The Vibe Check
Real talk: have you ever listened to a national anthem and thought, 'This is kind of a vibe, but why is it always so... orchestral?' We're talking brass, strings, and zero room for a sick bass drop. Ross Gomes, a reader over at The Guardian, is officially asking the questions that live in our heads rent-free: why did someone decide that a symphony orchestra is the ultimate way to represent a nation's identity? Where is the representation for power-pop or acoustic folk anthems?
It’s giving 'stuck in the 19th century.' Most anthems lean into that grand, sweeping sound that was clearly the peak of main character energy back in the day, but it feels a bit disconnected from how we actually listen to music now.
How to get involved
The Guardian is running a series where they crowd-source answers to random questions, and they’re looking for your takes on why we’re stuck with these orchestral arrangements. If you’ve got a theory or just want to manifest a pop-punk national anthem for your country, you can drop your thoughts in their comment section or email them at nq@theguardian.com. They’re picking the best replies to feature next Sunday.
Why it matters
It’s a classic case of 'this is how it’s always been done,' but questioning why our traditions sound the way they do is honestly a W. Whether it’s a trivial flight of fancy or a deeper look into how nations craft their public image, it’s worth asking if our music should actually evolve to reflect the people living in these countries today.
