Electronica Music and Its Impact on the Music Industry - Essay Example

?Electronica Music and Its Impact on the Music Industry The beginnings of electronica as a music genre started when technological advancements in music instruments such as the introduction of electronic-based instruments and sound synthesizers in the music scene (Collins 87; Mickley). This went well in conjunction with the rise of the disco or dancing as recreational activities by the younger generations, making electronica and other music genre that descended from it as staples of the electronic dance music revolution (Keith). While during the late 1990’s the popularity of electronica waned due to various factors such as it being over-hyped by some in the music industry, it did not disappear entirely as it became a famous genre for other areas such as in the advertising industry (Dunn 2; Taylor 236). Ultimately, within a span of a decade the elements comprising the original electronica genre were reborn within the recent music scene itself, as it became infused with other popular genres such as hip-hop, rap, rock, and dance music (Bogdanov 634). This helped the next generation of audiences in appreciating electronica’s legacy as one of the earliest predecessors of contemporary music today. The Historical Background of Electronica as a Musical Genre Electronica was originally used around the 1950’s in Hollywood movies for background music, in order to emphasize on the emotions of the characters being portrayed (Collins 78). Influenced by classical music, electronica became a mood-maker in cinema, implying the character’s detachment from reality. It was also borne out of a cultural purpose of widening and increasing what is considered to be musical sounds (Dunn 2). In later years there was an increase in the frequency of electronica played outside the movie industry, and in the late 1960’s Europe electronica can be heard in the radiowaves, most notably in Germany (Keith). The avant-garde music scene along with the movies gave way to electronica becoming a futuristic and space-themed music (Dunn 14; Reynolds). Some of the known composers of early electronica include William S. Burroughs, Klaus Schulze, and Walter Carlos (Keith; Reynolds). They usually worked together with performers to create a distinct sound for each one. Some of the performers of early electronica that collaborated with these early composers and became well-known were Tangerine Dream, Tomita, Can, Faust and Neu!, King Crimson, and ELP (Keith; Reynolds). These early performers became known due to their strong resolve in making distinct, wild, and original sounds that use nearly everything from home-made gadgets to large, modular synthesizers. As the genre grew, there were also important changes in electronica such as its beginnings of being trickled slowly with traditional instruments (Collins 137). Gradually there became an acceptance of a wide variety of electronic instruments included with other non-electronic ones, and has now became staples in commonly-heard music (Dunn 6). This also allowed the increased use of electronic music instruments in the growing disco scene of the 1970’s (Mickley). Electronica rapidly evolved due to the vast leaps in technological advancement (Dunn 8). As a result, there came a wide availability of electronically-based instruments such as synthesizers and analogs that can alter the sounds produced, and the arrival of other electronic-based instruments such as keyboards and guitars. There was also an increased acceptability of electronica amongst listeners, leading to the development of important genres from electronica (Bogdanov 14). These include music that have a greater focus on accompaniment instead of vocals such as electronic dance music (EDM), funky beats, dance-pop, techno, and experimental rock. The Cultural Background of Electronica Most of the original listeners and audiences of electronica were late teens to people in their early 30’s, people from middle or working class and with near-equal mix of genders appreciating it(Campbell 323).Countries that allowed the proliferation of early electronica music were from developed countries such as the US, Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain) and Asia (India, Japan) (Mickley).In the succeeding years there were not many changes in the demographic throughout the genre’s history aside from the expansion of electronica music to other geographic locations such as South America, Africa and Southeast Asia (Mickley). There was also an expansion to lower-working class and elites, which gave rise to mainstream rap (Campbell 327). Electronica is most often heard in the early disco scenes (Keith). There were also dedicated music festivals that play electronica, often places with large spaces, as well as the use of this genre in movies (Campbell 318; Collins79; Keith) The additional venues where electronica is performed such as the radio and television came as the result of a greater audience reception (Taylor 239).There are no hard and fast cultural “rules” in electronica performance and appreciation however the audiences should expect loud and/or repetitive music. Clapping, dancing to the music, and singing along are acceptable as long as no disturbances such as riots happen within the concert or dance grounds (Campbell 319). Clothing styles and fashion associated with electronica as a music genre are often