Each week, Holly and I have been interviewing teens to give you the inside scoop on what's going on with them today. However, every now and then we may switch it up and focus on what's trending now, according to them.
Just the other day, my cousin and I (who are both educators) were discussing how our students are raving over one band in particular...and that band just happens to be Avenged Sevenfold.
Who are these guys? They're a rock band from Cali that formed around 1999--their sound has been described as everything from metalcore to hard rock. A few adults have mentioned to me that only the "Emo" kids listen to them.
I first heard about them a few years ago with a song called "Bat Country." Check it out below:
So, I think I have an eclectic taste of music. I mean, my iPod has everything from Rihanna and Drake to Kings of Leon and Mumford & Sons (my latest craze). Still, I couldn't quite put my finger on why my students were so in love with this band, so (with the help of my cuz), I've decided to ask them:
"I like Avenged Sevenfold because of their sound and because some of their songs speak to me, like 'Afterlife,' 'Nightmare,' 'Lost,' and 'Welcome to the Family.'"--Darion, 15, African-American
"I enjoy A7X's unique style and lyrics. The messages in their songs help a lot and some are quite humorous."--Rachel, 13, dyes her hair green
"The reason why I like Avenged Sevenfold is because I like the way they present their lyrics and how they sing them inside of their songs."--Austin, 14, basketball player
"I like Avenged Sevenfold because their lyrics have a story behind them and the music just makes you want to get up and go. Their songs have meanings behind them and you can relate to some of their slower songs, like 'Dear God' and 'Seize the Day.' Their faster-paced songs like 'Critical Acclaim' or 'Welcome to the Family' make you want to move around and get your energy out."--Devon, 14, in school district's gifted program since elementary school
As you can see, Avenged Sevenfold has a wide range of fans--not just what some may consider the "Emo" kids.
Have you all heard of A7X? What do you think of them? What other kinds of bands/musicians do you hear teens raving about now?
4 comments:
Awesome post, Pam! I've never heard of them before, I'll have to listen to some of their stuff now.
The "emo" kids must be different down by you. I wouldn't lump Avenged Sevenfold and them together. (Got to admit even though I've always liked Bat Country, I can't handle the lead signers voice at all.)
I personally hates me some Avenged Sevenfold, but as Pam points out, they are all the rage for my high schoolers. And Alicia- his voice is like stepping on a rose thorn barefoot.
The kids seem to relate to them for some reason, maybe I should read their lyrics and see what they're all about...
I totally agree with Alicia: I love Bat Country and cannot stand anything else Avenged Sevenfold has ever done.
But I think this is brilliant! What an excellent point, one that we all hear over and over again, from a new angle. Stories apply to everyone. Even if Avenged Sevenfold tell them through a series of unintelligible growls.
And I'm totally crazy for Mumford & Sons, too. (:
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