What is Trop Rock? A music genre is the easy answer. From there, trying to define Trop Rock gets a little more difficult because it’s more than just the sounds of music. It’s music that creates a vision, a state of mind, gives off a certain vibe, it’s the back drop for a laid back lifestyle and the songs typically provide an escape from the everyday.
Here at Trop Rockin’ Magazine we’re immersed into the Trop Rock community, but we couldn’t possibly create a conclusive definition. Trop Rock means a little something different to everyone.
In an attempt to create a well-rounded explanation of our favorite genre, we reached out to our friends and Trop Rock professionals to find the best answers to “What is Trop Rock?”
DK the DJ
Dennis “DK” King is the host of “Island Time Radio Show,” the longest running Trop Rock radio show (our feature interview with Dennis here). Now in his 16th year, Dennis is still dedicated to promoting Trop Rock music each week and tells us his take on Trop Rock:
“Trop rock music is more a state of mind than just a musical genre. Trop rock can be rock, country, jazz, reggae, power pop etc. etc. It’s really more about the vibe and the message of escape. Its almost always a happy positive message too which appeals to many like myself. Over the years, the artists have found many different and creative ways to express this vibe, and they continue to do so. Just one of the reasons I love it so.” — Dennis “DK” King, Island Time Radio show
Harry Teaford
Harry is the owner / station manager of Radio A1A, a Trop Rock internet station broadcasting from the Florida Keys. Harry, a life long musician and broadcaster, shares his explanation of Trop Rock:
“Usually a day doesn’t pass without an opportunity to describe ‘Trop Rock’ to a curious Radio A1A listener on social media or answering inquiries on our website contact page. Indie artists/promoters of all types of music and those submitting music to be considered for Radio A1A air play often receive this standard response: We regret to inform you that your music does not meet our criteria for inclusion in Radio A1A ‘Trop Rock’ programming.
What is ‘Trop Rock’ you ask? Close your eyes. Listen closely. If the music offers sensations of the sounds of wind in the palms, water lapping against the dock, the soft smell of the salt air, the warmth of the sun on your face, the wonderful feeling of relaxed beach chair bliss, the urge to wear funny cloths and lead a conga line, it’s ‘Trop Rock’.” — Harry Teaford, Radio A1A
Don Middlebrook
Don Middlebrook is an award winning Trop Rock singer/songwriter. He’s recorded over 15 albums and travels across the country performing at Parrot Head events, festivals and Trop Rock house concerts. Don shares with us what Trop Rock is to him:
“The Trop Rock genre of music is probably the only genre that is purely a singer-songwriter platform. Like Jimmy Buffett, a true Trop Rocker sings of his adventures, his travels, and the characters he meets along the road, always the with a tropical sun-drenched backdrop. A few libations thrown in with a little humor keep Trop Rock light, but deep; funny, but always stimulating one’s thoughts of escapism.
I personally, as a Trop Rocker, have never written a song that was not based on actual fact. Just as Jimmy Buffett’s core of great songs came out of his life in Key West, a true Trop Rock songwriter lives the adventure — then writes the song. Other genres, like country, will have cubicles full of songwriters writing songs for singers that never “lived” the song. A true Trop Rock song is built from real life stories of adventures in quest of tropical destinations.
One of Trop Rock’s greatest strengths is that it is supported by Parrot Heads, who party with a purpose and raise millions of dollars to better the world. Trop Rock is truly the only genre that works on a charitable stage. Trop Rock music and Parrot Heads make the world a better place by promoting charitable service. No other musical genre can make that claim. A painting on the wall is still just a painting on the wall. A love song is just a love song. They may stimulate, but don’t necessarily change the world. Trop Rock music, with the support of the Parrot Head Nation, is an art form that truly does change the world – one drink at a time.” — Don Middlebook, Don Middlebrook Singer / Songwriter
Sam Densler
Sam is the owner / station manager of Songwriters Island Radio which features singer / songwriters and play only original music, written and performed by the songwriter. Sam tells us his thoughts on ‘what is Trop Rock?’:
“Here at Songwriters Island Radio, we see Trop Rock as an escape, a way of life, one that takes the listener away from the troubles of the world, the stresses of their job, and transports them to a beach somewhere special. Obviously Trop Rock has its roots in Country music and the lifestyle written about in Jimmy Buffett songs. Trop Rock has a special vibe that attracts so many people with similar stresses and brings them together at a common destination. We soon realize that we are not alone and share a common desire to enjoy life and each other.
We believe Trop Rock has grown from just songs about drinking in the islands to include stories of escape from many different perspectives. Whether the listener is taken to the ocean, the lake, or even a tiki bar or beach in their back yard, they have found their oasis in this crazy mixed up world. That is the magic of trop rock.” — Sam Densler, Songwriters Island Radio
Tammy Camp
That’s me, owner / publisher of Trop Rockin’ Magazine a tropical lifestyle publication focusing in on Trop Rock music, beach travel destinations, Parrot Head Club events and yummy boat drinks. Here are my thoughts on ‘what is Trop Rock?’:
“Trop Rock music captures the essence of the laid back lifestyle through songs with a tropical vibe. Mixing influences from Jazz, Country, Reggae, Rock, Island sounds and (of course) influences from the man with out a definitive genre, Jimmy Buffett.
Although, I’d say Jimmy Buffett is the origin of popular Trop Rock music, Bertie Higgins is the first person to coin the term “Trop Rock” back in the mid-80’s. It’s not that Trop Rock music wasn’t already flowing out into the world, it’s just that Bertie Higgins finally gave it a name (read our Bertie Higgins interview for the full history of the term). With hundreds of musicians playing Trop Rock music, they no longer fall into some nameless genre.
To me, it’s music with a hammock view.” — Tammy Camp, Trop Rockin’ Magazine
Today and for the foreseeable future, the Trop Rock music genre will continue to grow. More artists are entering the genre, more internet radio stations are playing the music and the grassroots house concert style concerts are happening everywhere.
So, “What is Trop Rock?” It’s a music genre, but the sound and style varies and it’s influenced from any number of other genres. Each day, Trop Rock music is reaching new fans, making people smile, bringing people together and letting us escape.
Trop Rock may not have a single definition, but one thing we do know… it’s the music we love the most.