Music and Us: Our New Playlist

 Being from England, I feel like we have a lot of culture when it comes to music and also being so close to many countries in Europe I feel like I know quite a bit about other cultures and their music too. I think a big part of that is because of playing soccer and meeting people from all around the world too. The 4 countries am going to talk about is obviously England, then I will talk about Turkey, Spain and lastly Ireland. I understand that these are all in Europe but I feel like these cultures have so much history with music and its something that hopefully people enjoy learning about

The traditional song I chose for England is " The water is Wide" even though this song was created in 1906 and am sure there are older songs out there, this one personally kind of shows how the music in England has been for years and the meanings behind it. This song is about dealing with themes of love, separation and longing, it is normally played with just a guitar or harp melodies which gives it that powerful sound of letting the lyrics be the main stage of attention. the powerful message of the song kind of shows how life can be sometimes and I think people in England, including my self are very passionate about that and how its shows that even though life can be hard sometimes, we keep fighting, which is typical for England hahah. The song is kind of lile storytelling which is very traditional for music in england. For the Modern day music in England, Ive chose the song " Shape of you" by Ed Sheeren, I am sure a lot of people has atleast heard this song once, the song is very modern and has the catchy rythm and melody but also keeps that kind of storytelling culture that England has.  Even though it sounds very different to the other song, it still has the same meaning and storytelling aspect that has been around for years in England.

The next country I will be doing is Turkey, I am doing Turkey because I have been there so many times as We have a holiday home there and the people and whole country its self is amazing as well as the music is very interesting too. For Turkey, I chose the traditional folk song "Üsküdar’a Gider İken," which is one of the most favorite  songs in Turkish culture. The song tells the story of a woman traveling to the district of Üsküdar in Istanbul and has a repetitive, catchy melody that reflects the simplicity and charm of Turkish folk music. The music often features traditional instruments such as the oud (a string instrument), saz (a long-necked lute), and darbuka (a goblet drum). What’s fascinating about this piece is how the melody can evoke both a sense of nostalgia and longing, reflecting the emotional depth often found in Turkish folk traditions. Music in Turkey is not just about melody; it’s about connecting with the audience through emotion and shared history. This song is a great example of how Turkish  music is used to tell stories that are deeply ingrained in the culture. I actually asked a family friend , Tamar is he name, but we call him tommy,  about this song and he said that this song is well known to everyone in Turkey and talks about how many people listen to it still today. Whilst I was on the phone to Tommy, I asked about modern  music and he mentioned the song " Dudu".  a song from Tarkan 1997 album that became popular in tukey. Tarkan is often referred to as the "Prince of Pop" in Turkey, and "Dudu" is an excellent example of how contemporary Turkish music blends Western pop with traditional Turkish sounds. The song's infectious beat and Tarkan's charismatic vocal performance made it a massive hit, demonstrating how Turkish artists have embraced modern pop influences while staying connected to their cultural roots. What I find interesting about this song is how Tarkan incorporates both traditional and modern musical elements, creating a song that bridges the gap between Turkish folk music and the global pop landscape. Of course when Tommy talked about this, is was not explained very different as he basically told me he was the goat hahah. Its interesting though when i listened to the song, how different pop music sounds in differnet countries 

The next country I did was Spain, I have quite a lot of friends of spain , so When doing my research, I spoke to Asier, he is a friend I use to play soccer with in St louis. He told me about Asturias (Leyenda)" by Isaac Albéniz. which is played by a guitar. He mentioned how its technically not a traditional piece of music buts its traditional in how it is deeply rooted in Spanish culture and evokes the intense passion and rhythm of Spanish music. He tells me that he is one of most famous classical guitar works, and its driving rhythm and fiery, fast-paced tempo reflect the dramatic energy of Spain's cultural heritage, particularly the flamenco traditions. The piece was inspired by the northern region of Asturias, and its use of Spanish modes and rhythmic patterns captures the essence of Spain’s folk music influences in a classical context. What makes "Asturias" stand out is how it expresses the raw, powerful emotions found in Spanish music, transcending cultural boundaries and becoming an iconic piece in the world of classical guitar. Its cool to see that even though, the music might not be technically traditional , but asier says that it is because it shows how the culture of spain is. When I asked about modern music, Asier mentioned "Bailando" by Enrique Iglesias, featuring Sean Paul and Descemer Bueno. He says how the song’s rhythm, catchy chorus, and vibrant energy capture the spirit of Spanish-language pop, while also embracing global musical trends as well. Even though it may sound different to the traditional song, it still has that vibrabt upbeat sound that represnets spanish people and their culture.

The last country I am picking is Ireland, The traditional song that I know off because of my Nana as she is irish, Is the song " The Wild Rover" This is one of the most famous irish songs and is often perfromed in pubs where people sing and clap along. If you know anything about irleand, their pub scene is one of a kind. The amount of good vibes you see is immaculate.The song tells the story of a man who regrets his wild and irresponsible life, and it has a catchy, repetitive chorus that invites participation. It is typically played on instruments like the tin whistle, fiddle, and accordion, all of which are staples of Irish folk music. What’s interesting about "The Wild Rover" is how it has transcended generations, often serving as a rallying cry for Irish communities worldwide. It’s a great example of how Irish folk music can both reflect personal and national identity, with its lively rhythm and sense of community. For modern music, I had to do my own research because My Nana said to me " I dont listen to that rubbish" which made me laugh as am sure your Grandma might of said the same hahah. I chose the Song " Take my hand" by the band Picture this. This band is known for  blending indie pop with a catchy, feel-good vibe. "Take My Hand" became a hit both in Ireland and internationally. The song combines upbeat pop melodies with the emotional, relatable lyrics of a love song, and it features a modern, radio-friendly sound. What’s interesting about "Take My Hand" is that it represents a shift in contemporary Irish music, as Picture This captures the energy and optimism of a new generation, while maintaining a sense of authenticity that resonates with both Irish and global audiences. The band's fusion of indie pop with elements of rock shows how Irish artists are embracing contemporary genres while adding their unique cultural touch. Picture This is a perfect example of how modern Irish music is evolving to meet global trends, making it accessible yet distinct.