Elvis, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, 2pac and the Killers. All of them revolutionized the music industry. And stick out as some of the most influential artists in history.

Each generation or decade has a few artists that arise and revolution that group. Giving a generation a sound. A beat to its name. They change everything from political views to fashion.

We know what becomes that generation’s sound by what survives the industry, what remains today.

The baby boomers had Elvis Presley changing the music industry as a whole and giving them the roots to rock and roll. Elvis changed everything from how people viewed art to how people dressed.

Shortly after came the biggest face in music history The Beatles, giving the boomer’s yet another major face representing political ideas and perfecting rock and roll.

Along with the 70s came disco and we were brought faces like the Bee Gee’s while Fleetwood Mac was raised to the top of charts with rock developing even further. The closing of the 70s gave Generation X faces like Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin and as the 70s came to a close.

80s started with a roar just as the Stones, The Grateful Dead Pink Floyd, and Zeppelin left the spotlight. Gen X kicked off the 80s with Elton John, more David Bowie, and Billy Joel. While Heavy metal bands like Metallica rose. Bringing the 8’s both bold and vibrant fashion.

The 90s was a huge twist with less meaning to music and the start of a new genre rap bringing along famous rappers such as 2pac, Dre, and Eminem. But Rock, and alternative brought some several major faces as well such as the red hot chili peppers, Nirvana, and Madonna.

The millennials were given all sorts of faces and names, as music came to a new point of diversity. The 2000s kicked off with a surge in pop music with artists like Rhianna, Justin Timberlake, Avril Lavigne and ended with faces like Lady Gaga, Coldplay and Taylor Swift. With many faces is other genres rising as well such as the Kooks, The Killers and The Strokes. Giving alternative a big name.

Now we are over halfway through a new decade. But what sound defines the centennials? What defines current high schoolers?

We’ve had all sorts of faces arise from The Weekend to Fall Out Boy. All attracting millions of fans. But what is clear is this generations new-found love of bass and it is apparent in every genre from indie with Arctic Monkey’s “AM” to Childish Gambino’s recently released album “Awaken, my Love.” As well as The Weekend’s hit album “Starry.”

Music with this generation seems to have started with pop/alternative and is transferring to a more psychedelic, R&B feel. So is a more political, meaningful style of music cycling back around? I believe so and the only way to know is to wait another four years.

Until then purchase and support artists you want to last. Go to their concerts, and listen to their albums. We choose our beat; every generation chooses a sound. So make this one count.