Posted on 08/25/2023 by PrymalChaos
Music has always been a medium of expression, allowing artists to communicate their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs to the world. In the realm of politics, musicians have often embraced this platform as a means to provoke social change, challenge authority, and fuel public discourse. From the revolutionary anthems of the 60s to the politically charged verses of hip-hop and the subtly subversive messages in modern pop and rock, musicians have played a crucial role in shaping political ideas and sparking important discussions. Let's delve into the transformative power of music, with examples from different eras.

The 60s: Anthems of Revolution

During the 1960s, music became an integral part of the counterculture movement that challenged the status quo. Bob Dylan's iconic track, "The Times They Are a-Changin'", served as a rallying cry for those advocating for civil rights, peace, and social justice. With lyrics such as "Come mothers and fathers / Throughout the land / And don't criticize / What you can't understand," Dylan called for unity and understanding, urging people to embrace change and reject prejudice.
Another significant voice of the era was Buffalo Springfield, who released the timeless protest song "For What It's Worth." Addressing the tension and clashes between protesters and police during the Sunset Strip riots in 1966, the song's poignant lyrics, "There's something happening here / What it is ain't exactly clear," resonated with the public and epitomized their collective frustration. It became an anthem for those seeking to challenge authority and demand accountability.

Hip Hop: Rhymes as Political Resonance

In more recent decades, hip-hop emerged as a genre that often reflects the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities. Public Enemy's iconic track, "Fight the Power," became a defining symbol of resistance and empowerment. Serving as the theme song for Spike Lee's film, "Do the Right Thing," the powerful lyrics, "Fight the power / We got to fight the powers that be," highlighted systemic oppression, racial inequality, and the necessity to effect change.
Kendrick Lamar, one of the most influential artists of our time, tackles social and political issues head-on. His song "Alright" became an anthem for activists during the Black Lives Matter movement, with the refrain "We gon' be alright" serving as a source of hope, resilience, and affirmation. It became a rallying cry for justice, resonating with those fighting against police brutality and demanding an end to racial injustice.

Modern Pop and Rock: Subtle Subversion

While political messages may appear more subtly in modern pop and rock, they are nonetheless present. Taylor Swift's hit single, "Only the Young," released during the 2020 U.S. presidential election, encouraged young people to step up and make their voices heard, emphasizing that "It's only young hearts that can change the world." Swift's song addressed issues such as gun violence, immigration, and climate change, inspiring a new generation to actively engage in politics and advocate for change.

A Timeless Influence

Throughout history, musicians have acted as catalysts, igniting important conversations and challenging the status quo through their music. Whether it was the anthems of revolution in the 60s, the politically resonant rhymes of hip-hop, or the subtle messages embedded in modern pop and rock, musicians continue to shape political discourse and inspire change. Their songs transcend time, serving as a reminder that music has the power to evoke emotions, unite communities, and mobilize movements for a better world. As influential artist Nina Simone once said, "How can you be an artist and not reflect the times?"
So, let us embrace these powerful voices, both past and present, for they remind us of the importance of using art to speak truth to power and to imagine a future where social justice prevails. Through their music, musicians have proven that they are not just entertainers, but catalysts driving political awareness and mobilization.

As part of my storied history, I spent a couple of years co-managing a working recording studio (I still have a private one, in which I work on personal projects and my YouTube videos). I have learned a lot of valuable lessons over the years, so I figured I’d come up with some tips for people starting out!

One of the most important things I have learned is that clients are incredibly diverse, and you have to be prepared for anything. From working with seasoned professionals to complete beginners, every session is different and requires a unique approach.

Another important lesson I have learned is the difference between audio engineering and producing. While both roles are crucial in the recording process, they are distinct and require different skill sets. It's important to be clear about what services you are providing and to have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of each role.

Another lesson I have learned is the importance of capturing great sound from the start. While it's possible to fix problems in post-production, it's always better to get things right at the source. This requires careful planning and attention to detail, but it's worth it in the end.

As a studio manager, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the recording process and spend all your time in the studio. However, it's important to remember that your time is valuable and it's easy to burn out if you're not careful. Make sure to take breaks and prioritize your own well-being in order to avoid burnout.

