Students across Lake Oswego High School were recently asked to share their favorite music artists. The responses revealed a wide variety of musical styles, genres and generations, showing that students’ listening habits are incredibly diverse.
Junior Emma Curt named Maki as her favorite artist and mentioned him being a Filipino musician. Maki has become known among younger listeners for his soft R&B sound and lyrics.
Another junior, Julian Powell, said his favorite artist is the John Coltrane Quartet, a group led by saxophonist John Coltrane and recognized for its lasting influence on jazz and modern improvisation.
Freshman Evelyn Wheeler said that her favorite artist is The Weeknd, noting that “there is no mid song of his.” The Weeknd’s blend of pop, R&B and electronic music has made him a defining artist of the 2010s and 2020s.
Sophomore Aurora George stated her favorite artist is Rising Appalachia, a musical group known for mixing folk, soul and world music to create a distinct sound that connects to cultural and social themes.
Another sophomore, Madee Stame listed Zeddy Will as her favorite artist. Known for his energetic rap and social media presence, Zeddy Will represents the growing popularity of independent artists.
The wide range of answers, spanning from established figures such as The Weeknd and John Coltrane to newer voices like Zeddy Will and Maki demonstrates that students’ music tastes extend across decades and genres. Whether they listen to jazz, pop, folk or rap, each student’s choice reflects an individual connection to music and the artists who inspire them. Together, their responses illustrate how music continues to bring students together through different sounds, messages, and generations of creative expression.
