Equally as important to current youth culture as it was to the teens of previous generations, music has an undeniable link with teen identity. While the creation and production of music continues to evolve, the influence on teens remains constant. Helping to bridge the gap between adolescents and adults is the universal language of music. Mountainside senior Josh McDowell and faculty member Mrs. Noah offer some insight into the effect of music on their lives.

Josh McDowell

Favorite Album: The College Dropout

Favorite Artist: Rich Brian

Favorite Song: Can’t Get Over You -Joji

Favorite Genre: R&B

How does your taste in music now differ from when you were younger?

When I was younger I listened to a lot of pop music. Eventually, I saw how popular rap was and would listen to it, but I didn’t even like it at the time.  

Does any piece of music have a memory tied with it?

A lot of the older Kanye tracks have some pretty strong memories tied with them. I listened to them a lot last summer and now every time I hear one it reminds me of summer. Even though it is slightly newer my favorite song would probably be Runaway.

Who is the first artist you can remember falling in love with?

Lil Wayne. His music was absolutely crazy when I first listened to it. There was just so much going on.

How has music impacted your upbringing?

I have always been someone who listens very closely to the lyrics. It changed my view on a lot of things when I would hear artists I respect share their views on various topics.

Mrs. Noah

Favorite Artist: Fits and the Tantrums

Favorite Song: Good As Hell by Lizzo

Genre: Alternative/Americana

How does your taste in music now differ from when you were younger?

I would say it is pretty similar. With all this new technology it has influenced how music has been made, which means the music I like has changed as well.

Does any piece of music have a memory tied with it?

I am a pretty musical person, so a lot of music has memories tied with it. When I was in middle school or high school, me and some friends recorded an album. We would just jam and create some music as friends. There are also some Jason Mraz songs that I have memories tied to.

Who is the first artist you can remember falling in love with?

I was really into Ska so I liked a lot of those bands. There was one crossover band that was a more religious-based called The Supertones that I really liked as well. Some other bands I liked were The Cherry Poppin Daddies and Relient K.

How has music impacted your upbringing?

My husband and I are both very musical people and now that I am a mom we can see the influence on our daughter. She is only two and a half and she is already singing songs or playing them on the piano. While not my own story, I have students who come up to me and tell me about how music has impacted their emotions or guided their lives in other ways.