To most people in the 21st century, kicking back and pressing play on a playlist full of pop and rap music is an enjoyable pastime, however some people argue that modern music can no longer be considered an art. Music is a very opinion based topic so it is very difficult to discuss without disagreement although claiming that today’s popular music genres can no longer be classed as an art is blatant disrespect. Art is defined by the creation process, not whether people find it interesting; today’s celebrities do care a lot about public appearances although the deeper meaning behind their clothing, voice and choice of words forges the publicity into the art itself; music’s ability to reach large audiences and raise awareness of issues is still used heavily within today’s music.
Art is the application of human creative skill and imagination and can come in the form of any sense such as visuals or sounds. Classical music is thought to be a form of art because of the creative combination of notes being played on multiple instruments. Modern day genres like pop and hip-hop uses the same creative thinking and combining of instruments, however they often use pre-recorded instrumental notes and insert them into a musical program to perfect the beat. The modern technology allows artists and producers to record a beat, rhythm, chorus or verse and repeat it without minor differences. The programs also open new possibilities such as repeating the same word or phrase in the background of a song, this is known as an ad-lib and has become a popular trend in hip-hop music. Although pop, rap and hip-hop may not always use authentic instruments in the studio, it is still the same creative thinking and imagination that is put into use as that of a classical musician which makes an art an art.
The United States is the home of pop-culture where fans flock to see their favourite rap and pop artists perform or make public appearances. Abby H. from The Huffington Post claims “Pop and rap music has evolved into a shallow, image-obsessed industry that conforms to what the public wants to hear and see, eliminating the focus on the actual music.”. Abby’s comment on the artists’ focus on public image over musical talent may well be true
pop bands. In this essay I would like to discuss how the standard of art has
Encyclopedia Britannica defines music as, “art concerned with combining vocal or instrumental sounds for beauty of form or emotional expression, usually according to cultural standards of rhythm, melody, and, in most Western music, harmony”. Music was considered beautiful at one time. Musical artist in this day and age put their drive to succeed strongly before their personal morals. The explicit language warnings on music covers are not enough. The foul language usage in music remains not the only concept that continues influencing the younger generation. Pop, country, R&B, and rap music continues having an immense impact on influencing the American youth. The biggest factor of these music
The popularity of rap music around the world is one of the positive signs of globalization. Rap music evolved as an art and cultural form of expression of the African-American community. Because rap lyrics are often political in nature, the popularity of rap has grown worldwide. Rap represents multiculturalism, because it embraces diversity. The popularity of the music shows that white audiences can be receptive to African-American art forms. Rap music lyrics are sometimes controversial but in general, they promote free speech. Moreover, hip-hop has always been an artistic movement that includes expressions like dance
I now realise that the Arts, including music, creates opportunities to engage, inspire and enrich our lives. Music making and responding can challenge, provoke responses and enrich our knowledge and understanding of ourselves, our communities and the world.
"Modern music is people who can 't think signing artists who can 't write songs to make records for people who can 't hear." Frank Zappa
To understand why music is a product of human intention and perception, we start by defining or understanding the nature of music. Music is defined as the sounds or combination of vocals and instruments in a way that it produces a form of beauty, expression, or harmony of emotions. Arguably, people compose or make music through many ways (Resnicow, Joel E., 20-29). While some people might compose music without incorporating instruments, others use instruments to produce beats that match with their sounds. However, to argue that the
Music has been around since forever, dated back from the late 1800s (music censorship debate). Music has become an important element of our life, and we are affected by it because there has come a point where we cannot eat, sleep, nor breath without its existence. Music has always been in our hearts. However, music has its own downside, this happened to be the controversy that surrounds it. Controversy often comes from the creative control of the artist’s work which are reflected in music videos, lyrics which are express openly with contents containing profanity, use of sexual innuendos, or even an act of Satanism. On the other hand, censorship viewed by many as a form of restriction on an artist’s creation, therefore
This essay will evaluate Adorno’s critical attack on popular music. The essay will briefly provide some context on Adorno. Adorno claims that “listeners are made not born”, thus listening is a cultural practice, in which modernity has transformed into a profit (Adorno, 2002:248). By this, the essay will begin by focusing on the broader idea of the culture industry, in terms of commodities and popular music as not being critical. Following on, particular focus will be given to three main areas which convey Adorno’s criticism of popular music. These being, the musical form under standardisation, pseudo-individualisation and regressive listening in terms of escapism. Standardisation will be evaluated in structural terms, and critiqued by Middleton (1990) and Witkin (2003). Adorno’s critique of popular music can only be understood in relation to his analysis of serious music, therefore, the essay will focus on both types of music. Adorno’s criticisms of popular music and critics of this criticism, will enable for a conclusion to be drawn on whether or not I agree with Adorno’s claims on popular music.
