RAG MusicSchool Festival
Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

Hype it up! Western songs to rock your school festival

At school festivals and cultural festivals, there are regional differences, but many schools play background music.

Of course, you can play Japanese songs, but some might feel that Western music is better since the lyrics are less distracting.

So this time, we’ve selected Western songs that can liven up a school or cultural festival!

From timeless classics to the latest hits, we’ve picked a wide range.

We’ve also chosen some stylish tracks, so you should find songs that fit even a calm, café-style booth.

Be sure to check them out.

Turn up the hype! Western songs that get the crowd going at school festivals (11–20)

Shape of YouEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)
Shape of YouEd Sheeran

You can’t leave out Ed Sheeran, one of the world’s leading singer-songwriters.

All of his songs are popular, but among them, the one I recommend for a school festival is Shape of You.

It’s simple yet emotional, and just listening to it gets you hyped.

It’s also very well-known, so it should be easy to get the crowd going.

abcdefuGAYLE

GAYLE – abcdefu (Official Music Video)
abcdefuGAYLE

GAYLE is a female singer-songwriter who has gained popularity with a music style centered on pop rock and power pop.

Her signature track “abcdefu” became a viral hit on platforms like TikTok and Spotify in 2021.

If you’re a student, chances are you’ve heard this song at least once.

The track packs a powerful diss aimed at an ex-boyfriend.

That aspect resonates strongly with students, so consider playing it at your school festival.

Doctor (Work It Out)Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus

Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus – Doctor (Work It Out) (Official Video)
Doctor (Work It Out)Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus

A collaboration track by Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus.

Reunited for the first time in ten years, the pair crafted a danceable number that blends funk and glam pop.

The lyrics, which focus on repairing and rebuilding a romantic relationship, strikingly reaffirm trust and understanding between partners and convey a willingness to move past previous mistakes.

It’s an unreleased song dating back to the Bangerz studio sessions, officially released in March 2024.

Premiered at a Louis Vuitton fashion show, it’s a highly anticipated track.

Its upbeat melody is perfect for livening up school festivals and cultural events!

HoudiniDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Houdini (Official Music Video)
HoudiniDua Lipa

This sensual, glossy-vocal track by UK artist Dua Lipa fuses an up-tempo beat reminiscent of 1970s disco.

Released in November 2023, it skillfully weaves experimental neo-psychedelia and electronica to craft a distinctive soundscape.

It also offers a glimpse of a new side of Dua Lipa, who appeared in the film Barbie and made her presence felt on its soundtrack.

Perfect for a school festival, the song combines a dance-inducing groove with a stylish vibe—ideal not just as background music for food stalls, but also as a standout choice for dance performances.

Its appeal is further proven by a record of 17 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard Dance/Electronic Songs chart.

Please Please PleaseSabrina Carpenter

A bittersweet pop tune that deftly captures expectations and disappointment toward a lover.

American artist Sabrina Carpenter pours her feelings into a sound that fuses disco-pop and yacht rock.

While she understands her partner’s imperfections, her struggle with their behavior in public is striking, realistically portraying the complexities of modern romance.

Featured on the album “Short n’ Sweet,” the track has received high acclaim, earning a nomination for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year and reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The music video features Barry Keoghan and unfolds a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style story.

It’s recommended as background music for school festivals or cultural fairs, especially for indoor booths or rest areas with a calm atmosphere.

SugarMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sugar (Official Music Video)
SugarMaroon 5

If you’re looking for modern, stylish songs that are easy for a band to cover, Maroon 5 is a great choice.

They’re one of America’s leading pop bands and are known by anyone who likes Western music.

Among their hits, “Sugar” is especially famous as one of their signature songs, and it’s also easy for bands to cover—so definitely check it out.

Fire it up! Western songs that hype up school culture festivals (21–30)

Old Town Road ft. Billy Ray CyrusLil Nas X

Lil Nas X – Old Town Road (Official Video) ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
Old Town Road ft. Billy Ray CyrusLil Nas X

Rapper Lil Nas X, who has earned high praise worldwide for his catchy musical style and unique ideas.

Old Town Road ft.

Billy Ray Cyrus is a collaboration with country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, who is Miley Cyrus’s father.

Spurred by this track, many rappers—including Lil Durk—began collaborating with country singers.

It’s a hugely popular song on TikTok and YouTube Shorts, making it a perfect choice for school festivals and cultural festivals.