Growing Up with Rock: A Generation Z Perspective

As a member of Generation Z, my musical journey began with 2000s alternative rock, a genre that has become synonymous with my generation. However, my musical education was diverse, with the influence of both 60s and 70s blues and classic rock, 80s metal, and 90s grunge and Britpop standing alongside the mellow tunes of the 2000s. These sounds have shaped my music preferences and tastes over the years, each era leaving a unique imprint on my auditory experience.

The Resurrections of the Music Industry

There have been two significant revivals in the music industry's history - the hippie culture of the late 60s and the 90s grunge movement. Both these eras are deeply revered by fans who grew up in these times, as they are integral to their cultural identity. I, born in the latter part of the 2000s, was indeed immersed in a period of rock music that has come to be known as its 'dark age.' Bands like Blink-182 and Green Day, which were once considered pioneers of punk rock, now seem like relics of a less sophisticated era.

Despite this, there were some hidden gems in the American music industry during the 2000s. Metal bands, more specifically, like Alter Bridge played enduringly good tracks. However, the overall rock music scene was far from impressive. Bands like Three Days Grace and Gaslight Anthem, while tolerable, could not compensate for the larger expanse of mediocre rock music that simply did not resonate with my younger tastes.

Family Influence on Musical Preferences

My father's introduction to my musical life played a significant role in shaping my preferences. He exposed me to a plethora of classic rock artists including Blue Oyster Cult, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. Listening to these earlier rock masters helped me appreciate the roots of the alternative, grunge, and metal that would follow. It was an instrumental part of growing up in a household where music was omnipresent, a constant reminder of the musical heritage we carry.

As I matured, my tastes evolved to include more diverse genres like post-grunge, punk, and a small slice of metal. The shift towards these genres marked a significant departure from the strict boundaries of alternative rock, allowing me to explore a wider spectrum of sounds and styles.

The Decline of Classical and Baroque Music

When it comes to classical and baroque music, I confess to a certain level of apathy. Growing up, my exposure to such music was minimal, and it remained a distant memory. I have, however, come to understand that these genres hold great value for many, and I appreciate several pieces such as Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and some compositions from Bach's Air. However, extensive exposure to orchestral music in general does not appeal to me. In fact, I find it somewhat disorienting, as the continuous playing of different notes by various string and wind instruments often feels lacking in coherence and appeal.

Classical and baroque pieces like Beethoven's Fifth Symphony's opening, "Für Elise," "Ode An die Freude," and "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik," while recognizable and celebrated, often feel overplayed and tiresome. I tend to relate to them more as background music for movies rather than as standalone compositions. One aspect that irritates me is the absence of a drum kit in classical music. In a world where technology and modernization have made drums an omnipresent feature in other genres, the absence of this percussion element feels like a missed opportunity.

If I were to find a genre that combines the richness of classical and baroque music with the energy and intensity of modern sounds, it would undoubtedly be symphonic power metal. This genre offers a perfect blend of classic orchestral elements and the dynamic, heavy sounds that I love. Symphonic power metal not only redefines classical music but also caters to a wide range of listeners who are disillusioned with the perceived monotony of classical music. It is a genre that, to me, represents a harmonious union of the past and the present, old and new, and opens up a world of musical possibilities.