The Artists Behind My Musical Journey

Music, or more specifically, individual artists and bands, can be the gateway to a whole new world of genres and sounds. For me, this journey started with a mix of genres, including Korean pop (Kpop), rock, and classic rock, all thanks to a variety of artists that deeply influenced my musical tastes. Below, I share the story of these artists and how they shaped my musical journey.

Korean Pop and the Kpop Duo 2NE1

2NE1 Trouble Maker Duo and Big Bang:

'Round about 10 years ago, when I first stumbled upon Kpop on YouTube, the beauty and musicality of Kpop, especially with 2NE1's Trouble Maker Duo and Big Bang, really caught my attention. Even though it was in a different language, the melodies were catchy, and the girls were incredibly beautiful—especially the Asian girls, which I found irresistible. Discovering these artists led me to explore KARA, MOMOLAND, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and Girls' Generation, among others. While I'm not a huge fan of Kpop as a whole, the initial exposure to these artists sparked my interest and introduced me to a new type of music.

Willie Nelson: A Life-Changing Concert Experience

Willie Nelson:

As a teenager, I attended a Willie Nelson concert at Perth Entertainment Centre with my friends. Witnessing his performance first-hand was a life-changing experience. Not only did we get to take a photo with him and have his CD signed, but the most memorable moment was when the wind blew away his CD cover. Excited about this concert, I bought the ticket for just $3.00, and the opening act was Crazy Horse sans Neil Young. The concert by Yes was especially impactful, led by the band's distinctive sound and live performance. Later in life, I've seen the various configurations of Yes and other 'progressive' bands, but nothing has quite matched the initial eye-opening experience with Anderson Bruford Wakeman and Howe. It was truly the best $3.00 I have ever spent.

Rock and the Beatles: The Beginning

Beatles:

My journey into rock music officially began with the Beatles. Their music and unique style were simply timeless, and I quickly fell in love with the genre. From there, I branched out to other artists and genres, each with their own unique charm and influence.

Additional Favorite Genres and Artists

Rock, Roll, and Pop:

50s Rock Roll: Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran Pop: Backstreet Boys, Jonas Brothers, One Direction Pop Punk: All Time Low, Simple Plan, Blink 182, Boy Like Girls Country: Hank Williams, Kenny Rogers, George Strait Folk: Woodie Guthrie, Peter Paul Mary, Joan Baez, Simon Garfunkel, Bob Dylan Soul: Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Sam Dave Pop Rock: R5, OneRepublic, McFly, Bleachers for Indie music

Each of these artists has played a significant role in shaping my musical tastes and broadening my horizons. They have initiated my passion for rock, introduced me to various subgenres, and provided me with a diverse soundtrack to my life.

Conclusion

Music, in all its forms, has a unique ability to influence us deeply. I have come to appreciate different genres and artists over the years, each with their own distinct influence on my musical journey. Whether it's the captivating Kpop, the mesmerizing progressive rock, or the timeless classics of the Beatles, these artists have all left a lasting impact on my life.