group BlackPink. It uses a geomungo which is a traditional Korean plucked chordophone. 

Folk Sicilian Music (Europe)

Folk Sicilian music is a type of traditional Italian music from Sicily. It's known for its rich harmonies, meaningful lyrics, and emotional depth. This style of music has always been an important part of Italy’s culture, passed down through generations and celebrated in many different settings. I decided to feature folk Sicilian music because of my Italian roots—my grandfather was Italian—and I wanted to learn more about my musical heritage. I find Sicilian music fascinating because of its beautiful harmonies. The song I chose to share is Cu Ti Lu Dissi (Who Ever Told You), performed by Amanda Pascali. Pascali is a well-known bilingual singer and songwriter, famous for her performances of immigrant American folk songs.

Traditional Japanese Music (Asia)

Traditional Japanese music often features the koto. The koto is a traditional plucked chordophone with thirteen strings. The koto is pretty large so it is typically played while sitting on the floor. Similar to the Kora, it is played using the thumbs and index fingers of both hands. I was inspired to feature koto music after watching the anime Kono Ote Tomare (translated as Sounds of Life), which centers around a competitive koto group. I find koto interesting because of the instrument's rich timbre. I chose to feature a koto performance by Enokido Fuyuki.

Puerto Rico Modern Music (North America)

I chose to feature Puerto Rican modern music because of its unique blend of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and contemporary styles. While Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, its music is deeply rooted in Afro-Caribbean influences. The musicians are mixing tradition with other cultural influences (syncretism). This helps preserve Puerto Rico's cultural identity while keeping the music fresh and exciting. I chose to feature this genre after noticing that a Puerto Rican artist, Bad Bunny, had the majority of his songs at the top of the global Spotify charts. I find this genre interesting because of its dance-like feel and the blend of cultures in the music. I chose to feature BAILE INoLVIDABLE by Bad Bunny. Bad Bunny is the Puerto Rican artist featured at the top of the global Spotify charts.

In conclusion, music from different places around the world helps us understand each culture. From the global popularity of K-pop to the emotional sound of Sicilian folk music, the unique koto music from Japan, and the lively mix of Afro-Caribbean and modern styles in Puerto Rican music, each type of music is special in its own way. I have enjoyed learning about these diverse cultures and their music.