Punk music - Research Paper Example

? Punk Music Paper Lecturer: Background of Punk music The word “Punk” was first realized in the 1970’s. Punk music was majorly related to Punk rock which also developed during the same period. In addition to that, Punk rock music was more of a “garage” kind of music since most of the artists who indulged in punk music sang from their garages. The 70’s punk rock music had a number of previous influences. First, due to the fact that most of the punk rock artists incorporated garage rock characteristics; punk music was highly influenced by garage rock. As a result, garage rock became one of the influencers of punk music. Secondly, genres such as proto punk, pub rock, glam rock, surf rock and ska had a very huge influence to the origins of punk rock. For example, proto punk was very much common in the 1960’s. Some of the bands which propagated this style of music were the Velvet Underground, MC5 and the Stooges. Whereas single artists included Lou Reed, David Bowie, Captain Beefheart and Iggy Pop. It is important to note that the mentioned bands as well as the individual artists promoted and encouraged the emergence of punk rock bands such as the New York Dolls, the Dictators (“Proto punk”, 2013), the Ramones and the Sex Pistols (“History of Punk Rock”, n.d). Garage rock was also a major influencer to punk music. This style of music was prevalent in the 1960‘s; however, at that time it was closely related to rock and roll. Additionally, it was characterised by garage performances – that is, the artists used to practice and perform in their garages. Some of the notable garage rock bands then included the likes of the Aardvarks, the Actioneers, the Angry, the Bad Boys, the Cobras only to mention a few. The culture that developed out of punk music was the “Punk culture”. The Punk culture had a variety of distinctive characteristics that were mostly based on their ideologies, looks and clothing. It is without doubt that the individuals who were already down for the Punk culture could be determined very easily without any hustles. To start with, this style was music was unique in its own way. It was characterised by fast musical beats, the use of instruments especially bass drums and electric guitars, the songs were in themselves shorter and they were advocating and/ or portraying a message – that is, the lyrics were quite direct. For example, the Clash was a punk rock band from the UK and they had hit songs such as: “Career Opportunities” and “Right to Work”. Both of these songs were portraying messages of work opportunities for the youth. Due to the fact that the lyrics related to this music genre had a meaning behind them, a lot of people were attracted to it especially the youth. Through that appreciation, the punk culture evolved to greater heights in the 70’s. There were a number of intriguing and distinctive attributes related to the punk culture and their followers and/ or fans. The first feature was in their looks; secondly, their clothing was also quite distinctive as it included the likes of t-shirts, fitting pants, leather jackets, leather boots and other accessories; thirdly, a large number of the fans were anti – authoritarian – that is, they had their own ideologies with regard to a number of society issues. Apparently, United Kingdom had the highest prevalence of the punk culture followed by United States and Australia. Punk music goes way back into the 1960’s were the existing music genres were the likes of garage rock, proto punk, pub rock, glam rock, surf rock and ska. As a result, some of the performers of punk rock included the likes of the Ramones from USA, specifically New York City, the Sex Pistols and the Clash who were from UK, specifically London. The composers of punk rock were mostly the artists. This is because they were the ones who were projecting the message to the public. However, the works of Marty Munsch were also remarkable as he worked with a variety of punk rock artists. One of the bands that he worked with was the U.S. Chaos (“US Chaos”, n.d). Another composer and producer is Steven Frank. He was part of a number of bands back then such as the Flour, Big Back, Rapeman and currently he is part of the band Shellac. The 70’s punk music endured some changes in terms of the musical beats that were used as well as their frequencies. In the 1980’s, artists who were involved in this music genre added some little changes to the musical beats which turned out to be slightly harder (hardcore) and faster. This is the same period when there were music developments in the punk rock musical scene. A good example is that genres such as post punk as well as alternative rock came into existence. The same trend continued and to this day, although the number of artists who perform and produce punk music has gone down. The music genre has a number or two of its roots in musical genres such as post punk, grunge, alternative rock, gothic rock etc. Since its inception back in the 1970’s, punk music has always been based on a number of ideologies. Through the years, these ideologies have always been expressed in a number of ways. Some individuals express it in music, which is why punk music style originated and others portray it in art, fashion and even literature. Punk ideologies are based on free thought. In addition to that, they are related to matters that are religious, political and/ or social. For example, some punk rock musical genres aim at portraying messages to the government such as employment for the youth, rights for young people and so on. Another common ideology related to punk music is based on conservatism. This is where these forms of music advocate for free markets and less governmental involvement in the market sector – that is, they are anti-liberalism and anti-communism. Additionally, other ideologies (free thought) are related to the opposition of extreme authoritative governments and leaders – commonly known as anti – authoritarian punk music. Religious punk has also caught the world by storm. For example, there exist ideologies that are based on religions such as Christianity, Islam