Berry Gordy, Jr. was committed to creating ‘crossover’ music. What does ‘crossover’ music mean?
Crossover music is defined by the music being popular in two differing record charts at the same time. For the people involved in the making and sale of the album, this means more profit as two different audiences are brought together by the cross-over music. One of the most highly successful cross-over artists is Taylor Swift, whose music is hugely popular among the country and pop audiences. Her music successfully crosses over because of its universal messages and easy going sound.
Her sound is based on country music, but the rhythm is easily understood by pop listeners as well. Ms. Swift is highly in touch with her emotions and is not ashamed to let people see the chinks in her armor through her music. Luckily, she knows how to carefully balance her country sound with the pop beat, producing some of the most popular crosses over recordings in music history.
Do you think there is a strong and powerful youth culture today?
The youth culture of today is stronger than ever. The new generation has the ability and the tools to get their message across to the whole world through their music. Unlike during the time of rock ‘n’ roll when music that vaguely expressed the sentiments of its time due to censorship issues, the youth of today do not have to deal with that.
They can openly express their sentiments through rap, hip-hop, r’n’b, pop, or even experimental musical styles. Music is a friend of today’s youth. A young person may not be able to carry a tune, but if that person can carry a rhyme, then he can still make music through rap music. Today’s youth culture is all about creating stories and breaking new ground. That cannot be more evident than in the way they utilize technology to create new, exciting, yet experimental music styles.
Hip-hop and rap became a global phenomenon; in your opinion, why?
Hip-hop and rap became a global phenomenon because music is all about releasing pure, raw emotion. Sentiments and opinions are released without qualms and add to the voice of the generations. But just like all kinds of music, it has to struggle to remain relevant in modern times.
This is done by allowing the music to evolve by allowing it to shine as a part of another genre, such as the pop and rap/hip hop collaborations made popular these days by the likes of LFO and M.O.P. or even Justin Beiber and Usher. This is the future of popular music.
Pop music will always be a standard; it can always stand a little tweaking and refreshing through collaborations with other “standard” and “experimental” sounds. American popular music will be filled with collaborations that will make the listeners stand up and take notice of the new sounds being produced.
Challenges and issues in discussing Asian Americans and Asian American music
There is no real definition of Asian American music. Mainly because Asian American Music reflects an amalgam of different Asian races that inhabit our country. Since Asia is a huge continent with each country having its musical style and history, the challenges and issues facing this particular type of music are ten-fold.
Asian American music can more likely be seen as a political party than an actual type of music. Quite recently, we saw a hot Asian American burst onto the music scene; Half Filipino Bruno Mars is already well on his way towards breaking through the barrier that stands between Asian American and American pop music. It is all just a matter of time now. He has attracted the likes of Paris Hilton and Ashley Tisdale to his music and continues to draw more and more regular Americans to his unique laid back sound.
To what degree do you think interchange between Mexico and the U.S. is influencing American popular music?
Those who cross the U.S.-Mexico border legally should be welcomed with open arms as part of the productive part of our society. Those who cross the border illegally though should be sent back since their illegal entry causes tremendous stress on U.S. – Mexico relations. The phrase “Welcome to America” should not be taken at face value. Only those who enter the country as legal guests should be admitted and shown hospitality, illegals should be frowned upon.
The interchange between the U.S. and Mexico has already been strongly influencing American popular music since the late 1990s. The Latin beat has successfully integrated itself into our idea of what pop music should be. Lending its flavor to some of our well-loved popular songs. It is even part of the main culture of those residing in Miami, where the Latin American influence is at its strongest and most influential.
Would you agree or disagree that salsa now has become mainstream in the U.S. and also an international phenomenon?
Thanks to the influence of dance shows such as “Dancing With The Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” and “Live to Dance,” Salsa dancing has finally hit the big-time. It is a part of the cultural phenomenon known as ballroom dancing and has gained widespread acceptance within the mainstream dance crowd. Salsa may have come from Latin roots, but it is a living form of dance.
As such, it continues to evolve and imbibe other various executions which make the dance even more exciting to not only move your body too but more exciting to watch as well. Salsa music is one of the most requested dance tunes at any dance club, and also has the most number of executions available to dance to. Not to mention that the music itself has continued to evolve and now even includes American pop songs executed with a Latin Salsa flair.