"UNPLUGGED"

A technique that I admire and yearn for in the music industry is the art of stripping down a song into an unplugged, acoustic version.  Taking a song and turning it into a simplistic work of art that displays an artist’s instrumental talent, provides a pure, raw emotion that the original version of the song sometimes does not offer.  Many artists will record a song with technological elements in order to make it “radio friendly” or more marketable.  But, a lot of times these elements take away from the emotion of the song.  Therefore, many artists will re-record or perform at live venues using this broken-down, “unplugged” aesthetic of their song to share what they were feeling when they wrote or recorded the song.

I coined the “unplugged” aesthetic term from the MTV Unplugged television series.  These televised, intimate concert shows proved to me that any genre can perform a song acoustically.  The alternative genre is very powerful with the “unplugged” aesthetic.  “The Outsiders” by Needtobreathe (2009), is originally done with an abundance of sounds. However, on their deluxe version of the album, also entitled “The Outsiders,” Needtobreathe released an acoustic version of the song.  This version was stripped down to where you could hear each specific element and instrument of the song.  There is an emphasis on the voice and the hand clapping, whereas in the original the hand clapping is very distant in the background of the song.  This is the perfect example of being “unplugged” because you could hear clearly the rhythm of the hand clapping instead of the instruments overpowering it, as they do in the original.  It kind of stood as a metaphor with the song, as an “outsider.”  The handclapping was hard to hear in the original version, but it clearly stood out in the acoustic.  Maybe this is what Needtobreathe was going for in relation to trying to emotionally enhance the song.  What I find interesting, but mostly enlightening, is that their acoustic version of the song has received more success than their original version.  I believe it is because the “unplugged” aesthetic allows for simplistic instrumentation that invokes emotion and admiration for the artist and what they are singing about.

As mentioned before, the MTV Unplugged series showed me that any genre can apply the “unplugged” aesthetic.  Even hip-hop artists can strip down their heavily produced beats so that the emphasis of emotion is felt on their lyrics.  After all, hip-hop is all about expressing yourself through words or rhymes; therefore, an artist would want people to understand what they are trying to say.  Jay-Z is one artist that has taking on the emotional task of “unplugging” some of his greatest hits.  In 2001, Jay-Z performed a set on the MTV Unplugged series and followed up with a live album version, “MTV Unplugged: Jay-Z,” to release to his fans.  He took some of his songs such as “Song Cry,” “I Just Wanna Love You (Give It To Me),” and “Can I Get A…” and stripped them down using real instruments rather than computerized productions.  This way the beat did not over power his flow or take away from the focus of the lyrics.  Instead, he gave an “unplugged” performance providing emphasis and emotion on his words, his stories, rather than trying to get people to dance to a certain beat.  Listening to these versions of Jay-Z’s songs provides a whole new affect and authenticity to his appeal and music.  The flow of the rapper is what is felt, the emotion put behind each word; it feels so much more real to the audience, so much more intimate and personal.

The “unplugged” aesthetic provides this intimate and personal atmosphere.  It is an art form so pure and full of raw emotion that does need complicated themes or technological elements to be appreciated as talent.  Acoustic versions, whether recorded or performed live, give listeners an avenue to connect with the core of the song and experience the power and emotion that went into the creation of that song.

Needtobreathe "The Outsiders (Acoustic)" --- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6xvpQYA94Y

Jay-Z "Song Cry (MTV Unplugged)" --- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDGbyJah-4U&playnext=1&list=PL60B390B5DC8BE11C

I said a HIP-HOP, you don't stop!

In today’s society, most people underestimate the power of hip-hop music.  The genre is not considered to be mature and good-natured.  Instead, people generally think of hip-hop as demeaning and childish. These opinions are based on the lyrics that make degrading references towards women, promote violence, and brag about the lifestyles of the rich and famous (sex, drugs, and alcohol).  And while I will agree that these things are present in the world of hip-hop, I want to argue that there is an underlying meaning behind specific lyrics and there is artistry present in the songs.  People need to realize that, while there are many people who have no artistic talent in this genre, there are also plenty more hip-hop artists that can create lyrical masterpieces which are truly inspired and deserve to be given credit.

Artists like Jay-Z, Eminem, and Kanye West are specific examples of why I love hip-hop and why I believe more people should give the genre a chance.  Instead of focusing on how stupid the lyrics to Soulja Boy’s songs are or how derogatory Snoop Dogg’s lyrics are towards women, these three artists actually put meaning into their songs.  Their songs tell a story.  Take Jay-Z for example, his full album series, The Blueprint I, The Blueprint II, and The Blueprint III, was a testimony to his life growing up in a rough neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York.  Each song on these albums referenced the struggles he had to overcome to get away from the hood and away from selling drugs.  Eminem also had to deal with tough times before he reached fame.  However, his hardships were met by trying to raise a family.  In many of Eminem’s songs, he references his life as father, his struggles with his ex-wife, and the strength his daughters give him.  Kanye West is also empowered by family.  Being raised by a single mother, Kanye dedicated one specific to his mother, “Hey Mama,” as well as making references to his mother in several of his other songs.

