Demystified: The interesting connection between politics and music

Published on: 24 June 2017 Last Updated on: 29 October 2024

Decades ago, opinions were formed and voiced. The difference between then and now is plain for anyone to see. Social media, the 24-7 news cycle, and the internet (of course) has revolutionized the world we live in.

Equally as impressive is how segments of the music industry have utilized these mediums to forwardly advance the issues that tug at their hearts. With the open forum of the internet, and the unfiltered jabs at the opposing viewpoints, comes conflict. We should be thankful, as a society, for the open debate.

The intriguing dynamic that has unfolded in the music industry is how each side, dependent upon their respective role, has handled the “opposition”. We will look at examples including artists, record labels, and the conflict that can arise between music venues and artists.

A Voice

Musicians for decades have used their public forum as activists. Certain artists have demonstrated a commitment to causes that have raised awareness globally. Their selfless efforts to put out what they view as wrongs in the community, country or world in this new age of technology has brought millions of people to a crossroads.

Bono, the lead man of U2, has been heralded as an ambassador for pushing his audience to give thought to causes that do not directly affect them. His efforts have brought attention, and subsequent positive actions, to issues ranging from repressive government policies in South Africa to Aids.

Record Labels Take a Stand

The humility found in Firebrand Records statement “We know that music alone does not change the world, but we recognize that it is an integral part of the movements that do” speaks to the core of this record labels mission.

Leaving behind any fear of succumbing to the beliefs of others in an attempt to pad the bank account, Ryan Harvey and Tom Morello are focused on the voice that goes with a protest against corruption, injustice, and militarism.

Are they setting out to take on the giants in the music industry? No. Instead, Ryan and Tom have found a void in the politically correct mass and are doing their small part to fill the need. Hungry listeners crave a voice with a message of depth and weight that sings to their soul.

The Venues Have a Voice Too

We all know of at least one bar or nightclub that caters to a unique class of customers. What makes these customers, and venues, unique?

They are not the typical mainstream. The “outliers” of society who dress and speak as they see fit. Calling out the improper use of power and influence in a corrupt world. Joined together under one roof for a common cause, all the while letting the music and lyrics move them.

The independent band Downtown Boys is openly critical of what they perceive as white supremacy, and they intend to use their music as a method to dissolve just that. A venue called The Smell welcomed them with open arms to carry their message in lyrics, as evidenced in Rob Shepyer’s piece which is best summarized as Downtown Boys: Coachella to The Smell.

It an equally impressive protest, the Downtown Boys wrote an open letter to voice their displeasure with the owner of a festival called Coachella, a festival they have performed at. The root of their protest is with Philip Anschutz, who founded and now oversees AEG (they operate the festival). Phillip has been an open supporter of anti-LGBT groups.

Each of us should be thankful for the courageous voice of those willing to set aside their self-centeredness just enough to take the heat for taking a stand, regardless if you agree or disagree.

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Album Art And The Vinyl Record Renaissance

