Week 4: What is world music?

There is a general view that ‘world music’ is indigenous music, that is, music that uses sounds and instruments associated with the local culture of a country as opposed to Anglo-American music. Shuker points out that the internationalisation of the music industry has led to cultural imperialism, which could be why the label ‘world music’ has emerged, as different cultures try to retain their original music styles whilst Anglo-American music is imported. This globalisation means that what started out as folk music has taken on a new genre, as Anglo-American music is injected into other cultures and people look to world music as a more authentic, traditional representation of their cultural identity as opposed to imported music. However, inevitably lines have blurred and it is not unusual for a European musician to sing with an American accent, or for imported Anglo-American music to sample instruments traditional to different cultures. The globalisation of the music industry goes hand in hand with the emergence of the ‘world music’ genre.

Week 3: Is popular music a mass-produced commodity or a genuine art form?

Theodor Adorno argues that ‘popular’ music is standardised and has a specific structure, whereas ‘serious’ music is more complex and must be appreciated as opposed to simply enjoyed. If we assume that art is any form of self-expression, then it could be argued that some popular music is not art. For example, a manufactured group who do not play their own instruments and have their songs written for them are hardly expressing themselves personally when they perform, yet it is generally these groups who are most popular. Music moguls tend to put these groups together for the sole purpose of making money, through merchandise as much as music, making the group a brand and thus a commodity. However, other popular artists, though perhaps imitating the same standardised structure of popular music that Adorno points out in their own songs, write the music and lyrics themselves to express themselves artistically. This could be considered a genuine art form. Some popular music is mass-produced for commercial profit, but it depends on individual artists as opposed to the whole genre.

Week 2: How useful is Peterson’s production of culture perspective in understanding the birth of rock ‘n’ roll?

When studying Peterson’s explanation of the birth of rock music, it quickly becomes apparent that his focus is on the industrial side of the rock revolution, with almost no mention of the emergence of the brand new sound which would become known as rock ‘n’ roll. However, Peterson does explain how the circumstances of the music industry created the opportunity for a new genre of music, recalling how the abolition of airing only ASCAP-licensed music on the radio increased airtime for previously excluded genres, which would eventually help to form the rock music genre. Peterson also challenges other ideas about the birth of rock music. He dismisses claims that the post-Second World War baby boom contributed towards the emergence of rock ‘n’ roll, as the oldest of these youngsters would be merely 9 years of age in 1954, which hardly amounts to a demanding teenage audience. Peterson’s explanation is detailed on the industry side, but is less useful in understanding the creative evolution of music which led to the birth of rock ‘n’ roll.

Week 1: What is 'popular' music?

Initially, one might assume that popular music is simply music that is enjoyed by lots of people, but the very meaning of ‘popular’ is open to interpretation, and can be self-contradictory. There’s also the argument that ‘popular’ music is merely commercial, but this wrongly suggests that the artists’ sole intention is to make money from their music. Whilst music can arguably become commercial by generating profit, artistic vision remains the primary motive. One must also consider that the word ‘popular’ and its meaning have evolved throughout the history of the English language; originally a legal term meaning ‘belonging to the people,’ it is defined today as ‘from and of the people.’ However, this is unspecific; some people like rap music whilst others favour opera. The fact that there is an audience for every genre of music, whether mainstream or alternative, suggests that all music is popular to some extent.