futuristic-themed. These are exemplified by flashy, shiny, or metallic outfits which can be asymmetrical or pointy, as in the case with famous French duo Daft Punk (Bowen). Dance styles associated with electronica include club or disco dances, breakdancing, or dances that focus more on hand movements than feet such as the retro style 1970’s dances(Reynolds 80).Words that came into being due to electronica include disco, electronic music, synthesizers and analogs, as well as background or ambient music (Shuker 10). Lifestyles associated with electronica include harmless activities such as the night life in dance houses or disco culture; non-conformity or resistance culture, and the Dance party or Rave party culture (Bogdanov 635; Dunn 15; Reynolds 135). However some negative aspects of electronica also came along with these party cultures such as drug-use to remove inhibitions among participants, and have persisted in societies even after the genre’s demise (Reynolds). At present while electronica is not usually played or heard in its original format due to it being an experimental genre, present-day culture appreciates electronica as a forerunner of modern music(Campbell 313; Mickley). Electronica’s Musical Background Melodies often heard in electronica are repetitive melodies (Campbell 313). There is a usage of a wide variety of notes, but these notes are often played quickly (Collins 137).Rhythm plays a major role in electronica, and it makes electronica’s signature rhythm fast and quick (Collins 145; Reynolds 96). Vocals can be accompanied with electronica background music, however because electronica focuses more on the music, lyrics are most often excluded in electronica songs. As a result, lyrics often come second in electronica, while rhythm comes first. If electronica songs have lyrics, these often speak of neutral subjects or of non-conformity to society (Bogdanov 11; Campbell 314). Fast rhythm allowed electronica to be synonymous with dance music, which in turn makes electronica an energetic genre. Some of the most important musical instruments in electronica include melodic instruments such as electronic guitars, electronic keyboards, and unadulterated or altered vocals (Collins 87; Dunn 5). Percussion instruments such as drums and drum machines are also needed to sustain rhythm (Bogdanov 13; Dunn 7). There is also the use of synthesizers to add texture to music and give electronica its distinct sound (Dunn 13). Other Avenues for the Development of Electronica One of the most significant contributions of electronica is in the field of advertising. Composing electronica specifically for advertisements such as ads for car brands was noted to have increased the boost in sales due to the catchy tunes associated with these ads(Taylor 240). This would not have been possible if electronica was shunned by audiences. In the following years the people’s fascination with catchy tunes provided an opportunity for the reinvention of electronica through collaborative measures among musicians in order to reach a greater number of audiences. Artist collaborations became a staple of the music industry, as singers often featuring DJ’s in these collaborative efforts (Mickley). There was also the use of some or most elements of electronica in composing and mixing new songs, such as the use of electronic instruments (guitars, drums, keyboards).Synthesizers and turntables returned to the music scene, allowing for the rebirth of electronica into a new audience generation(Campbell 149).At present some of the current genres that were tied to the roots of electronica such as Hip-hop, Rap, Dubstep, and Electronic dance music became known throughout the world due to the increase in audience reception (Reynolds 489).This allowed for the increased use of one or more elements of electronica such as the use of synthesizers and electronic instruments among popular songs. As a result, there is now a wider reception of electronica-fused music around the world. Conclusions Electronica as a music genre was the result of a futuristic approach in creating new kinds of music that people can appreciate. What started out as background or ambient music in movies became the roots for the creation of the disco and dance party culture, as well as the increased use of electronic gadgets such as sound synthesizers and analogs, and electronic versions of acoustic instruments such as guitars and keyboards. Electronica in its original form may not be that appealing to most audiences anymore, however because of its impact in the music industry some elements of it remain, thanks to its important role in the advertising industry. The appeal of electronica among consumers lead to its revival and remake such as in the case of collaborative efforts of singers, rappers, and DJ’s, whose songs and music have now grown popular among a wider range of audiences. In a way the legacy of electronica is that it is the embodiment of mixing a few elements and breaking these down in order to make way for whole new genres, giving it a strong staying power in the music industry for years to come. 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Popular music: The key concepts. London: Routledge, 2005. Print. Taylor, Tim D. "The Changing Shape of the Culture Industry; or, How Did Electronica Music Get into Television Commercials?" Television & New Media (2007): 8(3), 235-258. Print. Read More