In Erie, Colorado, high school students are tuning into a wide range of musical genres, revealing how diverse and dynamic today’s teen music taste really is. From classic rock to modern rap and pop, students at Erie High School each have their own soundtracks that reflect unique personalities, cultural influences, and social trends. This mix of musical interests not only shapes friendships and daily interactions but also speaks to larger changes in how young people are finding and connecting with new music.

Erie highschool is truly diverse in the sense of different cultures and religion and everything in between, but even more so when it comes to the different perspectives on music and its influences on individuals here at Erie.  “I like listening to a lot of dance music. I like to dance,” says Deacon Phelps, Junior. “You can sing all you want but at the end of the day, actions speak louder than words,” Phelps asserts.

When students were asked about the question everyone wonders when on the topic of music, who is the greatest artist of all time, the answers varied drastically, from current rap artists to the 1980s king of pop Michael Jackson. “He has some of the most iconic songs…. He really is just the most iconic artist of all time” says Junior Ashi Peirce.

Some students generally just prefer the older genres of music, “I like older music…like pop, early 2010s music, that kind of stuff, it really brings me back to my childhood” says Zeke Mulvaney, another Junior at Erie highschool. Students tend to have deeper connections with the music they choose to listen to, on emotional levels.

The musical tastes of Erie High School students show a lively and diverse mix that reflects their different backgrounds and personalities. From dance music to early 2010s pop, each student’s playlist gives insight into their unique world. This variety in music preferences not only strengthens their personal connections but also highlights how young people today find and enjoy music. The sounds at Erie High are a testament to the many influences shaping the lives of its students.