An aspect of music in the 21st century that most interests me ... okay well i feel like whatever I say, i will be repeating myself.
Many topics we have discussed such as production, consumption and distribution seem to all fall under one category or concept. One of the articles stated "CD's have disappeared inside the iPod." So, my mind separates live music into a category of its own. I dont believe that live shows have increased in the 21st century, just become more important. It is an entirely different way of experiencing music's sound and feeling as well as the artist. Live shows are personal and intimate gatherings with 10 to 1,000 people who share a central passion or interest. More importantly, live shows are like that truth serum in Harry Potter. With today's technology, anyone can sound musically inclined. But not everyone can put on an outstanding live performance.
Live music is special. It sounds different. Raw and interesting and beautiful. Last night I went to Bottletree. The line up was The Potonicas, The Popheads and Onehundreds. I had never heard or heard of any of these bands before the show, but its a change i'm normally willing to take. The Photonicas opened and I was amazed. Their sound was familiar but not so much to bore or make me uninterested. Familiar in a comforting, nostalgic way. Low-fi indie rock is the best way I know to categorize them. A mix between Silversun Pickups, Explosions In The Sky, and The Strokes ... if you know who those bands are. Close your eyes and the sound changes. Magnifies.
Anyways, this is why live music is my favorite aspect of music in the 21st century. It means something different to everyone. It affects people differently. But nothing makes it less important.
The Potonicas
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I have been to a couple of live shows, and I can say that it was very different from the CD. It was nice being able to see the artists raw and uncut, without the help of the studio. I think it makes a listener value the artist more if the live show is good. They know that the person isn't really "manufactured" like others are. They are actually really talented.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, live music is just something in its own category. One example is the Avett Brothers. I had almost all their CDs and then finally got a chance to see them. Their energy in their performance is absolutely unmatched. They have a very raw sound live, which is why I liked seeing them. I have been to several shows, and my favorite ones are the smaller crowds.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of the photonicas, but I love explosions and the strokes, and have a lot of friends who like silver sound, so i'll have to check them out...thanks!