Sounds of the Converging Family Tree

Sounds of the Converging Family Tree: Analysis of Music Preferences

by: Brad Weisberg

Every generation’s taste in music is influenced by variables such as socioeconomic status and our interactions with the people we meet. Within the context of my family, there are some strong correlations between the music that the past generations have listened to and today’s popular music. During the course of my research, I have come to the conclusion that the environments we are raised help determine our initial music preferences. As we progress, the people we meet, places we visit, and events we experience play a role in our change for different styles of music.

Both sets of my grandparents grew up during worsening economic and social conditions underway which were relative to their choice of music. My grandfather from my father’s side was brought up in a wealthy family. He was exposed to the sounds of the orchestra from a young age. Opera and classical music have always been popularly regarded as a higher form of art by high society, always marketed and targeted at individuals with higher income levels, and were performed in elaborate concert halls. To contribute to that exclusive aura, the clothing that my grandfather wore to these performances was both dressy and expensive. All of these elements created a sense of limitation, which my grandfather said represented the separation between social classes and races.

Despite the effects of the Great Depression, my grandfather still held onto his opera and classical music. As a means of escaping reality, my grandfather would sit by the radio and listen to the opera of Pavarotti. The soft, subtle sounds helped him escape his current problems. As a middle-aged man, he was a soft-spoken and serious man. When visiting his apartment, I remember walking into the parlor and witnessing him listening to his opera music and smoking his cigar. He had his eyes closed and was lightly nodding his head up an down. Even into his last years, he was using opera music as a medium of escape and symbol of his hard work to overcome poverty.

Growing up in Roslyn, a predominantly white suburb on Long Island, my father was exposed to opera music in his household. His father invited him regularly to shows at the New York Metropolitan Opera House, but he preferred to attend New York Knicks games. My father had little interest in opera music. He was influenced by the popular music of Elvis Presley. With the lyrics of songs such as “All Shook Up”, my father and his friends collectively could relate with the messages that Presley sang about, such as the world being all scrambled with the challenges of America’s youth and segregation. Him and his friends could identify with one another as they were all adapting their lifestyles to the sound of rock n’ roll. My father would wear a leather jacket on the weekends to create that rough, suave image. This piece of clothing detached him from his upper social class standing and made him feel like an average individual. My father was not induced by his family’s income, it made him feel like an outcast to American teenager society. Due to my father’s racial blindness, he was not able to fully conceptualize the racial problems, but he did not advocate for racial divides.

As he grew older, he traveled to other places in hopes of improving his basketball game. The people that he met and the sounds that were introduced to him are responsible for his current taste in music. The music that was played on the courts was upbeat and energetic, reflecting the outburst of energy on the court. It was in the schoolyards of lower-income neighborhoods that he heard the music of James Brown and The Four Tops. The music that was exposed to my father in these schoolyards set a stamp that remains with him. To this day, I can walk into his office and hear James Brown’s “I Feel Good” blasting from his stereo. In the distance, he is shaking his legs and snapping his fingers. In high school, his preference for Motown and doo-wop styles of music began to climax. His record collection consisted of artists such as the Five Satins and their famous hit, “In the Still of the Night”. By interacting with diverse people, my father felt good about himself and the upbeat, syncopated rhythm attributed to that.

After high school, my father attended a private institution whose student body consisted of individuals from all different walks of life which was key in his musical development. His pact of friends was comprised of everyone from the leading scorers on the basketball team to the overachievers of the class. He began to listen to other artists and styles of music. With the heightening of the Vietnam War and segregation, my father began to listen to music that represented his thoughts and views on these issues, such as Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changing” . My father had negative views toward the Vietnam War and could relate to the words of frustration and anguish towards the direction that our world was heading in as relayed in Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and felt a place of resort in the mysticism in most of Bob Dylan’s music.

My mother grew up in a similar environment, however her values were different than my father’s, thus affecting her preference of music. My mother’s parents came from middle-class families and were not exposed to elite music. They grew up with different values than my father’s parents, such as being happy with what you have and the importance of family. The music that my mother’s parents listened to painted happy pictures. One of their favorite artists was Perry Como and his song “Magic Moments”. Through the soft melody and genuine lyrics, his music created love and happiness in their marriage, as it was their wedding song. These were the values that they taught my mother and her brother.

