When rock is mentioned, it often receives a bad reputation, where many people associate it with raw vocals, loud instrumentals, and chaotic energy. However, rock is a lot more than that.
Every genre has its own story, and rock music is one worth uncovering. The rock genre originated in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s as “rock and roll,” emerging from the African-American rhythm and blues (R&B) tradition. From that foundation, it began to develop into a wide range of styles.
Sharing a moment is something that rock has created for many students. Whether that memory is a car ride with a family member or a day at the pool, the encounter with rock music is a memorable time that marks the beginning of a lifelong connection to the music genre. “I used to swim a lot when I was little, and my grandpa would listen to music, and I would have a lot of fun with the music playing. So I guess I really connected the music with those memories,” sophomore Aaron Hurtado expresses. For Aaron, rock isn’t just a genre of music; it’s a piece of the people and moments he hopes to hold onto forever.
For sophomore Diana Galica, it wasn’t the title of the song that stayed with her; it was the feeling of being introduced to something new, a moment shared between two people that rock music quietly made unforgettable. “It was this car ride with my cousin, while he was introducing me to rock. I don’t remember the song, but I just remember that moment,” said Diana.
There is a myth that all rock music sounds the same. But rock comes in many different forms, from classic rock to indie rock and beyond; chances are, there is a subgenre that is made for you.“There’s more variety to it. Not every song is exactly the same, and it could be slower, it could be faster, there are just a bunch of options with it,” states sophomore Isabella Garcia.
Beyond the memories rock creates, these students are enthusiastic to share the artists and songs that first pulled them in. For freshman Miranda Perez, she enjoys listening to The High Court and Circa Survive, with her favorite song being “Alien” by The High Court. Isabella Garcia, a sophomore, is drawn to Alice in Chains, Nirvana, and My Chemical Romance, with her top song being “Serve the Servants” by Nirvana. Sophomore Aaron Hurtado has a preference for Alex G, Coldplay, and Evanescence, naming “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence as his standout. Adding to this, sophomore Diana Galacia highlights Superheaven and Misfits as her artists of choice, with her featured song being “Youngest Daughter” by Superheaven.
At Selma High, rock isn’t a very common genre among the students. “I think it’s more of a personal taste because I feel that students here are more interested in other types of genres rather than rock,” sophomore Diana Galacia says. Even so, the students who do connect with rock share something that becomes a deeply personal part of who they are. They have uncovered the true power of the music and the great toll it can take. When asked to describe rock in just three simple words, each student’s answer varied and reflected exactly what the genre is to them. Rock is a genre that makes everyone feel something different but still moves them in inexplicable ways. Diana described rock as loud, uplifting, and relatable. Aaron called it impactful, adaptive, and descriptive. For Isabella, it was complex, unique, and interesting, and for Miranda, different, emotional, and passionate. While all of these words varied, they still reflected that rock has a way of reaching people that other genres simply don’t. The genre of rock has no single definition, yet one that is easily understood.
Perhaps the greatest highlight of rock is the feeling it brings. “I feel like rock is more energetic. Other genres can be more laid back, and sometimes rock can be too, but rock feels more powerful. The mix of the instruments, along with the vocals,” notes sophomore Aaron Hurtado. As he puts it, the genre lifts you up when you’re feeling down, a jolt of caffeine that leaves you with a sense of aliveness that’s difficult to find anywhere else. Sophomore Diana Galacia agrees. “I listen to rock when I’m in a tired mood, and I just need to be uplifted a little bit.” The ability to shift your energy and mood is something rock does automatically and effortlessly, making it more than just music; it’s a feeling that never fails you.
