rock
How Frank Sinatra Pissed Off David Bowie
David Bowie had fucked up, and now he was kicking himself. It was 1968, near the start of his career. To make ends meet, he was working for a music publisher writing English lyrics to foreign language songs. He’d been given a French song to work on called Comme d’Habitude. He banged out some lyrics and created a version called Even a Fool Learns to Love.
By Chris Yanda2 years ago in Beat
It May Feel Bad: The Soundtrack of My Year. Runner-Up in The Soundtrack of Your Year Challenge.
Looking back, 2024 wasn’t the year I’d hoped for. Yet, through the valleys and peaks, music—and the people closest to me—helped me find moments of joy, loss, and resilience.
By Paul Stewart2 years ago in Beat
The Evolution of Music: A Journey Through Decades of Hits
Music has always been the heartbeat of human culture. It has woven itself into every moment of our lives, from ancient drum beats to the electrifying sounds of modern pop. The evolution of music is a fascinating journey through decades of creativity, innovation, and emotional expression. As society has changed, so too has the music that mirrors our thoughts, feelings, and dreams. From the rebellious guitar riffs of classic rock to the catchy, auto-tuned beats of contemporary pop, the transformation of music is as dynamic as the world around it. In the 1950s, music experienced a seismic shift with the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Before this era, popular music was mostly composed of jazz, blues, and swing. But with the rise of artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard, the genre of rock ‘n’ roll injected energy and attitude into the musical landscape. The electric guitar became the symbol of youth rebellion, and the sound of the genre was fresh and full of promise. Rock ‘n’ roll was not just music; it was a cultural revolution. It broke boundaries of race, class, and style, bringing together audiences from all walks of life. This was a time when music was not just entertainment, but a reflection of societal change and the aspirations of a generation. As the 1960s rolled in, the music world expanded even further. The Beatles arrived on the scene and revolutionized not just rock but the entire landscape of pop music. The British Invasion saw bands like The Rolling Stones and The Who redefine the possibilities of sound. With their innovative use of studio techniques and experimentation with different genres, they paved the way for the psychedelic rock that dominated the late ’60s. Music was no longer just about catchy tunes—it was about artistic expression, social commentary, and exploring the boundaries of sound. The 1960s also saw the rise of Motown, with artists like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye bringing soulful melodies and a powerful sense of rhythm to the forefront. This period was characterized by the quest for both emotional depth and creative freedom. By the 1970s, music entered a new era of experimentation, with the emergence of glam rock, disco, and the rise of progressive rock bands like Pink Floyd and Yes. The decade also saw the birth of punk rock, as artists like The Ramones and Sex Pistols rebelled against the mainstream music scene with fast, raw, and unpolished sounds. Disco, on the other hand, brought dance music into the mainstream. Artists like Donna Summer and the Bee Gees dominated the charts, making disco a cultural force that symbolized joy, freedom, and a sense of liberation. The 1970s was a decade of contrasts, with the refinement of some genres and the gritty emergence of others. The 1980s introduced a new wave of sound, fueled by technological advancements. The synthesizer took center stage, creating a whole new world of electronic music. Artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince became global icons, blending pop with funk, soul, and rock. The 1980s was also the birth of hip hop, with pioneers like Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Public Enemy bringing the streets to the charts. The genre’s impact was profound, creating a cultural shift that resonated beyond music. The music video revolution, led by MTV, allowed artists to create not just songs but entire visual experiences, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression to new heights. In the 1990s, music entered the age of genres. Hip hop and rap continued to grow, with legends like Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and Dr. Dre dominating the charts. Meanwhile, grunge music—led by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam—captured the angst and rebellion of Generation X. Pop music was also evolving, with artists like Britney Spears, *NSYNC, and Spice Girls bringing infectious, radio-friendly tunes that became the soundtrack of the late ’90s. The ’90s also marked the rise of alternative rock, with bands like Radiohead and Alanis Morissette providing a voice for the disillusioned youth. It was a decade of diversity, with music splintering into sub-genres and finding new ways to express personal and collective identity. The 2000s ushered in the digital era, changing the way music was produced and consumed. Napster and iTunes made music more accessible than ever, and the rise of digital production tools democratized the music-making process. The 2000s saw the rise of pop-punk, with bands like Blink-182 and Green Day becoming household names. Hip hop continued its dominance with artists like Eminem and Jay-Z, while pop stars like Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake blended R&B with pop to create some of the most enduring hits of the decade. The era also witnessed the rise of indie music, with bands like The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys gaining massive followings. The internet allowed niche genres and underground artists to reach wider audiences, further fracturing the once-giant mainstream. By the 2010s, music became more accessible and interconnected than ever before. Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music allowed people to listen to music from around the world at their fingertips, creating a global music community. Pop music, led by artists like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Ed Sheeran, dominated the charts, but genres like EDM, trap, and lo-fi also made significant marks. The use of auto-tune became more prevalent, giving rise to a new sound that defined much of modern pop. Hip hop, in particular, experienced a golden age, with artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Cardi B becoming cultural icons. The 2010s were characterized by collaborations across genres, breaking down the barriers between styles and creating a more diverse musical landscape. Today, in the 2020s, music continues to evolve in exciting and unexpected ways. Genres are more fluid than ever, with artists blending different styles and sounds to create unique, genre-defying tracks. The rise of platforms like TikTok has reshaped the way music is discovered and shared, allowing songs to go viral in an instant. The influence of hip hop, pop, and electronic music is stronger than ever, while indie artists continue to find success by building direct connections with fans. With the continuous evolution of technology, from AI-generated music to immersive virtual concerts, the future of music is limitless. The journey through the decades of music is a testament to the power of human creativity. Each era has brought new sounds, new voices, and new ways to connect with audiences. Whether through the rebellious chords of rock or the infectious rhythms of pop, music has been, and will always be, a mirror to our times—reflecting our joys, our struggles, and everything in between. The evolution of music shows us that, no matter how much things change, the desire to create and share music will never fade. Thank you for taking the time to read! If you enjoyed this, don’t forget to follow and share for more insights and updates. Your support means the world—stay tuned for more! 🌟
By Adepoju Toheeb Ojo 2 years ago in Beat
Erik Knear: A Songwriter Who Speaks from the Heart
Erik Knear is a talented singer-songwriter from California whose music is built on honesty, emotion, and personal reflection. With each track, he invites listeners into his world, sharing his thoughts, feelings, and experiences through his unique brand of storytelling.
By mysoundMusic2 years ago in Beat
Top Five Live Covers You Should Watch
Not too much on denigrating the art of the cover, now. Especially, as I've made clear, the live one. It's often high stakes thanks to some inaugural, celebratory, or tribute event in an arena, maybe even in front of the original artist. The live cover, in my opinion, is how an artist truly earns their stripes. Have they made it their own whilst honouring the original? Have they chosen the right track, or indeed been chosen for the event correctly? And ultimately, can they sing someone else's notes and lyrics with new, exciting meaning without changing its DNA?
By Jessica Bailey2 years ago in Beat
Billie Zizi’s "Levitate" is A Dreamy Journey Through Life and Love
Singer-songwriter Billie Zizi from Edmonton, Alberta, is set to unveil her long-awaited new record, Levitate. This collection of dreamy songs encapsulates a range of styles, from earnest folk rock to eerie singer-songwriter ballads. Each track reflects Zizi’s experience of navigating life through the lens of her tight-knit hometown community, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and evocative.
By Chris Adams2 years ago in Beat
Grunge Rock Outfit Unknown Voidz Share Sophomore EP "Deception By My Side"
Ontario’s Unknown Voidz, a dynamic and emerging band, was founded by Zan Khan, who brought on board Ryan “Gooby” Goonoo to play drums and Jon Couzelis on bass. Together, this talented trio has carved out a place for themselves in the music scene, previously signed to Spuds Records, and they have since toured extensively across Ontario and into Montreal, QC. In an exciting development for their fans, Unknown Voidz is set to open for the band Being Dead on an upcoming Ontario tour to promote their second EP, Deception By My Side.
By Sarah Wagner2 years ago in Beat
S.G. Sinnicks Debuts New Sinhle “Miss America 2.0"
S.G. Sinnicks, a two-time Hamilton Music Award winner, has made a name for himself in the folk and roots music scene. He earned the Folk Roots Record of the Year award twice, in 2009 and 2012, and was recognized with a City of Hamilton Arts Award in 2013. Known for his authentic, heartfelt approach, Sinnicks brings his Canadian roots and lifelong experiences into each piece he creates. He began his musical journey at just 11 years old, starting on the drums, and by the age of 15, he was playing in pubs with a variety of artists, even sharing stages with Canadian legends like Stompin' Tom Connors.
By Jessica Fallon2 years ago in Beat
Siren's Latest Single"Dead Beggar" - A Rallying Cry for the Oppressed
Siren’s latest single “Dead Beggar” is a riveting, politically charged anthem that challenges the entrenched power structures of society, blending the band's signature melodic rock with raw, rebellious energy.
By Whitney Miller2 years ago in Beat
Post Hackett Genesis - The Good Stuff
Introduction It was a shock when Peter Gabriel left Genesis, but Phil Collins, who had sung "More Fool Me" on "Selling England By The Pound" stepped up and with Chester Thompson helping out on drums the band produced two more excellent albums, "A Trick Of The Tale" and "Wind and Wuthering" so things still looked good, especially with the excellent Peter Gabriel solo albums, we were getting a lot of great music.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 2 years ago in Beat