Similar to my father, my mother grew up in Merrick, a suburb on Long Island that was residence to mostly white, upper-middle and upper class families. This had a tremendous effect on her initial tastes in music. Her family was middle-class which was reflected through the values of family, love, and happiness that were sung about in the songs that could be heard in her home. Songs such as Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life”, which spoke about overcoming struggles and climbing to the top again, were popular in her family. Her friends came from very similar backgrounds. They were happy children and enjoyed the simple things of life such as the music of Connie Francis and Peter, Paul and Mary. Through the whimsical melodies and colorful lyrics, these songs depicted the simple values such as being content, trouble-free, and respectful that her friends and herself lived by.

When my mother went off to college, her musical preferences remained biased. She began listening to songs by Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles and James Taylor. Her music began to reflect her political and social issues views, such as the messages conveyed through “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor and “America” by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. After growing up in a segregated neighborhood, my mother felt very deprived from not being exposed to other races and ethnicities of people. The music of Simon and Garfunkel created a sense of unity, equality, and justice for her. The lyrics in “America” infer all the different types of people setting out and looking for that land of equal opportunity which held true with my mother’s view. By carefully listening to the lyrics, my mother gained an appreciation for her freedom and equality.

Shortly after college, my mother’s collection of music began to slowly expand. The main culprit for this transition was her interaction with the African-American communities in the borough of Brooklyn. As a teacher in this foreign environment, she was introduced to a whole new culture. Her students exposed her to artists such as The Isley Brothers, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Jackson 5, and Richie Havens. During these times, segregation and inequality was coming to an end. My mother could easily relate with songs such as Diana Ross’ “The Boss”. With women finally gaining the same equal rights as men it was a time of celebration for all women and the loud. The swerving sounds that could be heard in non-segregated concert halls was a symbol of the end of racial and gender separation, with the sweet voice of Diana Ross and the joyous rhythms in the background.

My siblings and I grew up in a similar environment as both of my parents, which was monumental to our musical preferences. Our parents introduced us to artists such as Billy Joel, Elton John, The Beach Boys, The Temptations and Patti Labelle. The first concert that I attended was Billy Joel and it was only the beginning of my relationship with the music of the 1960s-1980s. As we grew older, our preferences for music began to extrapolate as well as wander in other directions. Similar to my father’s youth, my brother began to play basketball in lower-income neighborhoods and with that both his development of music and circle of friends began to shift as he began to fill his CD collection with more urban artists such as Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G, Warren G, and Outkast. On the other broad end of the spectrum, there has been an interesting trend that follows my sister and her music preference. Her past boyfriends have influenced her tastes as she has learned to love and listen to each of their favorite bands such as The Dave Matthews Band and The String Cheese Incident.

For myself, my parents, the media, and my circle of friends, have had the biggest influence on my musical preferences. My iTunes library includes artists from the 1960s such as The Beatles and Bob Dylan to the popular artists of the 21^st century such as John Mayer and Michael Buble all the way to the artists that my friends introduced me to in the midst of my high school years like Jack Johnson and The Format. Since I entered college, I’ve reached outside of my comfort zone by interacting with people from different backgrounds and getting involved activities that have stirred my taste in music,

There tends to be a strong linkage between our initial exposure which include the values, beliefs and morals that are proctored to us by influential people and our tastes in music.

My grandfather’s introduction to opera and classical music created a foundation that lasted a lifetime. An offset occurred however due to my father’s explorations in other neighborhoods and exposure to newer, more energetic and soul defining forms of music. Due to my mother’s parent’s childhood experiences, my mother grew up in a middle-class family and was introduced to more earthy and moving music beginning when she was a little girl. It was not until she began teaching in more diverse neighborhoods that her biased views on music began to change. Similarly, the views of music that exist between my sibling and I are reflections of the music that was played in our household while growing up and other variables such as new friendships, places of interest, and activities. Our views of music still hold a balance but will continue to change due to the people we met, places we visit, and the events that we experience in our unpredictable lives.

