In the immense world of music classification, there is the cool, rad and classic music of the ’80s. The ’80s music we have come to know is made up of multiple factors that actually make it classified as “’80s music.” But when it comes to classifying a song as “’80s,” it can become a mess of side genres and other bands that emulate the sound of the ’80s. Honestly, the array of ’80s music is an immense maze. However, all of the music that falls under this umbrella have one factor in common: Each of these songs were made in the ’80s.

Now that factor seems to not be in play as much as it used to be. Indie developers, bands and artists are now starting to create music that is tagged on SoundCloud as “’80s” and contains some of the qualities that the music from the past contains.

Whether people enjoy the “’80s” music or not, musicians should be able to create the music they love. But when it comes to labeling those songs as “80s,” that’s a different story. I’m pretty sure that if a song came out two days ago, it wasn’t in the span of 1980-1989.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to be the labeling stickler that sits and organizes papers in her room for an hour straight. I’m not saying every single song needs one method of classification either, because, like I said before, music classification is a rough and vague thing. But I feel like the ’80s has a certain essence to it, a mark that identifies the ’80s for what it is. And when people label music from this century as “’80s,” it’s letting a little bit of that essence fade.

People have the right to adapt the qualities of their favorite music and bring the ’80s back to life. Actually, I would love if they did that. But when developing those songs, maybe a new name, genre or tag should be created. For example, they could all it “New 80s.” Although music that encompasses our past is the best type of music, this music is recent. And so many things about the music and technology from now doesn’t fit the music and technology from 35 years ago.

So when it comes to labeling it 80s, don’t let it be confusing. Label it for what it is, not for what it might sound like. Electronic, indie, pop, dance — any of those are up for grabs. Every type of music is unique to its age and style, so this music should be labeled by its true age and true style. This way, the rich classic qualities of the ’80s stay in the past, but people still can enjoy the magic of the ’80s and it can be brought back to life.

by RACHEL MARQUARDT

#’80s by whitneyupdate