From Vinyl, Cassette Tapes, & CD’s to Viral Trends: How TikTok is Making This Generation Appreciate Old-School Musi

Aside from being informative and keeping us up-to-date with the happenings in the world, making us laugh, shed tears, and keep us grounded with the motivational pep talks from our honorary internet besties, TikTok has brought back a sense of nostalgia with its trend-driven culture. This app has connected generations through film, music, fashion, and so much more. It’s no lie that this platform has been another promotional tool for many of today’s artists giving space for users all over the world to create viral dances and utilize their music for their videos. Not to mention, it also leaves space for timeless classics to regain popularity in today’s mainstream media.

You know the music our grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles used to jam to? The good ‘ol Saturday morning music our mom would wake us up to so that we can start knocking out those chores? Yep, that music.

Let’s talk about it...

TikTok is giving the younger generation the opportunity to connect with music that the majority of their favorite artists today are inspired by…

This is probably what I can appreciate the most in regards to old-school music and today’s generation. What they are learning everyday is that many of today’s trends, sounds, and more were heavily inspired by generations before them. Some of their favorite artists grew up listening to the timeless sounds of artists such as Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire, and more. 

Classic tracks are regaining popularity…

Because who said timeless classics weren’t still getting acknowledged, recognized, and played today? Those feel good songs that resonated heavily with our grandparents and parents are still getting the flowers they deserve. Djs, content creators, producers, and more are mixing and mashing today’s hottest tracks with old-school music. This also motivates TikTok users to download and stream these tracks which artists can profit from.

Raises Cultural Awareness

Inquiring minds are always interested. Today’s generation is heavily motivated through what’s being talked about, aka what’s trending. Having said, this will encourage them to research and do a little digging on what artist that has them dancing to a popular trend. Old school music carries a rich history with tracks highlighting and sharing what the artists were enduring personally and historically. Music has always been a reflection of societal struggles and conditions. For example, Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” was inspired by Renaldo Benson (who is one of the writers for this track) who witnessed police brutality and violence during a protest held by anti-war activists. The song was also influenced by conversations between Gaye and his brother who had returned home after serving three years in the Vietnam War. One line from a song can lead many wanting to explore the story behind the music, and inspire them to seek knowledge through videos, books, documentaries, and so much more.

Before you go look up mashups on TikTok, let's take a trip down memory lane with songs that can never get old.

Aretha Franklin - Respect

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

Stevie Wonder - Isn't She Lovely

Earth, Wind & Fire - September

Al Green - Let's Stay Together