Canadian Music: It's an Art...

Canada Rocks?

Isn't music amazing? I thought so, too. Music is something that surrounds us in every sphere of life. Canadian music is something I've come across more recently during my six months here in Canada. Canadian artists are famous world over. Take Celine Dion and Bryan Adams, for instance: everyone as far as India know about these artists. They're Canadian and Canada can be proud of them.

The National Post featured an article I remember reading quite some time ago. The article featured Roger Faxon, CEO of EMI Publishing, and was speaking about the vast amounts of musical talent in Canada. It featured a long quote from Faxon, from which this is taken: "...most people in the world don't see Canada that way, they don't see it as being a distinctive universe of music. But it is." In my opinion, Faxon is correct, for my iPod has a number of songs by Canadian artists: Nickelback, Drake, Sam Roberts, Arcade Fire, a bit of Deadmau5, Bryan Adams and, more recently, the Arkells. Canadian music: that is the factor that unites all these artists together.

I've noticed many Canadians who are not the biggest fans of Canadian artists, Nickelback in particular. The other day in class when my alarm accidentally went off to Nickelback's "Rockstar" in class, I sensed a bit of scorn. No, guys, I'm not mocking those who were present in class that day, I'm just saying that that unfortunate incident opened my eyes and got me to do some thinking, the result of which you see in your hands today. In such a large country that has seen three distinct groups of people (the Aboriginals, the British and the French), one wouldn't be surprised at the vast musical heritage of Canada. With America as neighbours, it's no wonder that a fusion of ideas from Canadians and Americans has given rise to Canadian music.

I don't want to brag, but I've already managed to learn the Canadian national anthem (through the numerous sports broadcasts I've conducted), and I find it an interesting and apt anthem. Take "The Hockey Song" for example; it's amazing how one song managed to unite a nation for years. Unfortunately, I never got to hear it on Hockey Night in Canada, but I do enjoy listening to it on YouTube.

I'm guessing it's largely due to the fact that we never really enjoy something unless it goes away. Perhaps that is when more people will realize the rich, varied heritage that Canadian music has. I know the world would be a different place without some of the artists I mentioned above. Imagine a world without the song "My Heart Will Go On." I think I've made my point here with this example. Though frowned upon by some people, Canadian music is something I find fascinating – that is, unless it's by a certain teenage boy.

Originally Written for the Interrobang: http://www.fsu.ca/interrobang_article.asp?storyID=8148&sectionID=2&issueID=197
Image Credit: http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/canadarocks-esky-0407-240x3.jpg
Video Credit:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKc-kstjHrg