Rock music is not dead - it is evolving, adapting, and thriving as it intermingles with other genres and embraces a wider audience.
Image: Pexels/Markusspiske
Rock music has long been more than mere sound; it has been a pulsating heartbeat of popular culture, shaping generations, driving youth movements, and echoing through walls of rebellion.
Yet, as the musical landscape shifts, a pressing question has emerged: Is rock music truly dead, or is it merely evolving? This inquiry, while justifiable, merits deeper exploration rather than a simplistic yes or no response.
In recent years, mainstream charts have seen genres such as hip hop, pop, Amapiano, and Gqom, rise to prominence, igniting fears that rock music is fading into obscurity. However, the enduring spirit of rock is undeniably alive.
The past decade has seen not only a rejuvenation of interest in classic rock bands but also the emergence of innovative new artists, infusing rock with fresh energy and perspectives.
While some may perceive the shift towards more commercial genres as a sign of rock's decline, it is essential to recognise that music does not exist in rigid categories.
Artists today blend genres, borrowing from one another to create a rich tapestry that keeps music alive and dynamic.
For example, in DJ Khaled’s hit “Wild Thoughts”, featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller, we hear a classic Santana guitar riff woven seamlessly into a contemporary pop track.
This type of genre-mixing is indicative of rock's influence, which is far from dead. As long as artists continue to innovate and blend sounds, the essence of rock music persists.
Rock music is not dead - it is evolving, adapting, and thriving as it intermingles with other genres and embraces a wider audience.
Image: Pexels/Markusspiske
Concerns surrounding overcommercialisation also plague rock music enthusiasts, with many fearing that the genre's vitality diminishes as it gains traction on platforms like TikTok.
This concern, however, should not be viewed as a threat; rather, it is a testament to rock's undying appeal.
Music should not be condemned simply because it reaches a broader audience. The temptation to discredit popular music trends is an unhealthy mindset.
Music, in all its forms, can be beneficial and therapeutic, and no genre should be reserved for a select few. Simply because a sound becomes mainstream does not mean it loses its value or authenticity.
Major festivals such as Glastonbury, KarooRocks, Oppikoppi, and Coachella have featured an exciting range of rock acts among diverse line-ups that reflect contemporary tastes.
Bands like The Parlotones, Fokofpolisiekar, and Springbok Nude Girls, alongside newer groups such as Man As Machine, are a testament to rock's resilience. These artists continue to capture the hearts of audiences.
With their events consistently drawing large crowds, one must question: Which rock music is considered dead?
In truth, the revival of rock among younger listeners is an encouraging development worth celebrating.
The increasing popularity of both modern and classic rock among youths is a positive development for the genre.
This revival will undoubtedly influence emerging artists and inspire further creative innovations, ensuring that there will always be new music to discover.
Just because rock sounds different today than it did in decades past does not imply that it is fading away. Instead, it is presenting itself in a new light.
In conclusion, rock music is not dead. It is evolving, adapting, and thriving as it intermingles with other genres and embraces a wider audience.
Instead of fearing a loss of authenticity, we should embrace this evolution, celebrating the continual transformation that will keep rock music alive for generations to come.