Being Happy in Your Own Skin: Appreciating Yourself Through Music

Being Happy in Your Skin: Appreciating Yourself Through Music

by: Brad Weisberg

Introduction

Living in a very image-conscious society, sometimes it is hard for us to get in touch with our true feelings and emotions. People are easily influenced by what they hear and see in the media that they do not have the power to freely express themselves. Children are busy emulating their famous idols through their language, musical preferences and fashion. In this conforming society, there are still musicians who are not afraid to be themselves. Artists such as Lady Gaga, Diana Ross, Katy Perry and Des’ree have created music that inspires us to be ourselves. Self -appreciating music serves as an outlet for those who are out casted in this mean, cold world. It teaches us to be happy in our own skin and to not let social pressures manipulate us into changing our authentic identity.

As I mentioned in my discussion post, I had a challenging adolescence. All of my friends and classmates were experiencing physical changes while I still resembled a fourth grader. This made me a prime target for verbal harassment. I came home from school in tears. Then if life could not get any worse, I was diagnosed with lymphoma. In my hospital room, I discovered the essence of “soul lifting” music. Listening to songs such as Des’rees’s “You Gotta Be” and Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” instilled the strength and optimism that I needed to overcome the hardest challenge of my life.

Lift Me Higher With Your Words

“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side”, is one of the most commonly used phrases to express how connected humans are to one another. No one gets a free hall pass in life; we all must experience both the good and bad. Even famous musicians have seen some pretty brutish times, whether it was a drug addiction, living in poverty or losing someone very close to them. The road to stardom is not all glamorous. Artists such as Miley Cyrus expresses her struggle to fame in her classic single, “The Climb”. “The Climb” is uplifting, Cyrus teaches us that life is not easy, but it is a beautiful thing. Not only do her words provide her listeners with hope, but also the metacommunication through her performance reinforces the ideas of struggle and fight. Watching her music video, one can witness the power that she possesses through her mesmerizing gliding dance move.

Other artists such as Justin Bieber have used their life in order to induce inspiration upon their listeners. Not only do musicians encourage us through their music, but also their messages can be felt in their autobiographical films. Bieber’s movie “Never Say Never” created a stir of optimism for his fans and aspiring musicians. Watching Bieber’s journey and listening to the words of his music encourages us to live out our dreams and not let others shoot them down.

Take Your Mask Off, Show Your True Colors

Not only do songs inspire us to achieve our dreams, they teach us to be ourselves. Songs such as Diana’s Ross “I’m Coming Out” are signifying, with their double-meaning message. “I’m Coming Out” is popular among the gay and lesbian communities. It has become the enlightening chant for LGBQT groups to connect to one another and be proud of their sexuality. Though, it can also instill the courage needed for individuals to rise up and fight. Another song that embarks on a “loving your self” aesthetic is Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”. Lady Gaga not only inspires her audience with her lyrics, but also with her unique costumes and dance moves. Her lyrics are invigorating, telling us she was born this way and that she’s going to embrace it. Katy Perry’s “Firework” reinforces self-appreciation. Her words are empowering, “Baby you’re a firework, come on let your colors burst”. Perry provides guidance to teenage girls through her words, style and defying dance moves.

Appreciating yourself songs are not only felt through female artists. Rappers such as Black Dada rap about being proud of his heritage. “I’m A Zoe” is all about Haitian pride. In South Florida, it became extremely popular amongst the Haitian communities. Another example of male’s influence on this being yourself aesthetic of music comes from the movie Bruno. During the closing credits, male artists from all nationalities and races sing about a “Dove Of Peace”. By having respected men, from all different walks of life sing about the beauty of a fictional, nineteen year old male, it implies the beauty that can be found inside all of us.

Michael Jackson's Impact on the World: Advocating Change through the Arts

Michael Jackson's Impact on the World: Advocating Change through the Arts

"If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, then make a change"

by: Brad Weisberg, B.A. Sociology

Prelude: This blog is based on one of the assignments I had to for one of my courses at UNC. Enjoy!

The Ultimate Package

As discussed earlier in the semester, all of the elements mentioned above (wardrobe, dance, vocal, poetic and perfomative choices) all are a part of the complex image that Michael Jackson produced for himself an as artist.

After thoroughly evaluating Jackson’s sense of music, dance, dress and performative actions, I would identify his style as “individualistic” and as a “humanitarian artist”. One of the most interesting things about Jackson is his spontaneity. He was such a versatile individual. He was talented at so many different things and could carry his tune in any genre of music (excluding country). Behind his creative lyrics and glowing costumes, there was a strong message or messages for that matter. Like Jackson, Lady Gaga has carried his legacy with her songs and image that is reflective of the original identity that Jackson created for himself. Songs such as "Black and White" narrowed the racial barriers that existed between Whites and Blacks and taught people that diversity is a beautiful thing.

