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. 

Who Killed Disco?

 

Disco! Once the groove of the party, has pretty much faded into obscurity. The genre which once dominated the airwaves and dance floors in the 1970s met its demise due to a combination of factors. First and foremost, disco became overexposed and commercialized, losing its authenticity and appeal. 

The saturation of disco-themed movies, TV shows, and merchandise led to a backlash from the public who grew tired of the "disco craze". Additionally, the rise of punk and new wave music provided a rebellious alternative to the polished, coke-laced and glamorous disco scene. 

The anti-disco sentiment culminated in the infamous "Disco Demolition Night" at Comiskey Park in 1979, where thousands of disco records were destroyed in a symbolic act of rebellion! And boy, how the vinyl flew through the air and onto the field...a huge boom from the field as 12" record shrapnel danced under the moon. To the delight of thousands! This event really marked the beginning of the end for disco, as it was seen as a clear indication that the genre had lost its cultural relevance. 

Despite its demise, disco's influence can still be felt in contemporary dance music, proving even in death, disco lives on. So, let us raise a glass of Moet to the fallen genre and reminisce about the good good good times it brought us; while also acknowledging the factors which contributed to its not so "far out" downfall. Disco may be gone, but its legacy will forever be remembered on the dance floor...and club bathroom stalls.

Wait...What Ever Happened to Breakdancing?

Breakdancing, once an extremely vibrant and popular art form, has seemingly lost its spark. What happened? Well, there are a few factors at play here. First off, we can thank the rise of new dance trends. With the advent of TikTok and social media platforms, dance challenges have taken over the internet. People are more focused on learning the latest viral moves than giving breakdancing a chance nor attention. One time, a friend tried to master "the worm" yet, he tried doing it on his back! Needless to say, we weren't surprised to see him holding his head and screaming (he was okay, just a super hard knock to his noggin)! We used to walk around the neighborhoods of NYC and just watch breakdancers do their thing. Randomly. On the streets and in the parks. Soon, crowds would gather and rightfully so!

Secondly, and frankly, perhaps the commercialization of breakdancing has played a role in its decline? Back in the day, breakdancing was all about self-expression and creativity. But now, it has become a commodity, with competitions and sponsorships dictating the direction of the art form. This has taken away some of the rawness and authenticity which once made breakdancing so captivating.

And lastly, let's not forget about the passage of time! Trends come and go, and breakdancing is no exception at the end of the day. What was once seen as cutting-edge and rebellious has now become a nostalgic reminder of our past. As new generations emerge, their interests and passions naturally evolve, leaving behind what was once popular. I reckon this is nothing new and will only continue as time keeps on slipping!

Ultimately, while breakdancing may seem like a lost art, it still has a dedicated community of die-hard enthusiasts who are keeping the spirit alive. So, even though it may not be in the spotlight like it used to be, breakdancing will always have a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate its history and artistry.

Another Musical Explosion for Your Ears and Soul

 

Hey there, Flippers! For years, my family and I have been neighbors with Joe Matt, the genius behind the comic, Peepshow. Joe was never just your average comic creator. He's a true artist who knows how to capture the raw emotions of life, particularly his own. His work was at times self-deprecating, always humorous and always very real. You read his comics and you feel as though you know him! I'd always have conversations with him about old comic book artists, music, life back east (we're in Los Angeles), old westerns...you name it. Yesterday (Sunday 9/17), my lady and I were extremely shocked to find out he passed away. His housemate, in tears, told us the upsetting news and I instantly started crying.  

 

He was just such a nice, good man. He was always creating and in fact, was working with producers to translate his comic into an animated show. He wanted me to do the voice for one of the characters. "Can you do a Philly accent?" "Pass me a hoagie, Mike Schmidt", I replied trying my best. He laughed and said, "close enough". Joe was nominated for a Will Eisner Award for Peepshow. A great accomplishment to accompany his prolific career. He will be missed and I'm still grappling with the fact he passed away at 60, while meanwhile, Henry Kissinger is alive and well at 100. Makes no sense to me. Bless Joe Matt and his kindness. 

 

When anyone's going through a tough time, usually, playing and listening to favorite tunes helps in one's healing process. And it's always cosmic when those songs perfectly encapsulate our feelings. On the new episode, I really jump across multiple genres and amazing artists. I hope you enjoy the show and remember: new shows every T&T (Tuesday and Thursday).

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Beyond The Four Seasons

Hey there, listeners! Let me tell you about this musical genius named Vivaldi. Seriously, this guy was off the charts talented! I mean, we're talking about a composer who kicked out over 500 concertos. That's mind-numbing! And get this, he didn't just stick to one instrument. Nope, Vivaldi was a master of the violin, the cello, and even the flute. Amazing much? Dude...

But it's not just the quantity of his work that's impressive, it's the quality too. Vivaldi had this incredible ability to create these beautiful melodies that would just transport you to another world. His compositions were so rich and vibrant, you couldn't help but get lost in the music. It's like he had this magical touch that could make your heart skip a beat.

Now, I know what you're thinking, "But what about his famous, 'The Four Seasons'?" Oh boy, let me tell youse, that's a masterpiece right there. Each season is brought to life through Vivaldi's incredible use of musical techniques. From the delicate sounds of spring to the thunderous storms of summer, he captures the essence of each season with such precision and artistry. It's no wonder this piece has stood the test of time and continues to be beloved by music enthusiasts all over the world.

If you're ever in need of some musical inspiration, look no further than Vivaldi. This guy was a true genius, a master of his craft. His talent was unmatched, and his music continues to captivate audiences to this day. Trust me, give Vivaldi a listen and prepare to be blown away and your soul get lighter!

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.