I think of it more as the world discovering / embracing aspects of British culture. The Bealtes' style was "cool / adorable" in a uniquely British way, the Stones style was uniquely "cool / badass" in a uniquely British way. Alex / Geddy / Neil (rip) are uniquely "nice" in a uniquely Canadian way. These characteristics of the culture's style morph with the individuals' styles and great music (+ brilliant promotion, careful management, ... , and some magic dust) to create something new and unique that can spark a kind of viral interest abroad.And oh by the way it is a one way street. The Beatles and the Stones (again just throwing out examples for academic purposes) were big everywhere because the world looked at western life and culture and wanted a piece of that pi…. and blue jeans.
I’m not limiting my comments to just British music and I only use those bands as an example and not definitive at all of the entirely of the subject.I think of it more as the world discovering / embracing aspects of British culture. The Bealtes' style was "cool / adorable" in a uniquely British way, the Stones style was uniquely "cool / badass" in a uniquely British way. Alex / Geddy / Neil (rip) are uniquely "nice" in a uniquely Canadian way. These characteristics of the culture's style morph with the individuals' styles and great music (+ brilliant promotion, careful management, ... , and some magic dust) to create something new and unique that can spark a kind of viral interest abroad.
many factors I guess - language is one maybe?, I'm thinking of Celine Dion here in Canada who got nowhere with a number of albums sung more in French, then huge international success when she began singing more in English.
Define “iconic” I guess? Im sure if you talk to French people interested in music, they have their own very famous artists.
There are internationally renowned music stars from every corner of the earth. And their fame extends well beyond their home country's borders. It's listeners in the US who have often been the most deaf to what's been happening everywhere else.
And don't conflate Western pop artists' exaggerated economic backing by global media corporations for popularity, artistry, or success.
I was just asking a question.Yes, you just don't know music other than English - spoken one... Be more curious
Serge Gainsbourg is pretty iconic, as is Jacques Brel or Charles Aznavour
The question answers itself. Significant cultures might not lend themselves to generating the kind of popular music you think is iconic. The iconic act you're looking for has nothing to do with what you want to hear, but is HUGE in Lithuania (for example). It's not your culture so it's not your music. It's not iconic to you, but it floods the basement of a 16 year old girl in a country whose name you probably can't spell.
So what you call iconic is commercial success?I had no idea this thread and my seemingly obvious question would elicit so much butthurt.
Could probably go 100 albums deep and not seee a lot of diversity as far as Nation of origin.
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I had no idea this thread and my seemingly obvious question would elicit so much butthurt.
Could probably go 100 albums deep and not seee a lot of diversity as far as Nation of origin.
View attachment 106533
So what you call iconic is commercial success?
Well i'm not sure commercial success measures impact...I think I have been pretty explicit in my posts/questions.
Far-reaching impact. Beyond the borders of one's culture or ethnicity. If that equals commercial success, then I
am cool with that. How else can you measure impact? This is not about obscurity. How can an icon be obscure?
Empire.
This is EXACTLY what I got from your original post. Hard pressed to find people around the world that haven't heard of Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, or the Beatles. I think some people are reading too much into it. Have you seen those dudes from Mongolia? Pretty cool stuff.
Have wondered throughout, if I really understood the OP question. Interesting insights here nonetheless.I think some people are reading too much into it. Have you seen those dudes from Mongolia? Pretty cool stuff.