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Culture as Told Through Music

The video above covers the evolution of Mexican music from the 1830s to today's modern genre called "Corridos Tumbados." The video was created by Amazon Music to highlight the creator of the genre, Natanael Cano. Cano was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, a Mexican state bordering the U.S. state of Arizona. His achievements have opened up a new genre for various artists to expand.

Mexico gained independence from the Viceroyalty of New Spain in 1821. The Amazon Music video mentions the Europeans' introduction of polka and folk music in the decade after independence. Although Europeans introduced it, Mexican rural farm workers adopted certain parts of their beats or instruments and made a new genre. One artist mentioned, Narciso Martinez, made music inspired by polka and folk music with a new Mexican twist. As time passed, artists decided to use different instruments and add lyrics personal to the Mexican experience. The genres began to distinguish themselves from the origins of European music. Iconic Mexican artists began to rise as the genre, like Mexico, gained its independence from Europe.

There seems to be a parallel between the music and the country of Mexico. As the country gained independence, along with its people, the music also diverged from Europe. Music reflects a country, within it, the people, regions, and beliefs. The music lyrics during various periods reflect the culture and beliefs of the time. Music made during wartime often reflects nationalism and support or mourning and fear. Likewise, the music in Mexico during the 1930s began to separate from Spain's influence as the country did. One example is the rise in music telling the average Mexican story of the time. This pattern stuck as corridos today tell anecdotes of individuals or collective stories. Last semester, I wrote a paper about the song Jaula de Oro by Los Tigres del Norte, in which I analyzed the meanings behind the corrido. The song tells the collective and unheard story of undocumented Mexican immigrants into the United States. The song is from 1984 and is a relatively modern example of the narratives Mexican people hold today. Today, Mexico's music has gone beyond its borders into Spanish-speaking Latin America and brought into the U.S. through Mexican-American people. Mexico has grown its identity since its independence as a country and through its music. Analyzing the lyrics and music of a country reveals aspects of its history one may otherwise not know. Crucial information, narratives, and anecdotes are to be learned through culture-specific music. I would love to hear people share how their culture's music reflects their history and modern styles. Comment down below!