Let The Strings Play

Classical music and hip hop may seem like an odd couple, but trust me, they make magic outrageously together! Picture this: the elegance of a symphony orchestra meeting the beats of a killer hip hop track. Or a violinist flowing over tracks like mcees do vocally. It's like peanut butter and jelly-unexpected but, oh so right! When these two genres collide, it's a musical feast for your ears, blending the way-back-old-school charm of classical music with the modern vibes of hip hop.

Let's break it down like this, classical music brings the sophistication, the intricate melodies, and the rich history. Hip hop, on the other hand, brings the rhythm, the groove, and raw energy. Put them together, and you've got a match of super geners, producing awe inspiring art! The contrast between the grandeur of a symphony and the urban beats of hip hop creates a unique sound that's both timeless and fresh.

It's like they're bringing Mozart to the block party! Chopin at the wheels of steel? Hip hop artists are mixing in those classical vibes, and it's creating some seriously cool tunes. I mean, who knew Black Violin and The WuTang Clan could be a match made in music heaven? So, how are they doing it? Well, these hip hop geniuses are sampling classical music like it's going out of style. They're taking those old-school symphonies and giving them a fresh new beat. It's like a musical mashup that's blowing everyone's minds. And let me tell you, the trend needs more attention and projects. If not sampling the legends, hip hop producers will call upon classical musicians for the sound which cannot be emulated...no matter how great the synth is or AI. 

Violin, cello, strings in hop hop opened up a whole new world of music for everyone. Classical music lovers meet hip hop swagger. So next time you're looking for something new to jam to, don't be afraid to mix it up with some classical and hip hop fusion. It's like having the best of both worlds-a musical experience which is both classy and cool at the same time. 

The Way of the Metal

 

Hard rock, known for its powerful guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and energetic performances, has noticeably, undergone various transformations throughout its history. One of the most significant influences on the genre's evolution was the emergence of heavy metal-which changed the course of hard rock and delve into its roots, tracing its origins back to the late 1960s!

The roots of heavy metal can be traced back to the late 1960s when bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple emerged. These bands introduced a heavier sludgier and overall, darker sound thanks to the beautiful noise produced by distorted guitars, thundering basslines, and extremely powerful vocals. Black Sabbath's self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is considered the birth of heavy metal (some even go as far as to call it the birth of grunge), with its dark and foreboding atmosphere setting the stage for the genre's fate.

Heavy metal's impact on hard rock was profound. Prior to its emergence, hard rock was primarily influenced by blues and psychedelic rock. However, heavy metal brought a new level of intensity and aggression to the genre. Bands like AC/DC, Judas Priest, and Motorhead incorporated heavy metal elements into their music, infusing hard rock with a newfound energy and power!

Over the years, metal has taken the brundt of being associated with true came cases and instances of "satanic panic" during the 80s. This ultimately was great unintended press for metal and sales soared. With OzFest and other acts like Slipknot, the genre's only gotten more powerful over time.

NEw wAve = Our Wave

The year was 1977, and a musical revolution was underway! As punk rock burst onto the scene, a new subgenre emerged which was pushing the boundaries of both music and new styles. This genre, known as "new wave", would basically change the landscape of rock forever! There's an enduring (and rightfully so) influence of new wave music on modern rock. 

New wave music is characterized by a recipe of punk energy, pop sensibility, and synthesizer-driven soundscapes. Its catchy melodies, clean guitar tones, and use of electronic instruments set it apart from its predecessors. Bands such as The Cure, Depeche Mode, and Talking Heads were at the forefront of this movement. Devo. The Pixies. They figured out the way to create fresh arrangements, innovative production techniques, and introspective lyrics. Raw. 

One of the defining features of new wave music was its emphasis on individuality and non-conformity. This is where new wave's punk influences come in to play! This attitude resonated with a new generation of listeners who sought an alternative to the mainstream. Let's face it, who wants to conform (unless it's something really fun and poppy)? New wave's embrace of the DIY ethos (lots of tape recorded demos on 4 tracks) empowered a breed of new musicians to experiment with different sounds and styles, leading to a diversification of the rock genre. 

The influence of new wave music can be seen in the evolution of rock in the decades which followed. Artists like The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, and Interpol have drawn heavily from the new wave sound, incorporating catchy hooks, synths, and danceable rhythms into their music. The infectious energy and raw emotional delivery that characterized new wave, continues to resonate in the lyrics and performances of some of today's modern rock bands. The genre's impact is undeniable.

Artists and producers, are always seemingly experimenting with new sounds and textures. This has spawned interest in the new wave aesthetic. Like, sometimes listeners (like moi) embrace nostalgia and retro influences. It's enticing, inviting and familiar.

In the ever-changing world of music, new wave remains an important part of the rich tapestry which continues to shape and define the standard rock genre! As we shuffle into the future, the timeless allure of new wave music will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence a whole new generation of artists/bands.