Everywhere you go, you see people with their headphones on, jamming to music and having a good time. They could be listening to anyone: Coldplay, Adele, One Direction, The Wanted, The Beatles, Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams, Cher Lloyd or even Snow Patrol. Funny thing is they are all of British/Irish origin. The music we listen to so many times isn’t even American. Even Justin Bieber and Carly Rae Jepsen hail from Canada.

History shows that the European nations have always had power and wanted to expand into the world, the same thing is happening but through music, merchandise and books. When the English band The Beatles and their first single “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” hit the charts they spread like wild fire. Their music was off the charts within the United States.

But nothing like the five heartthrobs of the one and only One Direction. One Direction’s album “Up All Night” was the first British band to hit number one with a debut album in the United States. Their frenzy is even bigger than The Beatles. One Direction’s “Up All Night” had even surpassed Taylor Swift’s new album, “Red.”

Along with One Direction, Coldplay and Adele have made their way into American iPods. Songs like “The A Team” (Ed Sheeran), “Glad You Came” (The Wanted), “Hall of Fame” (The Script) and “Chasing Cars” (Snow Patrol) have all been hot catches. Moving on from music you see merchandise like Keep Calm and Carry On, Hipsta Please shirts and movies.

One worldwide phenomenon was the Harry Potter books and movies. After the release of the first movie, many British actors came to L.A. for a chance to star in Hollywood. Robert Pattinson, Emma Watson, Logan Lerman and Eddie Redmayne are all new and upcoming stars. Many actors such as Hugh Laurie, Daniel Day Lewis and Dame Judi Dench have always been there, but the popularity of Harry Potter has brought lavish attention to the industry.

“The British are Coming” is not a false statement. Without even realizing it, we are aiding the U.K. music industry and promoting their music.