-Adhvai Deepak Menon
We might be divided over politics, over religion and over social hierarchy, but at the end of the day, we’re all united by our love for music. It is no surprise that historians and researchers claim that music was one of the few things to be invented prior to the innovation of wheels, and for a valid reason, too! Music cannot die out because sound will always be produced. With that said, let’s discuss music throughout the ages.
Early Music
Early music is a very loose term, like a paper placed without a paperweight. Different people classify music into various eras. The earliest of these was music from the Renaissance, surviving the form of folk and ballads like the French chanson, the German lied, the Italian frottola, etc. As the wheels of time began to turn, classical music, starring the use of violins, cellos and pianos, began to dominate the scene. It was in this age that musical legends like Beethoven and Mozart began to drop from the skies like Gods.
The Blues
Around the 1850s, succeeding the trends set by classical music, an unconventional, modern genre called ‘The Blues’ began to pick up heat in African-American communities. Blues, unlike anything previously seen, incorporated catchy chants, shouts, and a succinct and distinct style of strumming. The Blues are also characterised by their distinct rhythm, lyrics, and bass lines. This genre had laid the foundations for what was to come.
The Electric Guitar
The electric guitar, a transformative musical innovation, materialised as if from thin air in the 1930s. Technical geniuses Les Paul and Adolph Rickenbacker played pivotal roles in its creation, experimenting with various amplification technologies. Discarding the traditional acoustic designs, this guitar introduced magnetic pickups and amplification, symbolising improved sound production and a blast for fans at a concert! Furthermore, it laid the carpet for diverse genres to walk on.
Rock
With the emergence of the electric guitar, the genre of rock began to see the light of day. Musicians and artists like the Beatles and Elvis Presley began to skyrocket in fame. Their relatable lyrics, apparent Blues influence, and catchy tunes knocked their music into the hall of fame. Later, with rock gaining much traction, bands like Guns N Roses and Queen started gaining well-deserved fame due to their unconventional approaches and variety in music. Heavy metal, a genre similar to rock, began to pick up and was differentiated by heavier guitar riffs, prominent drums and screaming in the vocals.
Hip Hop and Grunge
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, discontent began to grow with the music scene. All popular bands were creating songs on the same theme, a lack of creativity that would have caused a deduction of marks in an English essay writing question. In response to this, two groundbreaking music genres, grunge and hip-hop, each embodying a distinctive cultural and sonic rebellion, emerged. Grunge, remembered from bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden, surged from the Seattle music scene, challenging the polished sound of the mainstream with raw, angst-ridden compositions. Simultaneously, hip-hop, spearheaded by artists like N.W.A and Eminem rose from urban landscapes, providing a powerful voice to marginalised communities. Both genres disrupted norms, reflecting social discontent and individuality. Grunge and hip-hop not only altered the musical landscape but also became anthems for a generation seeking authenticity and social change.
Pop and the Modern World
In the contemporary music landscape, pop continues to dominate as a genre characterised by distinct choruses, queer lyrics, and vibrant production. Blending diverse influences, today’s pop music embraces electronic, R&B, and hip-hop elements. Artists like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and BTS exemplify the genre’s evolution, reflecting a global fusion of sounds. Streaming services shape popular taste, offering a vast array of genres and options. The rise of social media also plays a pivotal role, enabling artists to connect directly with fans. Pop’s malleability ensures its enduring relevance, capturing the zeitgeist and influencing mainstream musical preferences across the globe.
The Echo 