I am sure that by looking at artists, such as Jay-Z, Eminem, and Kanye West, the general public labels them as thuggish, just like they do with the entire genre.  Even though these three artists may look a certain way that does not mean that they are incapable of artistic talent.  These men are songwriters, first and foremost.  They pen songs that are inspired; sometimes it is by their own life, sometimes it is by what is going in the world around them.  Secondly, each of these artists is a producer.  They make their own music, which goes to show that their creativity does not end with just lyrics.  All different kind of sounds and equipment and rhythms are used in order to generate a specific beat to go along with the original song that you penned.  What people fail to see is that each of these hip-hop artists, Jay-Z, Eminem, and Kanye West, all have a specific flow; a specific way of rhyming to the beat.  And, with that being said it takes talent to continuously write, to produce unique sounds, and to have the ability to carry out your own style of rapping.  Not of these three men sound the same, nor do their songs.  This goes to show that are working to create an original sound, something that only they can do.

The only reason that today’s society disapproves of the hip-hop genre is because of the bad light it is presented in.  Not every hip-hop artist takes the genre as serious as Jay-Z, Eminem, and Kanye West.  Some people are just in it for the money and the fame, which is why hip-hop’s rep is distorted.  Sex, drugs, money, and violence are not what hip-hop is about.  These concepts might be mentioned in the lyrics, and sometimes they might not have any meaning behind them.  However, sometimes these concepts might have an underlying meaning that is not demeaning.  Hip-hop is a genre that is use to express yourself.  Some artists actually believe in this and choose to share their feelings with the world in their lyrics and through their artistic abilities.  More people should be willing to give the ones who deserve to be heard a chance, instead of just judging a book by its cover. 

The Beach Boys

To kick off my summer concert series, the most recent concert I went to was The Beach Boys at Greensboro’s brand new, White Oak Amphitheatre on June 5, 2011.  This was the grand opening of the White Oak Amphitheatre, which is much smaller in comparison to an arena or stadiums of any sort.  However, the venue still held several hundred seats and included general admission lawn seating (where people could bring blankets to sit on).  Overall, the event was very crowded, but hard to tell if it was sold out due to the fact that there was lawn seating.  I had never been a huge fan of The Beach Boys; I only knew about them from their appearances on the hit television series, Full House.  I only agreed to go to the concert because I enjoy live music, plus my grandfather got the tickets for free.  Thankfully, I was able to witness a legendary American band truly captivate an audience of all ages, by showcasing their talent, all the while having a good time; thus, proving why they have been successful entertainers for over fifty years.

Sitting in the audience (I was in the lawn section), you are well aware of just how big the stage is.  The stage set-up was the one complaint I had with the whole performance.   This was because I have attended many concerts and I know what a good stage looks like.  One thing it should not like is spacious and empty.  The stage was big, but I feel that any major performer should have the means of producing a set design or background image (something!).  The Beach Boys, maybe they have a tendency to be simplistic performers, only had a palm tree, standing behind the guitarist and a lamp/lighting figure on the other side of the stage.  Other than these two objects, only the band and their instruments appeared on stage.  There was no backdrop or extreme set design.  The opening band had more to offer as far as stage detail and pizzazz.  On the other hand, I was not completely negative about the simplicity of their stage set-up.  Because it was so raw, it also seemed more intimate.  It was as if The Beach Boys did not care about the fancy backdrops and scenery; they wanted to connect with their audience on a personal level.  The lighting was also very low-key and simple.  Most of the time it was just a basic spotlight on the band; sometimes the light would change colors to a red or blue depending on the mood of the song they were singing.  There was a definite energy in the air that night, as if everyone was feeling the same kind of high.  All around young people and old people, were dancing, or “shagging,” to the music.  The Beach Boys music is known to be a kind of Surf-Rock/Pop.  Their upbeat songs remind me of a Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello beach party song.  You cannot help but want to twist your hips to the beat.

Throughout the show, I only counted about five or six songs that I had heard before.  Like I said before, my only real association with The Beach Boys was their appearances on Full House, which they performed on several times.  However, the songs I did know were very exciting and well-performed.  Mike Love, the band’s lead vocalist, has such a soothing tone and distinguished voice, making him stand out from the other members of the band as well as any other vocalist in the industry.  Being able to perform well live is talent that earns thriving success.  Mike Love proved to have this skill as the lead vocalist, but The Beach Boys also prove to have this talent as a band. 

