Can't Stop the Beat: How Music Shapes Culture

Music stands as a powerful force that shapes cultures, transcending language barriers and connecting people in unique ways. From the rhythmic beats of ancient drums to the pulsating basslines of modern pop, music has always been a mirror reflecting the values, emotions, and stories of society.

In 2008, a team of researchers from Oxford University found Aurignacian flutes in a cave in Germany, carved from ivory and bone, dating as far back as 43,000 years ago. Although these instruments may seem ancient compared to today, they still serve the same purpose; an extension for human expression. Across different cultures and throughout history, music has been used as a way for human beings to symbolize who we are, and how we connect with others around us. In Indonesia, Balinese Gamelan is a traditional performance featuring many percussive instruments such as gongs, drums, and xylophones. Gamelan music is used both in social gatherings as well as religious ceremonies, and reflects traditional Balinese values such as community, balance and harmony. Across the globe in Western Africa, there are various drumming traditions that get passed down from generation to generation, contributing to cultures becoming based around social events and dance movements.

Modernization has allowed for cross-cultural influences to make their way into music. One prime example would be the Beatles. Although they were a British band, they shot to new levels of fame after visiting America. Today, new technologies have allowed musicians to increase the diversity of the worldwide musical database, resulting in some new genres such as Afrobeat (traditional African rhythms with electronic music) and Reggaeton (hip-hop and latin beats).

Music isn't just a sound; it's a cultural phenomenon that weaves the threads of tradition, unity, change, and emotion into the tapestry of our collective human experience. It has always influenced cultures all over the world, but with increased modernization, the fusion of different cultures within music has reached new heights!