and Krishna. A good example of a religious punk rock sub genre is Christian punk. The lyrics associated with Christian punk are more related to Biblical stories and sayings. Over the years there have been countless variations of punk music genres from different countries and each type of genre has been influenced by the traditional origins of the country that it developed from. Some of these sub genres of punk rock music include: Anarchy Punk – This genre came into existence after the band Sex Pistols released the song "Anarchy in the UK". Since then, this genre has been characterized by lyrics which are political in nature. Some of the common bands that were involved with anarchy punk rock are the Crass and Flux of Pink Indians. Christian punk (Christ Punk) – This is a form of punk rock musical genre whose lyrics have some Christian content in it. However, the other factors such as musical beats and their frequencies are the same as those of the original punk rock music. Some of the bands that are associated with Christian Punk include: Relient K and The Orange County Supertones both from the USA. Celtic Punk – This music genre originated from Ireland. The artists used a number of Irish traditional instruments. Some of the bands that were associated with this musical genre included the likes of the Pogues, the Tossers and Blood or Whiskey. Cultural information on punk music Punk rock music is mostly listened to by individuals who are in the teenage years. This is because these young individuals prefer songs that have sharp tones, fast musical beats and the adrenaline that these songs do have project (Griffiths, 2013). When it comes to ethnicity, a majority of Caucasians (whites) listen to punk rock music. This is due to the reason that this form of music is part and parcel of their culture as compared to other ethnic groups. For example, African Americans are always brought up in a musical culture that incorporates a lot of jazz, blues music, Christian music and so on. When it comes to Asians, most of their music is related to soft vocal singing and the use of drums and not guitars. Based on that, it is without doubt that punk rock music is a favourite to a majority of Caucasian folks. Another factor that supports this factor is that the origins of punk music were mostly witnessed in the UK, Australia and USA. However, the punk music culture has over the years spread to countries like Ireland; however, these are still in the UK. When it comes to punk rock music and financial status, a lot of debate surrounds this topic; this is because punk rock has a number of sub genres and each has their own agenda and message. There are those whose lyrics are projected to the government based on employment opportunities for the youth such as anarchy punk. So for that case, it can be presumed that financial gain is their motivation and agenda. Additionally, there are those individuals who listen to punk rock as a form of enlightenment. For example, those who listen to Christian punk rock can be anybody positioned anywhere in the society ladder regardless of their financial capabilities. It is important to note that punk music demographics have changed slightly over the years. First of all, the age that listens to punk rock has slightly extended in the manner that; those who used to listen to it back then may still listen to it now, although not as frequent as they used to. Secondly, due to the widespread of the musical culture over the years, it can be presumed that there are one or two individuals from other ethnic backgrounds that listen to the musical genre and/ or its sub genres. Punk rock performances in the 1970’s were mostly done in garages. As the music got to be appreciated, it grew from “small time” garages to live concerts and/ or live performances. In that bid, punk rock music became more of an outdoors kind of performance since these shows had so much adrenaline from the fans that if they were performed in close doors, it would not offer as much satisfaction. It is important to know that punk rock is much better preferred as a live performance (“Punk Rock”, n.d). Through the years, punk rock music grew from the backyard garages to live performances and concerts and the advent of technology brought about the showcasing of punk music performances through channels such as You Tube (“Bad Religion - No Control”, 2010). Additionally, the “cultural” rules that apply to such performances are mostly the same as those applied to other concerts and/ or live performances. That is, the concert etiquette does not allow violence and verbal abuse; however, the fans are allowed to enjoy the concert in all manners which include dancing, screaming, jumping etc. The dancing that punk music requires does not need choreography as compared to other forms of music genres. Mostly, the fans jump, scream and sing. Through that, no formal dancing acts are required. However, in some instances, some songs may require dancing which is not co-ordinated as such. Clothes related to punk culture are still the same. Most of those who still follow the punk culture and listen to punk music wear t-shirts, fitting pants, boots, leather jackets and other accessories. This is a trend that all fans of punk cannot ditch that easily. Punk music comes as real and plain as it can be. Apparently, this is the most direct form of music genre that has maintained its roots since the 1970’s. As such, there have not been any phrases or specific language that punk music has yielded over the past years. The purpose of music is very important. Back in the days, punk music was used to showcase a message that was political, social and/ or religious. To date, punk music has the same agenda although punk music itself has been adopted in genres such as new wave, post punk and so on. Every form of music is prone to have their specific lifestyle. For the case of punk rock music the lifestyle that is associated to it is primarily based on the punk culture. That is with regard to aspects such as clothing and looks. As such, the lifestyle that was there in the 1970’s has still been incorporated into today’s punk