In the 21st century, an odd pattern has emerged in the field of music sales. While the sales of CDs have plummeted since the inception of mp3s and digital streaming services, the sales of vinyl record. Once looked upon as a curious novelty from times past – has seen a significant uptick. The uptick, in fact, has been so significant that most vinyl record pressing facilities are overloaded with orders. Therefore, bands and labels need to get their orders in well ahead of the schedules release date. Casual music listeners who stream on Spotify or Apple Music may be asking, why on earth would anyone pay for a clunky, cumbersome record? This post has your answer. Quality of Sound From Vinyl record : Music connoisseurs care immensely about high fidelity in their listening experience. It may pay immense amounts of money for a tube-driven amplification system and high-quality speakers. Not only do records offer an analog warmth, they also offer a rich listening experience that lets you hear the attention to detail in the mix. Aficionados might liken streaming services to watching a film that was designed to be seen in 3D in 2D. Even if you buy a scuffed record second-hand, there’s still something pleasant about hearing a bit of crackle on an old Duke Ellington LP. Furthermore, most re-issues and new albums come with a code to download the music in mp3 format. Or else it would become lossless FLAC format for the true geeks. Rather than streaming on Spotify, most music nerds would prefer to load high-quality files onto an iPod for listening on the go. The ‘All Or Nothing’ Approach: The general attitude of the vinyl record buyer is that they either want no physical object at all (streaming/ mp3s). Or else they want a very large physical object to incorporate into their collection. If you really care about an album, andshelling out thirty bucks is not so insane. You can actually appreciate the album art, rather than squinting at a tiny thumbnail. The Elegance of the Object: Many bands and musicians take great pains to design their album covers or commission an image from an artist they admire. Bands with a particularly savvy sense of promotion may even engage professional graphic design services to design the album art. This integrates it into an aesthetically cohesive marketing campaign. Like the quality of the actual music, the quality and details of the album art are also lost when it appears in miniature on a smartphone. When you buy a record, you’re not just buying the music, you’re buying a physical piece of art, as well. Paying the Band (a compliment): When you go and see your favorite band live, the biggest compliment you can offer them is purchasing their album on vinyl record. Because there is no middle-man in this transaction, you can feel secure knowing that the money is going into the project you love. Also, often the band works their own merch table, so you may get an opportunity to chat with them! Whether not this post has converted you to the cult of vinyl, hopefully, you have a better sense of what is driving the trend. Read Also: 8 Problems Only Music Lovers Will Know Erase Photos Form iPhone Without Any Possibility Of Recovery

