Why Are We Not Informed About Non-English-Speaking Country Music?

It's a question that has perplexed many music enthusiasts: why are we not more informed about the incredible music being produced outside of English-speaking countries? The answer lies in a combination of factors, including the dominance of Western music industries and a lack of exposure to other cultural sounds. This article unpacks why this perception is flawed and how technology is changing the landscape of global music discovery.

Who's 'We'?

When we ask why we're not informed about the music of countries other than English-speaking ones, we're often referring to people within English-speaking countries. In reality, this question applies to music fans worldwide who have a limited view of the global music scene.

In many of these countries, the main focus remains on local and English-language music. Mainstream radio and popular media often prioritize domestic and English-speaking artists. However, with the advent of the internet and streaming services, it has become easier than ever to explore and appreciate music from around the world.

Unveiling the Global Music Landscape

Fortunately, the internet has eliminated many of the barriers to discovery. With a few clicks, you can explore thousands of genres and artists from diverse cultural backgrounds. This editorial showcases the ease of accessing non-English-speaking music and provides insights into how the music industry is evolving.

Access to Music from All Over the World

It is indeed true that the music industry tends to focus on high-volume English-language music. However, when you know where to look, it's surprisingly easy to find music from every corner of the globe. A quick search for 'French hip-hop' or 'Japanese bossa nova' can reel in a plethora of unheard-before music.

For instance, in just one week, you could discover music from Lebanon, Brazil, France, Portugal, and Japan. Add in some English-language pop from Taylor Swift, and you have a diverse musical palette at your fingertips. A random search on platforms like YouTube or SoundCloud can introduce you to a world of new sounds and genres.

Changing Trends and Global Sensations

Of course, it's not just English-language music that dominates the global music scene. The landscape has been shifting for the past couple of decades. Let's take a closer look at some of the notable trends:

BTS and K-pop: BTS, the Korean pop group, has been the biggest non-American pop group since the end of 2016. They've maintained this position with no signs of slowing down. Their success has also brought global attention to K-pop, with Korean groups now touring the US frequently. Japanese Pop and Rock: Japanese rock, Visual Kei, and J-pop have had a significant presence since the 1990s, largely due to anime and the influence of Western pop culture. This influence has only amplified over time, making these genres more accessible to global audiences. Latin America: Latin American music has long been part of the American music scene, thanks to the proximity of Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico and the large number of Spanish speakers in the US. This has created a rich tapestry of musical styles. French Music: French music has also seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly due to French-Canadian and Mexican music. The proximity of these regions to parts of the US has contributed to this trend.

Historical Collaboration and Global Promotion

Before the widespread accessibility of the internet, Western artists would travel to 'exotic' locations to collaborate with local musicians and bring those sounds home. This collaboration led to the promotion of less-known artists, such as Ravi Shankar, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Hossam Ramzy. Artists like Peter Gabriel and George Harrison were instrumental in promoting world music through events like WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) and through their own musical projects.

Jimmy Page's support of J-rock in the 1990s was another significant moment in the promotion of music from other countries. These collaborative efforts were pivotal in broadening the horizons of music fans and introducing them to new sounds and cultural perspectives.

Bringing the Spoon to Ourselves

While it's true that the world is becoming more interconnected and diverse, there's still a significant tendency for people to consume the culture presented to them. In essence, if you expect to be spoon-fed a specific culture, you'll often receive the culture of the person holding the spoon. However, with the tools and resources available today, it's time to take the spoon and explore the vast world of non-English-speaking music on your own.

Discovering and appreciating music from around the world is not an insurmountable task. It's a matter of curiosity and a willingness to explore. Whether you're a music enthusiast or just curious about the world, there's a wealth of non-English-speaking music waiting to be discovered. The next time you feel the urge to listen to something new, why not give music from other countries a try?