Besides providing courage and inspiration to our society, Jackson created music that promoted community involvement, social justice and global relief. As an elementary student, my favorite song to sing in chorus was "Heal the World", probably one of the greatest examples of how Jackson was a true humanitarian and used his music to convey his ideas and encourage others to do the same. A perfect example of how Jackson's humanitarianism has influenced modern society would have to be the Haiti relief. In order to provide relief and raise money for the earthquake in Haiti, 25 of the most popular vocal artists (ranging from Justin Bieber to Barbara Streisand) united as one and re-recorded Michael Jackson's "We Are The World".

Taking A Look in His Mirror

After watching “This Is It” and reading other people’s view on Michael Jackson as both an artist and individual, I would have to say that Michael Jackson does not identify as a simple individual. From his song “Black or White”, one can infer that Jackson does not assign a race to himself. He did not believe that one’s race, gender, sexual preference, age, etc. really was a true indicator of one’s identity``.

Looking at Michael’s life, I do not think he identified with any one generation. For example, his estate Never-Land Ranch was a fantasy- land, with rides, a candy shop and other magical elements. It was not hard to see that Jackson was intellectually developed and mature in the way he thought (just look at the complex meanings of his songs), though Jackson was also a kid at heart who never wanted to leave his childhood. Apart from his detachment from racial and age identity, Jackson saw beauty in everyone and his songs were reflective of his open-minded and non-judgmental personality.

Another vital element of Jackson was his connection to humanity and the earth. As mentioned by many in their posts (and myself), Jackson’s involvement in his life as an artist extended beyond the studio and sold out stadiums. Songs such as “Heal The World” expressed the inspiration, hope and notion for change that Jackson exercised through his music and collective actions. He was a true humanitarian and this was not just done through his music, but through his daily actions. For example, in his video for “Heal The World”, as stated by one of the students in the class, “The clothes he, and his crew, were going to wear during the “This Is It” concerts were made from materials all across the globe, and the people designing the clothes were also from different parts of the world. He did not have just one company make all of the clothes for his concert” (Alan Karnofsky). His use of materials from all over the world incorporates his beliefs of equality.

Total Involvement in His Art

Although this medium is not tangible, Jackson’s hands-on involvement in his career as an artist was incredibly intriguing to me. Throughout the film, it depicts Jackson as this super dedicated and perfectionist individual. Since it’s been a while since I watched film, I cannot recall what segment of the movie it was, but there was a scene when he was rehearsing for a performance and kept going over the choreography for the song until it was flawless. Though it was not touched upon as much in the film, when compared to other popular artists, Jackson wrote MANY of his songs. His connection to the words was deeper and meaningful, since his songs were genuine and an accurate reflection of Jackson’s values and beliefs.

This nonmusical medium matters because it further illustrates the passion and authenticity that Jackson expressed through his music and artistic image. He was very involved in all aspects of his career, while still leading a normal life with a family. Today we do not many if ANY artists that are as involved as much Jackson was in all areas of his career, all more a reason that he truly is the “King of Pop”.

Motives for "This Is It"

This question is really hard to grasp for me for some reason, so I’ll try to answer it in the best way that I can. Again this product is not graspable and my response is connected to my next answer, but I think that one of the motives behind the production of “This Is It” was for the public to consume the truth and overall good” that Jackson brought to society, through his music, civic engagement, and relationship with the public.

During his later life, the media was always portraying Jackson as a bad influence on society. From dangling his baby over the balcony to the Neverland Ranch scandals, Jackson was constantly being shone in a negative light. I think the film focuses on Jackson as a colossal for humankind. Not only was he super talented, but also he was extremely involved and concerned with doing well for society. “This Is It” depicts that side of Jackson and glorifies Jackson as an exceptional individual, not just an artist. All of these views are reinforced throughout “This Is It” for the public eye to get a real and authentic view of Jackson as an artist and individual.

