One of the most popular and commercially rock bands during the 60’s was The Beatles. The groups consisted of John Lennon (rhythm guitarist and vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar and vocals), George Harrison (lead guitarist, vocals), and Ringo Star (drums, vocals). The four stars became known for the social and Cultural Revolution of the 1960’s. The Beatles use of technology within the studio gave them the freedom to do as they please. “They urged experimentation by Martin and their recording engineers, regularly demanding that something new be tried because ‘it might just sound good’”. Examples of the experimentation that the Beatles used were: “Accidental guitar feedback, a resonating glass bottle, a tape loaded the wrong way round so that it played backwards…” This video gives a great description of just how advanced recording studios and live performances truly become. The video goes on to talk about how The Beatles song, Tomorrow Never Knows, could be performed on stage today, but back than it was only possible in the studio with their “recording tricks.”
The Beatles were transforming what was being done during this time. Adding new instruments to music to have that creative skill be put into their songs. The Beatles wanted to put a new sound and feel into every new song they recorded. For example in their song, Strawberry Fields, the beginning began with a unique sound of a Mellotron, which McCartney used to make the flute voice you hear throughout the song. This is a video showing you what a Mellotron looks like and how it is used. The Mellotron was the newest instrument, which gave the artist freedom to create any sound as they pleased. I would compare the Mellotron to the instruments used today, the MIDI controller. MIDI stand for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. This interface not only gives you the freedom of strings, flutes, and cellos, but any instrument you desire. MIDI controller ranges from: drums, synthesizers, and even guitars. Here are two videos demonstrating both.
Mellotron
MIDI Controller Keyboard
As you can see many changes have been made since the 60’s. The way artists put emotion into each and every song they record, gives that same feeling towards their audiences. But, for The Beatles, they didn’t have the technology to perform their song, Tomorrow Never Knows, on stage for a live performance. Technology I believe has changed music along with the artists. The video you just watched on the axiom midi controller keyboard, gave artists today the ability to do literally whatever they wanted. Having that freedom as The Beatles did in the 60’s made songs that nobody has ever heard before. Also, as pop, rap and rock began to become a new genre during the 60’s, Dubstep, for today, is becoming a new genre for most artists and fans.
Mr. Postman [Dubstep Remix]
HERES THE TWO PUT TOGETHER!
The Beatles- Come Together [omega remix]
Great job, Zack! It was so interesting to see the connection between the Beatles and Dubstep. It was also really interesting to see the progression of music over the years, and how the Beatles experimented with different types of music and instruments. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI really like the connection you drew between the Rock and Roll movement in the 60's to the Dubstep movement of today. I mean just a year ago I was listening to Dubstep and I was afraid to listen to it with other people around because I was afraid that they would be like "What is this crap you are listing to now Christian". Now Dubstep is everywhere, even in a Britney Spears song *sadly*. Rock and Roll is a combination of alot of different genres. The same is for Dubstep. It's actually hard to describe Dubstep, its just one of those things you have to experience. It's basically a combination of reggae, DnB, trance, some glitch, and grime. Because it combines all these genres it makes it more appealing to a larger audience. I would consider Skrillex to be Dubstep's "Beatles" as he is continually pushing the limits of the genre. This was by far my favorite blog post thus far in this project!
ReplyDeleteAlso I actually just remembered that I posted a Beatles Dubstep remix on my site awhile ago (Feb 17th to be exact). Its a Dubstep remix of Eleanor Rigby by MWXL.
ReplyDeletehttp://breakfastmusic.com/?p=413
Good work, Zack! You highlighted an aspect of music - its recording and experimentation of it - that is often not studied by folks. Your use of a Beatles song, "Tomorrow Never Knows," to underscore the importance of these details of making music was incredibly insightful as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is outstanding, Zack! Except for some bad links and too many typos, this is practically perfect. The Mellotron is a very interesting instrument that only had a brief heyday, but in its time it was huge, especially in progressive rock music. Well done!
ReplyDeleteZack, I loved this article. It used information we covered in class, but put an entirely new spin on what we learned. The information you provided was great. The links and videos made this blog post outstanding. Not only interesting and eye catching, this article was also informative. Great job!
ReplyDeleteGreat job Zack. I liked the connection you made between the Beatles and Dubstep today. This aticle was very informative and taught me a lot about what the Beatles were about which is being different. They were always trying to create new sound as you demonstrated in the video which used the Beatles song "Tommorow Never Knows."
ReplyDeleteAs your biggest fan, I can easily say great job, Zach! You've taught me so much about music. It's true there is always something new to learn! Thanks and can't wait to read the next blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks bro
ReplyDeleteSome really good information you have here Zack. I like how you use a lot of videos in your blogs, especially this one. It takes the blog to the next level providing a good visual to support your information. Nice work!
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