The Role Of Bass Clef In Shaping Jazz And Modern Popular Music

In jazz and popular music, the bass clef plays a crucial role, serving as the foundation for rhythm and harmony. It guides bass players, pianists, and other lower-pitched instrument musicians to create the rich, deep tones that give these genres their distinctive groove and emotional depth. Whether it's the walking bass lines in jazz or the driving bass riffs in popular songs, the bass clef is essential for notating and performing the music that sets the mood and keeps the beat, making it an indispensable part of these vibrant and ever-evolving musical styles. Historical Context of Bass Clef in Jazz and Popular Music The bass clef has been a fundamental aspect of jazz and popular music since its inception. In jazz, originating in the early 20th century, the bass clef notes formed the backbone of the genre's distinctive swing and improvisation. Bassists read these notes to create walking bass lines that move smoothly through scales and chords, providing a rhythmic and harmonic foundation for the ensemble. In pop music, the bass clef has played a similarly vital role. It allows for the transcription of catchy bass riffs and grooves that define many memorable hits. Over the years, as both jazz and pop evolved, the bass clef continued to be a key tool for musicians, enabling them to anchor their music in rich, resonant tones that resonate with listeners. Role of Bass Clef in Jazz Improvisation The bass clef provides a framework for bassists to create inventive and rhythmically complex lines that complement and interact with other instruments. Here are two examples: Walking Bass Lines: In a classic jazz setting, a bassist might use the bass clef to read a chord chart and then improvise walking bass lines. These lines typically consist of quarter notes that smoothly connect the chords of a progression. For example, in a 12-bar blues in B♭, the bassist might improvise a line that starts with the root note B♭ (notated in the bass clef), moves to the fifth (F), approaches the next chord (E♭) chromatically from below (D), and so on, weaving a continuous and melodic line that outlines the chord changes. Bebop and Modal Jazz: In more complex jazz styles like bebop or modal jazz, bassists use the bass clef to navigate intricate chord progressions or modal frameworks. In a bebop piece, the bass might play a mix of root notes, chord tones, and chromatic approaches, creating a more harmonically dense line. For instance, over a Dm7-G7-CMaj7 chord progression, the bassist might start on the D note (notated in the bass clef), add chromatic passing tones, and use arpeggios to outline each chord, resulting in a sophisticated and interactive bass part. Bass Clef Techniques in Popular Music Production In popular music production, the bass clef plays a key role in creating the foundation of a song's harmonic structure and rhythm. One notable technique, essential for music producers, involves learning bass clef notes to proficiently craft synthesized bass lines, a common practice in genres such as pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music (EDM). Synthesized Bass Lines in EDM In EDM, producers often use synthesizers to create powerful and catchy bass lines notated in the bass clef. These bass lines are typically simple in rhythm but rich in texture, providing both a rhythmic and harmonic foundation for the track. For instance, a producer might use a synthesizer to play a repetitive, pulsing note pattern in the bass clef, such as playing on the root notes of the chord progression. This technique, often combined with side-chain compression linked to the kick drum, creates a dynamic, driving feel that is fundamental to the genre. The bass clef notation guides the producer in creating these lines, ensuring they align with the song’s key and chord progression, and contributing to the overall energy and mood of the track. Influence of Bass Clef in Modern Jazz and Fusion Modern jazz and fusion, known for their inventive and eclectic styles, make extensive and innovative use of the bass clef. Here are two examples that illustrate this: Modal Jazz Exploration: In modern jazz, particularly in modal jazz styles popularized by artists like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, the bass clef becomes a canvas for exploration beyond traditional chord progressions. For example, in a piece like "So What" from Davis' album "Kind of Blue," the bassist uses the bass clef to navigate a series of modal scales. The bass line, primarily centered around the D Dorian mode for the first section and E♭ Dorian for the second, provides a repetitive yet hypnotic foundation. This approach in the bass clef allows the bassist to create a groove that is both anchoring and liberating, giving soloists a vast harmonic space to improvise over. Fusion Genre Blending: Infusion genres, which blend elements of jazz with rock, funk, and world music, the bass clef is essential for creating complex and groovy bass lines. Take, for instance, the work of Jaco Pastorius with Weather Report. In their song "Birdland," the bass clef is used to notate a bass line that is rhythmically intricate and harmonically rich, incorporating elements of funk and jazz. Pastorius' use of the bass clef here is not just about playing notes; it's about creating a rhythmic pulse and melodic counterpoint that drives the song and adds to its distinctive fusion sound. Wrapping Up In jazz and popular music, the bass clef has been more than just a notational symbol; it's been a gateway to creativity and rhythm. In jazz, it's the backbone of the groove, guiding bassists through swinging walking bass lines and intricate improvisations. In pop music, the bass clef shapes the foundational riffs and hooks that get listeners moving. This clef isn't just about low notes; it's about setting the tone, mood, and pulse of a piece. Whether it's underpinning a smooth jazz melody or driving a catchy pop chorus, the bass clef is essential in bringing music to life. Isn't it remarkable how a few lines and spaces can resonate so deeply with our musical experience? Read Also: These Music Streaming Services Can Get Your Groove On Country Music Wins Big At The 2023 Billboard Music Awards How To Promote Live Music Events For Your Bar