The Public and Corporate Connection to Michael Jackson

Watching the film, it is not hard to see that many of the people who are involved in the production and backstage work of Michael’s life are die hard fans. Throughout the film, one can see the deep bonds that Jackson builds with producers, dancers, costume artists, makeup artists and all other figures that have been involved with Michael Jackson in one way or another. At many scenes in “This Is It”, he refers to his entourage as “his family”.

All of those individuals that were involved in his life have nothing but the highest honors to say about Michael Jackson. He was just celebrated as a monumental artist, but as a highly special human being. They all spoke highly and had utmost respect for him.

Personally, Michael Jackson has always been one of my favorite musicians. His music was revolutionary and forever changed the sound of pop music. I’m not just a fan of his music, but I admire him for all of the challenges that he had to overcome with family troubles and bad publicity. Being a star is not an easy task; famous people suffer from a double standard, similar to women. If a star gets caught cheating on his wife, it becomes national news, whereas no one knows about your personal business and your not chastised for your poor decisions. I think this film reinforces the power and beauty that Jackson instilled into humanity through his music and engagement with his fans and on a wider-scale, the world. The film glorifies Jackson as the superstar he was, while still embracing the humanitarian side of Jackson.

While watching “This Is It”, I found that someone was pulling at my heartstrings and at points, I found myself tearing a little. I think that for a film or documentary to be effective, it must force the viewer to realize the strong meaning and thought behind the imagery, words and other aspects of the production.

During the “Heal the World” rehearsal, I started balling in tears. The combination of the visual imagery, the sound and texture of Jackson’s voice, and the words of the song just made me really think about the world and how Jackson really forces listeners to think and make CHANGE. From the little girl on the stage to the backdrop of the rainforest, it just really triggered something in me that made me feel responsible for the world and how it is my job as a human being to make it a better place.

Setting New Standards for the 21st Century

There is no argument that Michael Jackson was indeed a progressive artist. While holding onto his views and beliefs, he was still adapting to the changing parts of society, such as technology. The film really does show us the amount of pyrotechnics, clarity of sound (use of ultra high tech sound systems). Apart from the film, the biggest digital innovation that comes to mind in regards to Jackson was his music video for his song “Scream”. For years, it was the most expensive music video to ever be made the level of technology and digital art involved in the production of it is astonishing. Watching the video, I feel like we’re heading into a spaceship and diving first into a world controlled by robots and complex apparatuses.

I think Michael’s use of digitized media is a perfect barometer for how Jackson was an artist who was always taking it to the next level. Before his “Thriller” video, there was not advanced production. With the influence of Jackson, artists have become a lot more artistic with their music, in the way that music videos have become sensualized. Watching a music video today feeds on our senses and is highly realistic. His connectedness to the changing technological structure really shows his dedication that he had for his fans; adapting to new structures to uphold his fan base and really give the public what they wanted.

The Folk Rock Revival

The Folk Rock Revival

Introduction

Folk music, a genre of music that combines the style of folk music and rock music, became popularized in the mid-1960s. The political and social setting marked its origination. The urban folk groups, rising folk-protest singer -songwriters, and the revival of North American rock were influential in the popularization of folk rock music. Celebrated musicians such as The Byrds and Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, and The Beatles set an image for folk rock of the 1960s. Folk rock is recognizable through its’ acoustic instrumentation and clear, thought provoking vocals. The hybridization of folk music and rock music created a pathway that set mainstream rock apart from folk rock.

Using Acoustics to Express Social and Political Beliefs

The Folk Rock revival was led by indifferent, white teenagers who used music to exercise their political beliefs on groundbreaking historical events. Events such as the Civil Rights movement and the draft for the Vietnam War troubled teenagers who were just beginning their lives. One of the elements that make folk rock distinguishable from other form of rock music is the incorporation of social and political issues with the utilization of acoustic and light brass instrumentation.

Artists such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel and Creedence Clearwater Revival embellish the attributes of iconic folk rock legends. Listening to Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A Changing”, one can hear the politically rooted messages that Dylan sings about. Ethnographers and historians of music have claimed that it is a prime example of the protest chants that folk rock artists created in the 1960s. In an interview with Cameron Crowe, a former editor of Rolling Stone magazine, Dylan discloses his purpose for writing “The Times They Are A Changing”. Dylan states,

This was definitely a song with a purpose. It was influenced of course by the Irish and Scottish ballads […]. I wanted to write a big song, with short concise verses that piled up on each other in hypnotic way. The Civil Rights movement and the folk music movement were pretty close for a while and allied together at that time.

