Monday, February 06, 2006
Music or Message?
The whole Bono conversation has me thinking about something related. I generally find that people split into one of two categories: those who select their music for the way it sounds and those who select it for the lyrics, message, and artist. I definitely fall into the former group. The music itself is always primary, with the lyrics ranging on a continuum from secondary but still important to irrelevant. My favorite artists are those who combine the two, who make music I like with a message that means something to me. But even if I disagree with the lyrics, I'll still listen if I like the music. And no matter how awesome the lyrics, if I don't care for the way it sounds I don't end up listening to it much. In fact, the sound is all I really notice unless I'm thinking about it; on a first listen the words are just meaningless vocalizations of musical notes. And some of my favorite music involves wordless wailing or lyrics in languages I don't know. So that's where I come down. How about you?
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10 comments:
I just like most music. For words and for sound. It is always interesting to see how some people invent their own lyrics when they don't know the words so well, and then to see how shocked they are when they hear the real ones. I like music for it's message and the way that message is expressed. Not saying I know all the words to all the music I listen to. But I try to get a gist before I decide if I like it or not.
I should just stay away from the music posts. Seeing what I've literally spent my entire life on put in these kinds of terms is incredibly depressing.
I'm in it for the music. I'm a percussionist at heart so my brain typically removes the lyric track from my listening experience. If it's got a good beat, the melody evolving, and it doesn't put me to sleep, it's good to me.
Yeah, I hesitated to write this because I was afraid your head might explode when you read it, Gobula.
I don't know if you'll respond to this since you don't want to elaborate on Bono, but you've made comments about what you've "spent [your] entire life on." I don't think we ever had a chance to talk about this when we worked together, so other than the vague reference to music I don't know what you're talking about. Aren't you a history major? What is this life's work that you are so passionate about?
I meant that I have spent most of my time and money on music throughout my life, and I care about it far more than anything else. I don't have several thousand dollars worth of recording equipment for nothing. Yes I am a history major.
Today Hadrian pointed out that I could come off kinda "in your face" if you don't know me, and after re-reading what I wrote I can see how this could be true. This explains why I usually get a completely different reaction from him at work and the other people on here.
Hehe. Just thinking about the phrase "in your face" in conjunction with the image you have chosen to represent yourself. Seems fitting. I've been told before I sometimes come across as aloof and/or a know-it-all, so I hope I'm not rubbing you/people wrong in those ways through all of this.
Anyway, are you hoping for a recording career? Guitar and singing? What are your aspirations for it? I had no idea music was your passion. I'm interested to learn as much as you are comfortable sharing.
I look at music from a mood perspective. If it makes me feel something (other than disgust because it's so bad/trite/horrible-sounding) then it's good and I like it. Whether it makes me want to cry, to laugh, to dance, to think, or to meditate, it's still evoked a visceral response, which is what I want from my music.
Don't worry about rubbing me the wrong way. You're gonna like this: I don't get angered easily.
A recording career would be nice but I generally lack the motivation needed. I've been playing the guitar since I was 6 but I don't have much of a singing voice. This stuff about musicians not having a place on the world stage hits me pretty hard though, the whole reason I want to do it in the first place is to make a difference.
I'm pretty comfortable discussing anything, so if you have any specific questions ask away.
Don't let me discourage you. Bono may not have especially touched me, but he's obviously inspired you as well as millions of others. You might do the same.
I doubt I could possibly get discouraged. Discussions like this motivate me more than not.
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