Hans Zimmer has revolutionized the art of the film score and the fusion of electronic and acoustic instruments. He has created music so unique that listeners can almost instantly identify a piece that was composed by him. He has composed hundreds of films and is considered to be in the same league as John Williams, Danny Elfman, and James Newton Howard. His career started with award-winning film "The Lion King" and since then he has scored some of the most widely known movies today such as Pirates of the Caribbean and The Dark Knight. (Hans Zimmer)
Much like composer John Williams has inspired many of the composers we listen to today, Hans Zimmer is becoming an influence to many upcoming score artists. More and more people are starting to experiment with electronic scoring and soon it may become standard in certain genres of film.
Hans' signature sound is often dark, droning, and tonal but can also be energetic and exciting at times. He achieves this through the perfect mixture of orchestral instruments and electronic samplers or synthesizers. Often he will take oscillators and add natural characteristics to them such as reverb and delay to make them sound massive and more realistic. Hans is also the master of the counterpoint and musical motifs which makes the music he writes more memorable. Everyone remembers the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song because the motif sticks in the listeners mind for long after the movie ends. (Hans Zimmer)
Hans Zimmer possesses the kind of talent that can change the entire industry of film scoring. People will often watch the movies he scores and then go buy the soundtrack because the music is so interesting and unique they want to hear it again. My favorite soundtrack that he did was for Gladiator. I listen to the soundtrack because it reminds me of scenes in that movie that were emotionally moving.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Peer Comment
Really great podcast. The use of terminal with “Alex” fits in perfectly with the overarching theme of Kraftwerk. It’s true that today, most popular music has at least some sort of electronic or synthesized element in it. But the electronic sound of Kraftwerk is not the only thing that inspired modern artists. In fact the modern pop artist Coldplay wrote a personal letter to Kraftwerk for the permission to use the melody of “Computer Love” in their song “Talk”, which later became a hit single on the pop charts. Great job though and I look forward to your future posts.
Peer Comment
Great article Nicholas! This exactly describes the kind of band that The Velvet Underground was. I like that you thoroughly explained the harkening image that Lou Reed and John Cale’s innovations gave to the band’s music. The accomplishments of these two artists cannot be underplayed. You may be right that punk music would not exist as it does today if not for the influence of the Velvet Underground. Countless artists clearly drew inspiration from the band’s unorthodox musical style. Overall this is a great article and it is very informative as to the band that had a large part in the development of the punk genre.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Electronic Music Innovations - Amon Tobin
Amon Tobin is a more current electronic musician who likes to produce dark environmental drum n' bass pieces. His music is often theme based and he achieves the mood in his songs through the use of heavy sampling. He has changed the way artists think about electronic music today. Instead of trying to make purely electronic sounds similar to real instruments, he attempts to effect sounds we hear in our everyday live to create a different, yet familiar sound in his music. Amon started his career remixing drum n' bass tracks and these remixes gained the attention of big music critics. He was signed by Ninebar and started to create albums soon after. (Amon Tobin)
In addition to drum n' bass, Amon also worked on music for several games and movies including, The Italian Job, Infamous, and Splinter Cell Chaos Theory. His work in the game and movie industry inspired some of the creativity in his later albums. (Amon Tobin)
Amon Tobin's music is unique and innovative because he takes non-musical elements and makes them musical, then does the opposite and takes musical instruments and makes non-musical sounds with them. Amon was also known for taking samples of old movie dialogue or soundtracks and incorporating it into his songs. This is often done in pop music today. (Amon Tobin and the Music of Infamous)
Though Amon Tobin is an underground artist, he has a clear understanding of the creative potential needed to attract listeners. His use of samples and non musical instrumentation makes his songs memorable, which is a characteristic that can often be more effective in music than good production value and marketing.
In addition to drum n' bass, Amon also worked on music for several games and movies including, The Italian Job, Infamous, and Splinter Cell Chaos Theory. His work in the game and movie industry inspired some of the creativity in his later albums. (Amon Tobin)
Amon Tobin's music is unique and innovative because he takes non-musical elements and makes them musical, then does the opposite and takes musical instruments and makes non-musical sounds with them. Amon was also known for taking samples of old movie dialogue or soundtracks and incorporating it into his songs. This is often done in pop music today. (Amon Tobin and the Music of Infamous)
Though Amon Tobin is an underground artist, he has a clear understanding of the creative potential needed to attract listeners. His use of samples and non musical instrumentation makes his songs memorable, which is a characteristic that can often be more effective in music than good production value and marketing.