Soft-Seriousness in the Artist’s Vocals

Besides the political narrative aesthetic, folk rock music also exhibits an aesthetic that I’m going to term soft-serious vocals. When listening to the music of Dylan and his colleagues of the folk rock genre, one can simply understand the lyrics. These vocalists sang in a soft tone with a serious texture. Unlike artists of other rock movements who relied on yelling and violent vocal delivery, folk rock musicians sang with a real authentic voice. For example, listening to Simon and Garfunkel’s “America”, one could feel the emotions of Paul Simon. These artists were singing about real issues that effected their lives and listeners could both feel and relate to it.

It’s Our Generation: Folk Rock of the 21^st Century

In modern popular culture, folk rock music is still very alive. Though, the changes in technology, American ideologies, and other factors have opened doors for a new emergence. Some of my favorite musicians today are apart of the modern day folk rock generation. John Mayer, an American singer-songwriter, is best known for his lyrics that combines social, political and cultural issues with his unique acoustic sound. Songs such as “Waiting On The World To Change” are reflective of Dylan’s “The Times They Are A Changing” and CCR’s “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”, highlighted by their vigorous social and political challenging messages.

Though as technology and personal taste are changing, folk rock music has been evolving in certain ways. One of the changes that I have seen taking place is the collaboration with other artists from neighboring musical genres. At its peak in the 1960s, folk rock musicians did not collaborate with other artists, not even artists who produced the same image and messages. Living in a more progressive and liberal society, it is not uncommon to see artists such as John Mayer and Jason Mraz co-produce songs with other artists, such as female vocalist Colbie Caillat or rap artist Kanye West. These collaborations are indicative of the changing social conditions that Americans have witnessed in the past fifty years, such as the illegalization of racial and gender discrimination. Also, I can see the utilization of robotic modules of production. For example, techno elements that were popular in European disco music are gaining strength in popular music. I could see artists like Mayer and Jack Johnson using auto-tune and incorporating stimulating, electrical sounds into some of their more mainstream music, in order to hold onto their dynamic audiences.

Lesbian Awareness and Women's Independence through Performance

Lesbian Awareness and Women’s Independence through Performance

by: Brad Weisberg

Introduction

Female artists have been evaporating out of the music industry for many years. Though, Madonna has remained an iconic artist in the music industry for the past thirty years. She has managed to adapt her original vocal style to fit the demands of the 21^st century. In my personal opinion, Madonna is one of the most talented female musicians that has had the opportunity to perform all over the world and set an image for other aspiring artists to follow. Musicians such as the ones that can be seen in the 2003 MTV performance of “Like A Virgin”/ “Hollywood”/ “Work It”, such as Britney Spears, Missy Elliot, and Christina Aguilera have idolized Madonna. Her work has inspired each of them to pursue their dreams, as well as other artists, such as the modern day equivalent of Madonna, Lady Gaga.

At the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, Britney Spears performed Madonna’s risqué and top hit of the 1980s, “Like A Virgin”. Her reenactment was similar to Madonna’s 1993 VMA performance of “Like A Virgin”. Though, the content and choreography was slightly adjusted to account for the changing social structure. In the 1980s, women were not as independent and powerful, as they have been becoming in the last two decades. The performance highlights the changing power dynamic between men and women. By having three of the highest-grossing female singer on stage together, all of which are from different racial and social backgrounds, it is suggestive of the growing independence of all women.

Lesbian Commemoration and Women’s Independence Expressed Through Shocking VMA Performance

On a similar note, the element that marks this performance, as a breakthrough for the music industry is the kiss shared between Britney Spears and Madonna and Christinia Aguilera and Madonna. Prior to recent years, lesbian and gay relations were considered deviant and highly criticized by the media. Though our highly focused individualistic ideals and a growing tolerance has allowed the media to cross a gender-relation bridge. Performances and public appearances have opened a gateway for gay, lesbian and transgender awareness and promotion.

