The Evolution of Punk Rock - Essay Example

Week No: The Evolution of Punk Rock BSc Hospitality Management: Module Number and here Faculty here September 15, The Evolution of Punk Rock Punk rock, though one of the most popular forms of music in this modern day, is a genre that has a confusing, indefinite start. Originally taking place in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, punk rock was estimated to be developed between 1974 and 1976 (Robb, 2007). Punk rock had not always gone by its current time as it had come from a variety of different music genres, such as rock and roll, folk, rockabilly, and garage rock. Punk rock is the offspring of other musical ideas. Since its start, punk rock has grown to include other genres of music, forming subgenres, such as hardcore punk, skate punk, Christian punk, and pop punk. The punk rock state of mind is a very rebellious one. Punk rock is one of the few genres that use their lyrics to tell listeners how life really is, often using messages and themes of anti-politics and anti-establishment, as well as true-to-life stories. It is a genre that makes the listeners really think and consider the lyrics. Though considered by others to be a negative, harsh state of mind, punk rock is a very open and freeing genre. Punk rock defies the music industry, providing lyrics that are blunt and not shrouded in double-meaning or hidden messages. Punk Rock Evolution Like most music genres, the roots of punk rock can be found in other music categories. Unsurprisingly, it all began in the 1970s, a time when most people were going through various phases of self-discovery and self-understanding, often using music to help them along their journey. In a similar sense, it was in the 1970s when society started fully understanding life and the government, thus causing them to try to break from establishment as much as possible. They had no desire to be controlled by a group that was insisting that they were really there to help them. This inspired anti-political songs to be created by the rock and grunge bands of the day and age. Over forty years later, not much has changed, except now the music makes more sense to our own generation. As punk rock is considered a Do-It-Yourself genre, bands often popped up out of nowhere overnight, strengthening not only the popularity of the genre, but the messages that were presented with them. With each band that was created, new lyrics and concepts were brought to light. The popularity of the music and the messages grew with listeners, who were enthralled to be hearing music performed by bands that went against mainstream thought - thought that often involved censoring one’s self. Punk rock continued to grow not only in popularity, but in commonality. People began to strive for the punk rock genre. As the years went on, the punk rock genre began to change, but not noticeably. With each generation comes new concerns and problems, especially in regard to the government and how things are politically run. Nowadays, punk rock also encompasses issues in families, schools, and relationships. Punk rock existed to be blunt about these aspects in life, without resorting to sugarcoating. The drummer of Ramones stated that, “By 1973, what was needed was some pure, stripped down, no bull rock n’ roll (Ramone, 2007).” The same continued to hold true for the years after. As such, as the genre continued to evolve, the messages did in accordance to the times and demands of listeners, continuing with spreading the thoughts of reality. When punk rock was first created, it was considered to be tame, especially in comparison to what listeners are used to now, which has more to do with the exercising of freedom of speech. Punk rock has helped listeners to understand that we have that right, and each generation would stretch that right a little further through the use of music. However, the use of instruments and their purposes began to change; most punk rock bands in the beginning used very few instruments, preferring to simplify their sound to allow more attention on the lyrics, but as time progressed, proper bands were being formed. This was believed to enhance the strength and desire behind the messages found in the lyrics. The evolution of punk rock is a very slow, almost unnoticeable progress, though it can hardly be said that it has not grown since it was first developed. In essence, the genre has grown to fit each new generation or thought; punk rock music from the 1970s, while powerful and informative, holds no purpose to those of us in the current day. Similarly, our music now will only be entertainment to people ten years from now. They will have punk rock music that makes better sense to them. We may roll our eyes at their music in the future, just as people who grew up in the 1970s are doing now to our generation’s music. Music is always growing and changing, though their purpose and general message may stay the same. It does this to remain comforting and familiar to each generation, altering itself just enough to be familiar but continuously unique. Punk rock is no different, though its journey through time is probably a little more exciting due to the rash messages that are often conveyed. Distinguishing Punk Rock Punk rock has done a lot to distinguish itself from other music genres, especially those that may be similar in sound, such as grunge or metal. What sets punk rock apart from other genres are the lyrics more so than the actual sound, though that too is also distinct, often focusing on the use of guitars and drums. It is believed that punk is “sloppier and louder (Harry, 2008)” than other music genres. There is some screaming done in the songs, but the way that it is implemented sets punk rock apart from other screaming genres, like screamo and heavy metal. As aforementioned, the greatest difference between punk rock and other musical genres, even other rock genres, is the lyrics. Though they cover a range of subjects and issues, there are many bands that focus on anti-politics and anti-government, using their power of free speech and music to make their thoughts and opinions known to society. Even the other topics, mainly those that focus on family and relationships, are taken to new levels through punk rock. Punk rock has the habit of voicing and conveying concepts that other genres and musicians are too unsure of to touch upon. Punk rock strives to stand out and get their point across, no matter what they have to