Basic Steps For A Jazz Guitarist Beginner

Jazz is one of the oldest forms of music which had lost its popularity due to the other latest and modern forms of music like rock music. But, in recent times, jazz music has regained its popularity and has brought a twist in the music world. Today, the guitarists are learning jazz music because of the latest trend of this genre. Carlos Santana, today, has helped build and maintain the popularity of Jazz today. Jazz, with all its quirks, has surprisingly influenced other genres like rock and metal. It is an interesting field - as you will find out on MusicCritic - though it is not for everyone's taste. However, it is free for anyone to explore. Learning jazz is not an easy task for beginners. But, it is also not impossible to learn the genre. The guitarists need to pay a little more attention to the learning, compared to learning other forms of music. Moreover, the jazz musicians say that learning jazz can be fun and relatively easy in the initial stage, and enjoyable eventually. To learn to play jazz music on a guitar is easy once you understand the basics of music theory and the specific techniques used in it. The Basics Of Music Theory For Jazz A lot of jazz guitar is based on your improvisational ability, and therefore, you need to have a strong command of music theory. You should be knowing each of the scales, modes, chords, and arpeggios to implement them in playing. Moreover, when you know these basics of jazz music, you will be able to make different patterns with them and create different notes. Moreover, jazz songs are basically made up of rhythm, chord progressions, and licks. As a guitarist, you need to learn them and then make various combinations to make songs. The main reason for jazz guitar to make it unique is the type of chord progressions used and also the type of chords specifically used in jazz music. However, a majority of the chords used in jazz music are the modified versions of standard major and minor chords. How To Learn a New Chord? For learning a new chord you need to follow these points: You need to ensure that each note of the chord is clean and clear. Do not rush. Take it slow and get comfortable with the chord. Practice the chord by moving it up and down on the fretboard. Swapping between the chords will give you good practice. Build up the speed during the process eventually. By following the steps mentioned, you can put it all together. Points To Be Considered While Learning Solo When you are learning solo, it is better to practice with a metronome on all the four beats and also on 2 and 4. For this purpose, you can download a metronome app and there are lots of them available online. It is better if you practice your solo with a backing track so that you can know how it sounds in a musical environment. You can also write down the notes while playing and practicing it so, you can refer them when you play the next time. Also, write down the rhythms of the chords, so that you can know what is happening over each chord. It is very important to analyze each line harmonically and rhythmically and then make exercises out them for the purpose of practice. Learning 32 bars may seem difficult at first sight. But, if you set small and realistic goals, it is not much difficult to do so. You can transcribe one section in a week, which is 2 bars in a day. Likewise, you can learn the entire chorus in a month and if you learn 4 bars a day, then you can learn it in just 2 weeks. However, it is crucial that after learning the chords, you need to practice them with variations to make new notes, which will make your music stronger. Moreover, it is also important for a jazz guitarist to carry out improvisation, which you can do when you have learned at least 8 bars of the solo. How To Learn Improvisation? Learn The Vocabulary Try to learn the melodic and harmonic patterns and ideas from other musicians and guitarist, whom you like. Moreover, you can also for different and useful ideas in this relevance to your music teacher, which can be the best way to learn the vocabulary. When you are a beginner, taking assistance from your teacher is the best option to learn. Use the Vocabulary It is important that you stick to one idea or lick at a time while practicing. Combine The Licks, Patterns Or Ideas You Learned When you have learned different licks or patterns, you can make different variations and use them to make solos. At this point in time, your solos will sound more original. Using the above steps and tips, you can do improvisation in your music and create different notes and solos. Learning jazz music is not that difficult if you learn it systematically and don’t rush into learning it fast. It just needs practice and more importantly, the improvisation ability. Read More : How To Choose The Best Soundbars System For Your Home Demystified: The Interesting Connection Between Politics And Music Reference Links: http://jamieholroydguitar.com/beginner-jazz-guitar-lesson-practice-schedule http://www.fretdojo.com/jazz-guitar-improvisation-for-beginners/ https://blog.udemy.com/jazz-guitar-lessons/ http://pickupjazz.com/beginner-jazz-guitar-chords/

Demystified: The interesting connection between politics and music

A Voice

Record Labels Take a Stand

The Venues Have a Voice Too

How to Choose the Best Soundbars System for Your Home

Basic Steps For A Jazz Guitarist Beginner

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

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Related

Album Art And The Vinyl Record Renaissance

The Role Of Bass Clef In Shaping Jazz And Modern Popular Music

Basic Steps For A Jazz Guitarist Beginner

Demystified: The interesting connection between politics and music

A Voice

Record Labels Take a Stand

The Venues Have a Voice Too

Share this Article

How to Choose the Best Soundbars System for Your Home

Basic Steps For A Jazz Guitarist Beginner

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related