This performance left an imprint on society. For days and even months, it was the only thing, that pop culturists and entertainment reporters spoke about. Select sources remained neutral with their coverage of the event, while other media conglomerates like MSNBC referred to it as “Calculate Girl on Girl Shock Tactics from Madonna”. Both Christina Aguilera and Madonna have been priming the LGBQT rights movement, while Spears has not been shown in the media, fighting for the lesbian and gay rights. In an interview, Spears admitted that the kiss was a mere publicity stunt, in order for her to gain media attention and with hopes to improve her career.

Changing Gender Relations and Social Constructs from 1983-2003

In my opinion, I believe that this was a monumental move in each of these ladies career. By combining sexual appeal with social issue awareness, these three women were able to use their music and performance to express their beliefs and values. In Madonna’s performance of “Like A Virgin” at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, she is singing to a tall, slender male statue who is dressed in the stereotypical groom attire. Differently, in her appearance at the 2003 VMAs, Madonna, Spears and Aguilera are all singing to each other. They are all dressed in scanty, white dresses and moving their bodies in seductive ways. The distasteful movements are reflective of our hyper sexualized society and a right of passage for women, with their strides they’ve made with gaining power and independence. Through partaking in same-sex relations on the stage, Madonna, Aguilera and Spears are acknowledging that there is no longer a binary gender relationship structure. The presence of gay, lesbian and bisexual relationships has overcome hurdles and is becoming more common in today’s world.

Shortly after this performance, lesbian and gay relationships became more evident in the media and entertainment industry. Artists such as Katy Perry performed songs such as “I Kissed A Girl” which was expressive of same-sex relationships and how they felt good, just like heterosexual couples. Also, it is important to realize the image that these ladies set for lesbians. Government publications and the media produce images of lesbian couples that present them as big, unattractive and masculine-like. Madonna and her followers changed that stereotype with their performance. There are plenty of beautiful, model-like women who practice same-sex relationships.

Not only has this performance encouraged others in the music industry, but has set a precedent for both television shows and movies. Television shows such as Glee and Pretty Little Liars feature cast members who are lesbians on the show and involved in lesbian relationships. Similarly, movies such as V for Vendetta and RENT highlight the lesbian relationships that are becoming normalized in society. Apart from lesbian relationships, these three women have shun a light for others woman to glow in. Talented artists such as Lady Gaga and Beyonce use their music as an avenue to embellish women’s independence and rise in social-status.

Putting It All Together

Over the years, female artists have gained a voice in the media and entertainment industry. Divas such as Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Missy Elliot have utilized their music, in order to project their personal beliefs, values and moral judgments. The 2003 performance of “Like A Virgin”/ “Hollywood”/ “Work It” is a prime example of how female artists are using their talents and molded performances to show how they’ve evolved from subordinate and controlled individuals to independent and powerful beings. Evaluating their performance further, the audience can see how powerful women are using their music and live venues in order to fight social issues, such as gay and lesbian prejudice. The performance was a staple and has influenced other artists, television and movie producers, and thriving authors to use their talents to let their voices be heard.

Experiences Created by the Orchestra

Experiences Created by the Orchestra

The Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia is 95-100-member ensemble, which rehearses two times per week and performs many concerts each year. Last Wednesday night, the orchestra put on their “Sounds of Summer” concert, which featured compositions such as Schumann’s Symphony. I’ve never had the experience of witnessing an orchestra first-hand and thought that reaching outside of my comfort zone would maybe help me understand more about the components that influence the popularity and beauty of music. Orchestrated music has always been considered a high form of art, catered to a specific sector of the population. However, through the years it has evolved into an art that is now enjoyed by individuals other than just upper-middle class and upper class Caucasians. Though, orchestrated ensembles have managed to uphold to their original demands such as enforcement of proper mannerisms and the usage of a passive audience. Through the balancing of vital components, such as the concert’s setting, the audience, moderate commercialization, and light interactions between the audience and performers, orchestrated music has managed to hold onto its’ strong values and standpoints while at the same point broadening it’s market base, thus allowing individuals of different ages and backgrounds to partake in the experiences created by these art forms.

