Music is something that brings many people together, but students and teachers may not always agree on what sounds good. Many teachers usually listen to songs they liked when they were younger, songs that are familiar and bring back memories. Students, however, are always finding new music on apps like Tik Tok and Spotify, where they discover the latest hits and new artists.

Sophomore Mike Ortega was asked whether he thinks the older generation is out of touch with modern music. He said, “They aren’t too focused on mainstream artists in 2024,” meaning that students today pay more attention to what’s trending right now. Senior Janice Lopez said, “No, I don’t think they are because we have music played everywhere now. It’s not just on the radio or something but they don’t like it because it’s vulgar”. For students, explicit content is a normal part of music, but it can make it harder for older generations to connect with modern songs.

A good artist makes songs that are fun and easy to listen to and remember. Junior, Brayan Morales said, “I think a good artist is someone who makes catchy songs, like Travis Scott and Playboi Carti.” He says, “My generation has a better taste in music because we have more variety and the songs are more catchy.” Many students feel the same, liking music that’s not only different but also fun and easy to listen to.

Students also feel they have a better grasp of modern music, Junior Kimberlin Pineda, said “I listen to a lot of genres, like alternative/indie, metal/hard rock, dreamy/atmospheric” valuing “well-thought lyrics because it gives emotional depth.” She likes how music expresses strong feelings and ideas that match her life and experiences.

For example, Mike said “I listen to indie and chill rap”, which he feels has a different vibe compared to older music. Many students share this view, as they are most likely to connect with the music that reflects their experiences and interests. Senior, Janice Lopez enjoys listening to “R&B, hip hop, and pop” with artists like “Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, and Tyler the Creator”. Many students feel their generation understands music better than older generations, explaining, “We talk about more of a variety of genres. Back then it was just mostly love.”

While students have strong opinions about music and stay connected to modern trends, teachers often have different tastes shaped by their own experiences. Their music choices are usually influenced by what they grew up listening to, which can feel very different from what students enjoy today. This difference shows how music connects to each generation in its own way, creating a divide in what each group finds enjoyable. 12th grade counselor, Mr. Cuevas, like many teachers, has a broad taste in music, listing “Frank Sinatra, Luis Miguel, and Metallica” as some of his favorites. He enjoys a variety of genres, saying, “I listen to everything”, reflecting how teachers often appreciate music from different styles and eras.

Teachers like Ms. Puentes, the College Advisor, often have broad music tastes, shaped by what they grew up with and the music they’ve discovered over time. Puentes names “Frank Sinatra, Amy Winehouse, and Aretha Franklin” as her favorites and enjoys genres like “Classic, rock hip hop, classical, and jazz”. Teachers tend to value meaningful lyrics story telling, with Mr. Cuevas sharing, “A good artist is someone that can tell a story through music.” Many teachers see the 80s as a golden age, with Mr. Cuevas calling it the foundation for many new artists and noting how songs from that time are still being sampled for today.

Ms. Puentes believes students have a more mixed taste now, saying “Today’s generation has a more eclectic taste in music.” Like other teachers, she continues to discover new artists sometimes with the help from her kids, who introduced her to “Chapelle Roan, Kendrick Lamar, and Laufey”