Television, especially over the pandemic, has become a huge part of the everyday routine of teenagers; after logging off of school, students migrate to the couch to catch up on the latest TV shows. Whether they know it or not, these hit series are appealing to another demographic: post-punk parents.
The New Wave movement began in the late 1970s in the UK. At the time, few people outside of Europe were aware of the niche group of underground artists. As the years progressed, the United States got in on the alternative style. Groups like Blondie, The Talking Heads, and the B-52’s emerged in the American New Wave scene. Today, while only some teenagers appreciate the music of the post-punk era, soundtracks to their favorite TV shows pay homage to alternative music of the 1980s by including their groundbreaking ballads. But why appeal to an obscure genre from a completely different generation?
According to junior Hannah Stephens, TV shows use new wave music because it better reflects today’s culture and society.
“Feeling depressed and isolated from everyone else are relevant feelings many people are dealing with right now, so new wave music has the ability to connect an audience through those feelings,” said Stephens. Her favorite groups include “The Smiths,” “The Police,” “Joy Division,” and “The Talking Heads”.
“New wave music has made me feel more connected to the past generations and helped me cope with the weird/sad days. it helps me relax, get my worries out, and just feel peaceful and happy,” said Stephens.
Additionally, it’s important for parents to stay informed about today’s struggles for high school students. What easier way for people to learn about teen issues than through a great show like, for example, The Politician? By incorporating songs by the “Psychedelic Furs” and “The Cure,” shows like this are able to appeal to a broader demographic while at the same time delving into the modern teenage problems of academic pressure, sexuality, and depression. This way, adults can enjoyably learn about the everyday life of their kids by hearing the music of their childhood.
Lastly, New Wave music is arguably one of the most underrated genres of music of all time. The underground post-punk scene was widely unrecognized by many people especially in the United States, but the impact it had on future generations of music was immense. Iconic groups like “The Clash” and “The Velvet Underground”, groups that were included in the soundtrack of “Outer Banks” and “Sex Education”, changed rock music forever. “Depeche Mode,” “Devo,” and other new wave groups popularized the use of synthesizers and electronic music. Joan Jett, Blondie, and Siouxsie Sioux paved the way for women to have a place in the punk and rock genres of the music industry.
Today TV shows are finally giving more appreciation to these undercredited artists, and, let’s face it, most people don’t want to listen to “Whitesnake” and “Bon Jovi” while they catch up on “Stranger Things.”