Finally, the quality of your work is the best business card you can have. Whether you're working with an established artist or a new up-and-comer, the quality of your recordings will speak for itself. Investing in high-quality equipment and taking the time to perfect your craft will pay off in the long run and help you build a strong reputation in the industry.

In conclusion, managing a recording studio requires a diverse set of skills and a willingness to adapt to any situation. From understanding the difference between audio engineering and producing, to capturing great sound and avoiding burnout, there are many lessons to be learned. Above all, the quality of your work is the best way to succeed in this industry.

Keep all these tips in mind and you’ll be well on your way to having a great studio!

I often notice comments on my videos regarding people’s appreciation for a new perspective on a song they are intimately familiar with and have loved for a long time. Sometimes the joy of a reaction video is having someone point out a tiny (or sometimes massive) detail that you may never have noticed. I thought I’d put together a few tips on critical listening.

Music is an important part of many people's lives, and being able to critically listen to and analyze it can greatly enhance the listening experience. Whether you are a professional musician or just someone who loves music, learning how to critically listen to and analyze music can help you better understand and appreciate the art form.

So, how do you go about critically listening to and analyzing music? Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Pay attention to the structure of the piece. Music is typically structured around certain patterns, such as verse-chorus-verse or A-B-A-B. Paying attention to the structure of the piece can give you insight into how the music is organized and how it develops over time.

2. Listen for melody, harmony, and rhythm. These are the three main elements of music, and understanding how they work together can give you a deeper understanding of the piece. Melody is the main tune of the music, harmony is the way that different notes are combined, and rhythm is the way that the music is organized in time.

3. Pay attention to the lyrics. If the music has lyrics, take the time to listen to them closely and consider what message or emotion the lyrics are trying to convey.

4. Consider the context in which the music was created. Thinking about the time period and cultural context in which the music was created can give you a deeper understanding of the piece and help you appreciate it on a deeper level.

5. Listen for musical motifs and themes. A motif is a short musical idea that is repeated throughout the piece, while a theme is a longer musical idea that is developed over time. Paying attention to these musical motifs and themes can give you insight into the structure of the piece and how it is put together.

By taking the time to critically listen to and analyze music, you can greatly enhance your listening experience and better understand and appreciate the art form. Whether you are a professional musician or just someone who loves music, learning how to critically listen can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Or you know.. you can just watch my videos. 🤣😜

Music is a powerful and universal medium that has the ability to bring people together and evoke strong emotions.

When I started my channel I was pretty much done with music, but somehow throughout my journey I was forced to push my limits and explore avenues that not only were brand new to me but also overwhelmingly fruitful.

While it's natural to have a preferred genre of music, it can be rewarding to step outside of your comfort zone and explore other types of music. Here are just a few benefits of listening to and exploring music outside of your preferred genre:

1. Broadens your musical horizons: By exposing yourself to different types of music, you open yourself up to a whole new world of sounds, styles, and cultural influences. You might discover a new artist or genre that becomes one of your favorites, or you might simply appreciate the diversity and richness of the music scene.

2. Helps you understand and appreciate other cultures: Music is often closely tied to cultural identity and can offer a window into the history, traditions, and values of a particular group of people. By listening to music from other cultures, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their history and way of life.

3. Enhances your emotional range: Different types of music can evoke a wide range of emotions, and exposing yourself to new genres can help you expand your emotional range. You might find that certain types of music bring out emotions in you that you didn't even know existed.

4. Increases creativity and inspiration: Many successful artists and musicians have cited listening to music outside of their preferred genre as a source of inspiration and creativity. By introducing new sounds and influences into your musical landscape, you can spark new ideas and find new ways to express yourself.

5. Builds connections with others: Music has a way of bringing people together, and sharing your love of a particular artist or genre can be a great way to connect with others. By exploring music outside of your preferred genre, you might find common ground with people who have different tastes in music, and that can lead to new friendships and collaborations.

In conclusion, listening to and exploring music outside of your preferred genre can have a number of benefits. Whether you're looking to broaden your musical horizons, gain a deeper understanding of other cultures, or simply find new sources of inspiration and creativity, there's no denying the power of music to enrich our lives in countless ways. So next time you're in the mood to listen to something new, consider stepping outside of your comfort zone and discovering the many wonders of music from other genres.