Electronic Music
Kraftwerk is an electronic group that uses synthesizers and drum machines to create minimalistic and repetitive music. At the time of the band's inception, synthesizers were a new and futuristic technology. Kraftwerk essentially laid down the roots for how this technology would be used generations later. (The Story of Kraftwerk)
Autobahn, which was released in 1974, was the first commercial success for Kraftwerk. This success was largely due to the use of better technology and a refinement of Karftwerk's overall sound. The release of Autobahn also marked a change in how the group preformed live. The members started to do live vocals with a vocoder and used a minimoog for the keyboard parts. Radio-Activity came next and with the success of Autobahn the group was able to improve their equipment even more. They began to move towards a pop music style and were less experimental with their music. Although Radio-Activity was a relative flop in the U.S., it became the basis for how Kraftwerk would conduct its later music. In 1977 the group released Trans-Europe Express. This album later became one of the hallmarks of electronic music. The very next year Kraftwerk released The Man Machine. The group pulled out all the stops on this album and it was recorded in a very professional manner. In 1981 Kraftwerk released Computer World. This album sounded much like the electronic music we hear today. The groups trademark innovativeness landed it several hit singles and made it their most successful album to date. They also dramatically improved their live set when they went on tour. (The Story of Kraftwerk)
Kraftwerk was a unique and inspiring group to many artists because of their minimalistic style and their use of repetition to hook in listeners. The use of sequencers to have perfectly timed drums and vocals is a very pleasing aesthetic to many people. Kraftwerk excelled at doing a lot with a little. Kraftwerk was also well known for their innovative use of technology. With the use of the minimoog and unorthodox methods of recording vocals they set the standard for electronic music. (Kraftwerk, and the Electronic revolution)
As a listener I cannot fully appreciate Kraftwerk's music. The overuse of electronic instruments, the minimalism, and the stone-set timing of the beats are very unappealing to me. As an industry professional I can see how Kraftwerk was very influential to todays electronic musicians.
Autobahn, which was released in 1974, was the first commercial success for Kraftwerk. This success was largely due to the use of better technology and a refinement of Karftwerk's overall sound. The release of Autobahn also marked a change in how the group preformed live. The members started to do live vocals with a vocoder and used a minimoog for the keyboard parts. Radio-Activity came next and with the success of Autobahn the group was able to improve their equipment even more. They began to move towards a pop music style and were less experimental with their music. Although Radio-Activity was a relative flop in the U.S., it became the basis for how Kraftwerk would conduct its later music. In 1977 the group released Trans-Europe Express. This album later became one of the hallmarks of electronic music. The very next year Kraftwerk released The Man Machine. The group pulled out all the stops on this album and it was recorded in a very professional manner. In 1981 Kraftwerk released Computer World. This album sounded much like the electronic music we hear today. The groups trademark innovativeness landed it several hit singles and made it their most successful album to date. They also dramatically improved their live set when they went on tour. (The Story of Kraftwerk)
Kraftwerk was a unique and inspiring group to many artists because of their minimalistic style and their use of repetition to hook in listeners. The use of sequencers to have perfectly timed drums and vocals is a very pleasing aesthetic to many people. Kraftwerk excelled at doing a lot with a little. Kraftwerk was also well known for their innovative use of technology. With the use of the minimoog and unorthodox methods of recording vocals they set the standard for electronic music. (Kraftwerk, and the Electronic revolution)
As a listener I cannot fully appreciate Kraftwerk's music. The overuse of electronic instruments, the minimalism, and the stone-set timing of the beats are very unappealing to me. As an industry professional I can see how Kraftwerk was very influential to todays electronic musicians.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Marvin Gaye's Whats Going On
Marvin Gaye started off his career as an upbeat Motown artist and was a major part of the Motown realm. He drew inspiration from artists such as Nat King Cole and his music had elements of both jazz and gospel. He produced a number of hits in his early years and for a time he was Motown's top producing artist. (What's Going On)
Gaye's attitude in his music began to change after fellow singer Tammi Terrel died from a brain tumor. Not long after the Kent State shootings, Gaye's "What's Going On" was released. Gaye dramatically changed his music in response to the heightening of the Vietnam war and the U.S. invasion of Cambodia. "What's Going On" was meant to speak out agains unnecessary wars and violent protests at home. (What Went On)
Ironically, "What's Going On" did not get released without a fight. Gaye's producer, Berry Gordy refused to release the single because it didn't fit into Motown and he didn't like the sound of the track. Marvin Gaye refused to create any more songs until Gordy released the single. Eventually, because Gaye was so essential to the success of the Motown label, Gordy gave in. The single became a huge hit almost instantly. Gaye and his team were hard pressed to finish the rest of the album quickly. (What's Going On)
Marvin Gaye employed several new techniques when recording tracks for "What's Going On". Instead of employing a small group for background vocals, Gaye assembled a large chorus for a bigger sound. He also used two separate mono vocal tracks running at the same time for an interesting doubling effect on his voice. Gaye also shifted the focus of his lyrics to be about peace, love, and acceptance rather than the usual soul and Motown themes. (What's Going On)
"What's Going On" is a combination of socially aware music with a fusion of jazz and traditional Motown elements to create a sound that had never been done before. It was perfect for a time when musicality and popularity could exist on the same side of the music universe.