lifestyle. Punk music has over the years become very influential in the American culture. It has led to the rise of sub genres such as new wave, alternative rock, Christian punk and even pop rock and its consecutive sub genres. It is without doubt that this form of musical genre has massively influenced the American culture. Today, there are countless numbers of people who listen to one or two of the sub genres of punk rock music. In addition to that, the music is enjoyed by a variety of ethnic groups in America. There may be fewer punk rock musicians existing today; however, the features that punk rock has instilled in other musical genres will never fade away any time soon. Musical Information Punk music beats are mostly choppy in one way or another. The artist performing can sing and instruments such as guitars and drums can be played after the artist completes their lyrics; Most of the times the sound of the instruments is higher and/ or harder. Additionally, punk music contains different notes. For example, the note at which the artist will sing with is not the same as that in which the instruments will be played with. As a result, they may have a variety of different notes. The occurrence of different notes in a musical sheet only limits the song to the artist. As a result, other artists may not in a position to sing the same song; thereby rending this musical genre complex. Punk musical rhythm depends on the genre. It may vary from a persistent and repetitive rhythm to a more technical rhythm depending on the notes that have been projected. It should be noted that these are the rhythm attributes that make this musical genre distinct. Based on the rhythm and notes that are used, punk music can be difficult to dance to as compared to rap music or blues - It has no choreography; therefore, it is not a dance genre. The commonly used instruments include: electric guitars and drums. On the lyrics part, punk music has shorter lyrics as compared to other musical genres such as reggae, blues and jazz. It is important to note that punk music lyrics do have meaning. For example, some songs project aspects that deal with political matters, social matters as well as religion. However, the message that the song carries always depends on the sub genre. For example; Christian punk bands only sing religious songs, anarchy punk bands only sing political songs etc. Transcripts of interviews conducted Interview 1: Me: Do you like concerts? Have you ever been to a punk music concert? Allan Bell: Yes, I do love concerts. I have ever attended the concert by the band Bad religion. Me: How was the experience? Allan Bell: Well, I am their number one fan. I loved the experience. The songs that they played were epic and fun! Interview 2: Me: Do you listen to punk music? Raphael Gilbert: No, I do not listen to punk music. I listen to reggae. Me: Why don’t you listen to punk music? Raphael Gilbert: I prefer music that is slower and done not have high pitch and electric guitars are not my thing. Their sound is extremely high. Interview 3: Me: Have you ever been to a punk music concert? Michelle White: No. I have never been to a punk music concert. Me: Would you like to attend one? Michelle White: I do not mind attending one. I like live performances. I am sure I will enjoy myself. Audio Excerpts Below are some examples of punk music audio excerpts: ALL - Shortest Punk Rock Song - Live Version The Stone Roses - Elizabeth My Dear The Beatles- Her Majesty Summary Punk rock music is a musical genre that should be hailed for its existence. Even better, garage music should be given the credit for being the “mother” of all the forms of punk rock that exist at this day and age. Punk rock music led to the unveiling of a number of sub-genres that millions of people enjoy today. These include: new wave, alternative rock, post punk and emo. It is without doubt that punk music changed the world through its culture as well as its ideologies based on aspects such as political, social and religious matters. As such, punk rock music can be termed as the most open and realistic form of music that has ever existed. Bibliography 60s garage bands. (2012). Aardvarks. Web. Retrieved from: http://www.60sgaragebands.com/aardvarks.html Amtrotec2. (N.d). The Stone Roses - Elizabeth My Dear. Web. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJNcnDLWNis Aces and Heights. (N.d). History of Punk Rock. Web. Retrieved from: http://www.acesandeighths.com/punk.html Academic. (N.d). No Future: The Conception and Evolution of Punk Music and Culture in the United States and Great Britain from 1965 to the Present. Web. Retrieved from: http://academic.mu.edu/meissnerd/punk.html All Music. (2013). Proto punk. Web. Retrieved from: http://www.allmusic.com/style/proto-punk-ma0000005021 Bell, A. (2013, November 28). Personal interview. Bad religion. (2010). Bad Religion - No Control (Live in Copenhagen, July 24th, 2010). Web. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wys2InRioKo&list=PLB29E17C0F2555FD7 Clark, S. (N.d). The Beatles- Her Majesty. Web. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoC9DuZZKF0 Griffiths, S. (2013). Rock of Ages: Taste in music DOES change over a lifetime - and even punk-loving teens will listen to classical music in middle age. Web. Retrieved from: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2460668/Scientists-prove-taste-music-DOES-change-lifetime.html Gilbert, R. (2013, November 29). Personal interview. Goldthorpe, J. (N.d). Punk Rock. Web. Retrieved from: http://foundsf.org/index.php?title=PUNK_ROCK Punk Rock Shop. (2013). Punk Rock Clothing. Web. Retrieved from: http://www.punkrockshop.co.uk/ Riot101fan. (N.d). ALL - Shortest Punk Rock Song - Live Version. Web. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRBNkfH2moE Shuker, R. (2005). Popular music: the key concepts (2th ed.). London: Routledge Sugar Buzz Magazine. (N.d). US Chaos. Web. Retrieved from: http://www.sugarbuzzmagazine.com/bands/uschaos/uschaos.html The Angry. (N.d). The Angry. Web. Retrieved from: http://home.unet.nl/kesteloo/angry.html White, M. (2013, November 30). Personal interview. Read More