say or how they say it to accomplish this. Punk rock does what music was meant to do - tell the truth without fear of repercussions or with the need to sugarcoat. Punk rock redefined music. It is a genre that does not censor itself, nor fear what others think in regard to the subject matter. It tells life like it is, and makes listeners think and reconsider their views on life. It also acts as a medium for those that want to get into the music industry and sing of similar topics, but are unsure of which genre would be best to do so. A thought-provoking genre, punk rock inspires free thought in others, invoking free speech. Punk rock, though entertaining, is used more for spreading concepts that require a lot of thinking and consideration. The opinions and information that it is capable of feeding to others will keep listeners coming back for more, never growing tired of the messages that are there for them. Punk rock is a genre that is not going anywhere; as it is a genre that is meant to grow and change, there is no doubt that it will still be around in another forty or fifty years, just containing updated messages and themes. Furthermore, too many people have found comfort and familiarity within punk rock, ensuring that it is a genre that is going to outlive each generation that has grown up listening to it. What is more, due to the popularity of the genre, more punk rock bands are appearing at such an alarming rate, causing the punk rock genre to be one of the most common genres (Sabin, 1999). It would be difficult to get rid of such a huge portion of the music field. Similarly, the punk rock genre has a huge support group. The genre is a hit with teenagers and young adults, as well as artists, athletes, anarchists, and other society subgroups that have long since started thinking for themselves and have stopped allowing the government and other authoritative figures the ability to run their lives, starting with their taste in music. Punk rock is the soundtrack for people longing to have these free lives. Punk Rock Today Punk rock today is what it has been for approximately the last five to ten years. Indeed, there are many people that believe that this generation’s version of punk rock is the sole definition of what punk rock truly is. The only difference between punk rock now and what it was in the past is that we have an easier, freer life, which means that we have less angst to sing about. The majority of the popular punk rock bands that this generation is familiar with, such as Simple Plan, Good Charlotte, and Green Day, have grown up with the rest of us. These bands started roughly around 1999, with Green Day first being formed in 1987, and are still going strong eleven years later. Like society and their followers, these bands have simply updated their messages according to what is current and common in everyday life. For example, when Simple Plan first started, most of the band members were in their late teens or earlier twenties, and they were singing about school and relationships with family members - topics that young listeners could relate to. Now, eleven years later, they are singing of understanding life and more mature relationships. There is less angst and more knowledge in regard to life. Green Day, which is also considered an alternative band but is still classified as punk rock, is one of the most popular punk rock groups of the day. This band, roughly twenty-one years old, is considered the epitome of punk rock music (McCain & McNeil, 2006). Green Day is well-known for their point-blank music preaching against government control and various political issues, such as religion and sexual orientation. Their most famous songs, American Idiot and Holiday, received their fame due to their bluntness in regard to their topics, most of which dealt with homosexuality and the insane reign that the government seems to have on society. However, this generation is also playing with the various subdivisions of punk rock. Groups like Boys Like Girls and Cobra Starship are seen as almost mockeries of the punk rock genre, keeping the sound of the genre but not the lyrics or messages. Some of these bands are downright vulgar, bringing a negative name that punk rock has never deserved. Fortunately, other rising punk rock bands, such as Paramore, which is also considered to be a Christian punk rock band, are continuing the tradition of singing about life situations and concerns that people truly care about. These are the bands that listen to the people that listen to them. They are the ones that are keeping punk rock alive and thriving. Punk rock, though still alive in the way that it had been when it was first created in the 1970s, is slowly but surely changing for the next generation. With the new generation of teenagers and young adults, new concerns and interests are arising, which means that a lot of artists will be changing their tune or else other bands will be started to meet these new needs. Punk rock will always be changing and evolving so that each generation understands its current situation and place in life. Conclusion Punk rock is a very important genre for society as it allows society the chance to be free in their thinking and ideas. It also gives them something to use to express how they feel about certain aspects of life. Punk rock tends to be the voice that people wish they had. Though it may be seen as living vicariously through the ideals of the bands that comprise this genre, it still gives people the opportunity to find words to express how they feel or how they view life. Music itself is very important for society, but it becomes a healthy release when genres like punk rock exist for society to make use of. Furthermore, though it was unintended, many garage punk rock bands have been formed as younger people have found relief in this type of music. No matter where punk rock has gone, where it is at, or where it is going, it will always be the one genre that society can depend on to tell it like it is. References Harry, D. (2008). Punk: The whole story. New York, NY: DK Publishing, Inc. McCain, G. & McNeil, L. (2006). Please kill me: The uncensored oral history of punk. New York, NY: Grove/Atlantic, Inc. Ramone, T. (2007). Fight club. Uncut, 116. Robb, J. (2007). Punk rock: An oral history. New York, NY: Crown Publishing Group. Sabin, R. (1999). Punk rock: So what?: The cultural legacy of punk. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis, Inc. Read More