An oversaturation of the most popular types of music can be daunting. Other diverse types of music may be struggling to breathe in this sea of pop, hip-hop, rock, and electronic dance music (edm). Music industries are almost controlling the communication system. Exploiting the media to show us what “good music” is and shutting out the folk singers, tribal and ritual. Local musicians are being put out of work. Alan Lomax, ethnomusicologist, has a very desperate need to keep this music alive. Through his paper “An Appeal for Cultural Equity” he explains how the mass media is starting to push its own agenda, and pushing away the other musicians in the lower parts of media in the world. He mentions how many think that it is inevitable for the folk and tribal musicians to die out, and it is almost sensible, since it’s survival of the fittest right? Lomax disagrees. False Darwinism should not be applied to culture in any sense. Especially to things like music, art, or any type of expressive medium. It’s “anti-human” and “very bad
Music has played a vital role in human culture and evidence based on archaeological sites can date it back to prehistoric times. It can be traced through almost all civilizations in one form or another. As time has progressed so has the music and the influences it has on people. Music is an important part of popular culture throughout the world, but it is especially popular in the United States. The music industry here is, and has been, a multi-million dollar business that continues to play an important role in American popular culture. This is also a art form and business that is forever changing as the times and more importantly, technology changes. Technology has changed the way music is made as well as how it is produced,
The popular culture of music has changed dramatically over the course of sixty five years. Since this time, new genres of music have been introduced, existing genres have changed, and fixed stereotypes have been associated with certain genres of music. Music has become a major part of popular culture, and is portrayed almost everywhere in first world societies, including on television, radio, at shopping centers, sporting events and in every area of popular culture. Music has become a major part of popular culture, and continues to strive and develop into more and diverse areas of culture.
Music is one of the most popular ways of expression and has been for generations. It makes us want to dance, inspires, soothes, relaxes, and sometimes tells us a story. Music is something the whole world shares and has brought together different kinds of people. However, there has been a question on whether some music has affected society negatively and crossed the line with some of its lyrics, content, and the persona of the artists. Certain music has been boycotted and even banned in the U.S. Pro-censorship supporters say that music is something that can deeply affect our society especially children who should not have to be subjected to things like violence, sex, drugs, or hate. However, being that music is a form of expression,
Popular music is often one of the best lenses we have through which to view our own cultural orientation. Many of the artistic and experimental shifts in popular music have mirrored changes in our own society. For instance, the emergence of Elvis Presley as a public figure would signal the start of a sexual revolution and the growth in visibility of a rebellious youth culture. Similarly, the folk and psychedelic music of the 1960s was closely entangled with the Civil Rights, anti-war and social protest movements. In this regard, we can view popular music as an artifact through which to better understand the time and place in which it is produced. In light of this, the state of popular music today may suggest troubling things about our society.
The influence of media on society in the 21st century is undeniable. Of all the types of media, music and books stand out as two of the main strands that influences people the most. They are both invaluable resources of knowledge and entertainment that can be accessed by all age groups. However, the most important aspect of music and books that has made them so prominent to the 21st century audience is that it offers a wide range of genres and styles. Consequently, Music and books have become the principal method of entertainment in the lives of many, as it bestows upon people the opportunity to free themselves from reality, and exist in their own fantasy worlds. By comparing and contrasting the impact of music and books, a superior
The literal meaning of the word 'music' according to any dictionary is: 'art of combining vocal or instrumental sounds in a harmonious or expressive way.' But music has a meaning which is far broader than this. Music is life. Music means Self-expansion and oneness. It is an art by itself. Art, in any of its forms, is generated by a person, or a group of talented yet usually ordinary people, that express, willingly or not, an opinion regarding present times. It is not a want; it is a need. If you try to imagine yourself without it, you are bound to feel incomplete. For many of us, it has become a necessity of our lives. Music has no boundaries. Music is the