(350 words)
Gaye's attitude in his music began to change after fellow singer Tammi Terrel died from a brain tumor. Not long after the Kent State shootings, Gaye's "What's Going On" was released. Gaye dramatically changed his music in response to the heightening of the Vietnam war and the U.S. invasion of Cambodia. "What's Going On" was meant to speak out agains unnecessary wars and violent protests at home. (What Went On)
Ironically, "What's Going On" did not get released without a fight. Gaye's producer, Berry Gordy refused to release the single because it didn't fit into Motown and he didn't like the sound of the track. Marvin Gaye refused to create any more songs until Gordy released the single. Eventually, because Gaye was so essential to the success of the Motown label, Gordy gave in. The single became a huge hit almost instantly. Gaye and his team were hard pressed to finish the rest of the album quickly. (What's Going On)
Marvin Gaye employed several new techniques when recording tracks for "What's Going On". Instead of employing a small group for background vocals, Gaye assembled a large chorus for a bigger sound. He also used two separate mono vocal tracks running at the same time for an interesting doubling effect on his voice. Gaye also shifted the focus of his lyrics to be about peace, love, and acceptance rather than the usual soul and Motown themes. (What's Going On)
"What's Going On" is a combination of socially aware music with a fusion of jazz and traditional Motown elements to create a sound that had never been done before. It was perfect for a time when musicality and popularity could exist on the same side of the music universe.
(350 words)
The Velvet Underground and Nico
The Velvet Underground is a rock and roll group influenced by free form jazz and avant garde. At the beginning of their formation they were considered very out of the ordinary, both in the way their music was written and the way they conducted themselves outside of their performances. They were not a popular band like the Beatles or the Beach Boys but countless artists will later claim to have been inspired by their music. (The Southbank Show)
John Cale and Lou Reed, the songwriters for the Velvet Underground, both had a strong background in music creation. Cale studied composition at Goldsmith College and later studied in the United States under scholarship funds. He took special interest in modern experimental music and much of his writing was influenced by experimentation. He played the viola which became a quintessential part of the Velvet Underground's sound. Reed set his roots in avant garde jazz and poetry. He studied at Syracuse University and acquired many influences from there as well. Later he wrote pop and rock songs for Pickwick Records. (It Began Here)
Andy Warhol played a huge part in the production and marketing of The Velvet Underground. He reeled them in as a part of his desire to merge the creativity of art, music, and film. Warhol insisted that the German actress Nico become a part of the band and this later produced classics such as "Femme Fatale". Warhol's influence went hand in hand with much of the bands success. For a time, The Velvet Revolver was essentially part of "The Factory" crew. Warhol was also the chief negotiator for the band and allowed them to land record deals without giving the label control of their style. (The Southbank Show)
The Velvet Underground were vastly different from most bands under a label. Many contract bound bands make clean cut pop music that is designed to sell the maximum number of units for the label. This often requires them to sing songs about partying and relationships. Without these restrictions, The Velvet Underground was able to sing about drugs and other controversial topics while writing their music in an abstract and different style. The Velvet Underground did not follow the formula to gaining
popularity with their records but attracted many hardcore musicians and artists to their music thus becoming an influence to later bands. (The Southbank Show)
One can appreciate The Velvet Underground's music much in the same way one can appreciate abstract art for its visual aesthetic. The bands music is very experimental in nature and this can be a hit or miss genre especially in today's industry. There will always be a cult following for these types of bands, but the average listener will often find The Velvet Underground's music unpleasing.
(459 words)
John Cale and Lou Reed, the songwriters for the Velvet Underground, both had a strong background in music creation. Cale studied composition at Goldsmith College and later studied in the United States under scholarship funds. He took special interest in modern experimental music and much of his writing was influenced by experimentation. He played the viola which became a quintessential part of the Velvet Underground's sound. Reed set his roots in avant garde jazz and poetry. He studied at Syracuse University and acquired many influences from there as well. Later he wrote pop and rock songs for Pickwick Records. (It Began Here)
Andy Warhol played a huge part in the production and marketing of The Velvet Underground. He reeled them in as a part of his desire to merge the creativity of art, music, and film. Warhol insisted that the German actress Nico become a part of the band and this later produced classics such as "Femme Fatale". Warhol's influence went hand in hand with much of the bands success. For a time, The Velvet Revolver was essentially part of "The Factory" crew. Warhol was also the chief negotiator for the band and allowed them to land record deals without giving the label control of their style. (The Southbank Show)
The Velvet Underground were vastly different from most bands under a label. Many contract bound bands make clean cut pop music that is designed to sell the maximum number of units for the label. This often requires them to sing songs about partying and relationships. Without these restrictions, The Velvet Underground was able to sing about drugs and other controversial topics while writing their music in an abstract and different style. The Velvet Underground did not follow the formula to gaining
popularity with their records but attracted many hardcore musicians and artists to their music thus becoming an influence to later bands. (The Southbank Show)
One can appreciate The Velvet Underground's music much in the same way one can appreciate abstract art for its visual aesthetic. The bands music is very experimental in nature and this can be a hit or miss genre especially in today's industry. There will always be a cult following for these types of bands, but the average listener will often find The Velvet Underground's music unpleasing.
(459 words)
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