International Music Increasing in Popularity in the U.S.

International or world music has never been onereleases as a solo artist. Gabriel is also the creator
of the most popular genres for U.S. audiences,of WOMAD, the World of Music, Arts and Dance
perhaps due to the adherence of American youthmovement.
culture to trendsetting musical styles. In recentInternational music popularity in the U.S. has grown
years, however, international music has becomesteadily over the last few years, which is
something of a cult phenomenon, even amongespecially interesting considering the decline of
smaller segments of the nation's youth.many other far more traditionally popular styles
Modern international music is typified by theof music. Many international music artist that have
convergence of traditional folk from variousenjoyed popularity in other countries are finding an
corners of the globe and modern rhythmicaudience stateside, and a few are even able to
accompaniment. Often, multiple styles are meshedtour under their record label sponsors.
to form an intricate weave of patterns andStill, the question remains. Why, after so many
melodies that result in a worldly flavor reminiscentyears of relative obscurity, has international music
of the early indigenous music heard in Subincreased in popularity in the U.S.?
Saharan Africa but with 21st century appeal. ManyIn all probability, the musicians that have produced
styles are represented by international musichighly popular music in the US over the last
artists, some of which lean more toward theseveral years are in great part, responsible. Many
primal and folk genres while others are a mixturehip hop and R&B artists as well as those from
of African, Cuban, Middle Eastern, Australian,pop and rock have released popular tracks that
South American and Asian traditional music.feature relatively unknown world music luminaries
Several prominent recording artist of the last fewin a backup role. This has allowed many
decades have delved into international themes,international music artists to get their name and
which has had a positive, though small, effect ontheir sound into the public consciousness. As more
the genre as a whole. Paul Simon's multi-platinumand more mainstream artist delve deeper into the
?Graceland? album was one of the first examplespool of international acts and musicians to
of a popular artist adding world music sensibilitiesseparate their sound, this trend is likely to
to traditional songwriting structures. Peter Gabrielcontinue.
has played no small part in the propagation ofTo learn more about International Music visit our
international music, and has included some tracksblog.
that could be classified as such on almost all of his