The thing I like most about The Beach Boys is that I have literally never heard anything else like them.  When a song comes on the radio and it has close vocal harmonies, an upbeat rhythm, and most likely the lyrics are about surfing, cars, or romance; then, you know it is The Beach Boys.  The band showcased their talent right in front of me.  I got to see them master the craft of playing the perfect surfer boy, rock sound.  Because these guys have been around, and performing together for over fifty years, it is obvious they know how to handle their instruments.  Therefore, what I thought really stood out compared other bands was The Beach Boys’ ability to harmonize on close level.  If you listen to the chorus of just about any one song in their catalog, you will hear a group harmony.  For the songs I am most familiar with, “Surfin’ USA,” “Good Vibrations,” and “Fun, Fun, Fun” all showcase a full group effort a vocal harmonizing.  I personally believe this makes the band stand out in the music industry because it helps to distinguish their unique sound. 

This live performance had, in general, a good vibe in the atmosphere.  With it being outdoors and the only lights were directed to the stage, except for the moonlight; it was a perfect summer night.  The Beach Boys’ music is the perfect example of how a summer should be spent: surfing and falling in love.  What better way to kick off the summer than with a concert by The Beach Boys?  Mike Love seemed to pick up on this energy as he acted as “MC” for the evening, discussing life and telling stories about the band and what certain songs meant.  This personalization and connection with the fans truly shows the passion The Beach Boys have for their fans and it also shows that they really must love what they do.  Mike encouraged fans to dance and sing along with the band, which they did all night long.  This just goes to show that the band really does put forth an effort into their performance.  They want you to have a good time at their show and get your money’s worth.  But, they also want to thank you for supporting them and their music.

The Beach Boys have been around for a long time.  To many, especially young people, their music is either unfamiliar or extremely different than what you are used to.  However, The Beach Boys are a legendary American band and do not deserve to go unheard.  Their unique sound of Surf-Rock and talent of close vocal harmonies put them into a category all their own.  After seeing The Beach Boys perform live, I have gained so much respect for them and I am so thankful I was able to witness the talents of one of America’s greatest bands to date.  They thoroughly proved why they have been extremely successful for over fifty years.

 

 

MASH IT UP! - Music Mashups

Gaining popularity from the club scene to the hit television show, Glee, mashups are being created and played left and right.  Described as being songs “comprised of elements of two or more pre-existing pieces of music,” mashups are exciting and intriguing (www.urbandictionary.com).  What is typical of a mashup is to use pre-existing pieces of music that are completely different from each other and to mix them together making a single song.  A lot of times mashups are heard in night clubs or bars where DJs are spinning.  This is because mashups find their stylistic origin in electronic, pop, and rock music making them perfect dancing and partying music.  It is easy for DJs to create mashups with use of their turntable and laptop software on the scene of the place they are spinning.  Mashup tracks have surfaced all over the internet, mainly through YouTube.  There are even groups such as Girl Talk and The Super Mash Bros. who are considered to be mashup artists.  Producers and DJs release mashup singles and EPs to the internet, radio, iTunes.  Mashups are distinctive because they provide a twist onto pieces of music familiar to listeners’ ears allowing for an outlet of energetic and electronic dance beats.

Mashups typically consist of heavy bass and electronic beats as well as manipulated techniques of the vocals of the pre-existing songs being mashed together.  For instance, mashup artist, Girl Talk, is one of the best known mashup producers in the music industry.  Gregg Michael Gillis, whose stage name is “Girl Talk,” focuses on mashup-remixes.  Here, Gillis uses a dozen or more pre-existing music samples from different songs to create a song all his own.  In his songs you can find quite the variety of genres, ranging from the gangsta rapper with Lil’ Jon to punky-pop sounding Avril Lavigne.  With mashups, creativity has no limits.  Unlike other genres where you have to produce certain songs to fit the style of that genre, mashups mix genres together creating something entirely different.  That is the beauty of being a mashup artist; you do not have to answer to a producer nor do you have fit the constraints of a genre. 

As mentioned before, within a mashup the vocals of a pre-existing song are usually manipulated to blend with the beat.  For example, going back to Girl Talk, in his song “Shut the Club Down,” Gillis blends the rap styles of Dolla and the pop singing of Avril Lavigne. Because of techniques like these that are incorporated in mashups, it is very difficult to sing along with a mashup song. This is because mashups are focused on the energetic beats and unique blending of sounds, not the vocals.  Often times, the new mashup song will go back and forth and completely blend the vocals of the pre-existing songs to where the listener can hardly catch on to what is being sung.  The quick pace of the beat and energetic vibe of the song is what matters with mashups.  This brings us back to why mashups is good night club music.  The electronic beats and heavy bass associated with mashups are related to dance music.  You might not be able to sing along, but you can move your body to the rhythm of the song.  

Because mashups have become and are still being popularized, many recording artists have even entertained the concept of creating mashups of their own.  For instance, hip-hop artist Jay-Z and rock band Linkin Park created an album of mashups entitled “Collision Course.”  The album featured pre-existing hit songs from both Jay-Z and Linkin Park.  Together, they mashed their songs together creating all new sounds and elements.  The album went on to be extremely successful and most likely provided more popularity and interest for mashups in general.

SOURCES:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=mash+up