Beyond a Mental Vacation: The Value of Exploring Global Music
In a world that feels simultaneously more connected and less connected than ever, it's easy to stick to the familiar rhythms and melodies of our own cultures. But just like traveling to a new country opens your mind, exploring music from other nations and cultures offers an wonderfully enriching journey for your ears and your soul.
The music we grew up with is intrinsic to our personal story and our traditions. Every culture on Earth has its own music that reflects its unique history and beliefs. Music is the perfect cultural ambassador to help us understand new or unfamiliar cultures. It's how we learn about the intricate rhythmic complexities of West African drumming, the melancholic beauty of a Japanese koto, the vibrant storytelling of Latin American folk songs, the spiritual depth of Indian classical ragas.
Embracing music from other countries and cultures offers a wealth of boons beyond the benefits of the music we know.
Each new genre or style you explore is a window into a different culture. we discover diverse instruments, vocal techniques, lyrical themes, and emotional expressions. When you listen to a sorrowful Fado from Portugal or a joyful Bollywood song, you connect with the feelings of people you may never meet.
Exposure to new sounds, structures, and instruments sparks creativity in new ways, often taking us in a different direction when it comes to our interests or artistic endeavors. Just as trying new foods expands our taste buds, exploring global music pushes our musical boundaries. It makes us more adventurous and discerning listeners.
Finding a new favorite artist from an unexpected corner of the globe or feeling moved by a song whose lyrics you don't understand is always a thrill and keeps your mind curious, engaged, and open. "World music" is my favorite genre actually (aside from cinematic soundtracks). And I've been a daily listener of Cirque du Soleil's music since I first discovered them in the late '80s. I can't rave about this genre enough. Without it, there are so many beloved instruments I may never have had occasion to hear.
Above and beyond melodies and beats, music from different cultures connects us to our fellow humans around the globe in a meaningful non-political way.
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Today's Action Prompt: Choose a country or culture whose music you know little about. Spend 15-20 minutes today looking for and listening to some of theirmusic on a streaming platform. What new sounds or feelings does it evoke for you? Do you prefer their traditional forms of that genre's music, or more modern songs?