SINGER TODAY,
LEGEND TOMORROW

Artists such as Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson have maintained cultural relevance decades after their golden days. DBHS students speculate on which artists of today will become icons of the future.

Music. It has brought people together for centuries. While many artists have disappeared as quickly as they appeared, some musicians have been able to withstand the test of time and continue to influence listeners far beyond their glory days or even their natural life.

It is hard to imagine what the modern day music industry would be like without influences like David Bowie, Madonna and the Rolling Stones. What artists of today will also have their names written in the history books as some of the most well-remembered artists?

Senior Myra Mayr predicts that contemporary R&B singer Beyonce as well as ballad singers Ed Sheeran and Adele will stick around for the coming decades.

Since her debut as a part of Destiny’s Child in 1997, Beyonce has remained an influential performer in the music industry. Since her debut as a soloist in 2003 with the album “Dangerously in Love,” she has become one of the best selling artists of all time.

English ballad singer Adele has been in the music industry for 11 years while singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran released his debut album eight years ago. Both have shown popularity from a wide range of listeners, garnering attention from audiences worldwide as well.

Mayr also stated that she believes that rappers Drake and Kanye West will also be remembered for their impact.

Drake released his first mixtape in 2006 and his first studio album in “Thank Me Later” four years later. He has continued to release both studio albums and mixtapes since he first stepped out into the musical limelight.

Fashion icon and rapper Kanye West will be remembered for more than just his albums. Originally setting out as a producer in 2000, he first debuted as a rapper in 2004 and has continued to release albums consistently, with his most recent “The Life of Pablo” in 2016. West is also popular for the clothing collaborations he has had with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Nike and, most well-known, his YEEZY collection with Adidas.

“I think Drake will be one just because he has kind of been a constant ever since the 2000s especially. I think also Kanye just because of the influence not just because of his music but also his fashion,” Mayr said.

Senior Eugene Jeon believes that popular country turned pop singer Taylor Swift and rapper Jay-Z will remain on playlists for years to come.

Debuting as a country singer at the age of 14, her self-titled debut album in 2006 hit the top of the charts. Since then, her discography has shifted from her start as a country artist to a more conventional  pop sound. Her most recent release “Reputation” last year topped both the UK and US charts.

“Definitely Taylor Swift. She’s just like very mainstream, but she’ll be remembered,” Jeon said.

Junior Kelly Chan mentioned Chance the Rapper as another artist that will be recognized for years to come.

“He was very small [on SoundCloud]. He wasn’t making money off of his music, everyone could listen for free so that everyone could enjoy it. So I think that his audience is really big and diverse,” Chan said.

As a relatively younger artist, Chance the Rapper originally got his start on SoundCloud with the release of his debut mixtape “10 Day” in 2012. It was his third album that shot him to fame, “Coloring Book,” was the first ever streaming-only album to be nominated for a Grammy;it went on to win three awards that night.

Senior Jacob Corletto sees English virtual band Gorillaz as another constant in the music industry.

The 2D virtual band was created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett in 1998. The “band” consists of four digital band members, with Albarn playing all the parts, which are featured in their music videos and other shorts on their YouTube channel. It has had numerous collaborations with other artists such as Andre 3000.

“I grew up listening to them. My older siblings grew up listening to them. And now my younger cousins are growing up listening to them. Their way of just reinventing themselves and trying new things, I think that they will probably stick around,” Corletto said.

With music, old or new, there is always a new song to discover that may open your eyes and heart to a new world.

“Music is a different way to bond and socialize with people. With music, even when times get tough or when you’re super happy, music will always be there.” Jeon said.

With the coming and going of numerous music acts, it is nearly impossible to predict what musicians will still be relevant when our generation has matured. However, there are some who will certainly make their mark on the music industry like the artists of old.

Beyonce Knowles-Carter is one of the artists who many believe will endure as a music icon. She has won 22 Grammy awards, the second most of any female artist. GOTCELEB.COM