The audience at the Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia concert was a representation of the increasing fan-base for orchestrated music. There were two distinct groups marketed for the concert for this production, younger individuals and middle age and older citizens of Boca Raton and surrounding areas. Between both of these sectors, Caucasians made up the bulk of the audience. Since its’ birth, the orchestra has appealed to citizens of higher classes, primarily wealthy white people. However, it has progressed and now individuals of all social class and racial background can enjoy the beauty created by this form of music. Though, certain principalities have managed to live on such as proper expectations of the audience. From the moment I took my spot in line to the second I sat down in my seat I could not help but notice the audience’s attire. For the most part, the dress was very casual. Almost everyone was wearing either jeans or khaki-pants and respectable summer attire, such as an appropriate sweater vest or jacket. This aura of casualness made its’ way onto to the stage. All of the musicians performing were wearing the same black suit that helped attributed to the mood and overall experience of the orchestra.

Advertising and other forms of commercialization were not extremely heavy for this particular concert. Personally, I did not find out about the concert until a week beforehand through a close family friend. Ticket presales were not popular for the concert as was implied by the growing line outside of the building. The absence of mass marketing explains the reason for a small audience. Walking into the venue, it was not your typical entrance. There were no booths with merchandise, not even records were available for sale. The closest things to physical memories from the concert were the concert programs that were freshly, printed on plain computer paper. Besides word of mouth, information about the concert was only available to those who had a desire to know. The small amount of commercialization can infer that the exclusiveness of orchestrated and other higher art forms of music has managed to live on. Orchestras as well as classical forms of music are not appreciated by the masses. Since its’ pretentious beginnings, orchestrated music has managed to uphold a niche market while allowing a more diverse support group to live and appreciate the experiences created by the orchestra.

Roberts Theatre at Andrew Hall’s Center for the Performing Arts, a structure that was reminiscent of the colonial period, was the venue for the concert. The elaborateness and elegance attributed to the experience that orchestras and high forms of music were originally suppose to indict on audiences during the birth years of these sophisticated styles of music. The main concert hall had sparkling and shimmering chandeliers hanging from the ceiling that help connected the audience with the feeling of being dignitary and elite, the senses that orchestras originally provided for its’ higher based audience. The walls were painted a very neutral, creamy white color and setout by the gold encrusted lampposts that were spread throughout the hall. For $10, individuals could sit in the plush, royal blue seats and immersed themselves in a world of riches and beauty while listening to a distinguished orchestra, something only people of higher social classes could partake back in the earlier parts of the 20^th century. Inside the venue, the attendants contributed to this notion of wealth and power by preserving the expectations with their casual attire, mainly black pants and white button-downs.

As the curtains slowly opened, an orchestra comprised of individuals of all different ages and backgrounds appeared and began to create art. The stage was spread out and large which made it hard to physically see all of the musicians. This imperfection made it harder to establish a connection between the audience and performers. Looking around the concert hall, one could notice the mannerisms and behaviors displayed by the audience. To the left of me, was a female who was politely resting her eyes, whereas a few rows in front of me, sat a middle-age couple who appeared to be fully engaged by the various signs of heavy focus on the stage, such as their eye placement and light nodding of the head. At orchestras, the behavior patterns differ tremendously from other contemporary concerts. For the most part, the audience tends to be very polite and act in a passive manner. Behaviors, such as loud coughing and sneezing are frowned upon and rarely ever seen in these types of environments. The mannerisms displayed by the original viewers of these orchestras have lived on and audiences continue to fulfill these expectations.

At intermission, the interaction between the audience members was at a bottom. As I scanned the hall, I saw very few conversations taking place. The larger venue created a sense of cold emotions, as individuals were more prone to sitting in the silence than experiencing the moment with the person sitting next to him. Behind me, there were two middle age women who were holding a conversation and later joined by their friend. However, the girls to the left of me shared the same feeling of boredom and anticipation that I was having. Focusing on the stage, I saw very few musicians as they were backstage. However, there were a few of the performers that were speaking with people from the audience. The large venue and performing space made it harder for individuals to connect with one another as was displayed during this twenty -minute intermission. This relates to the interactions that originally took place at orchestras due to the relationships that the audience shared with another; being that all members were elite socialites, they mostly knew each other and separation of class was not an issue.

Examining the conduct of the audience during the second part of the performance, I began to notice a few outliers in terms of proper behavior. A few rows up, a middle-aged male was on his cellular phone, I presume checking his voicemail, as the audience clearly did not hear any speech come out of his mouth, as I did not hear any of the audience member’s reprimand him. As if that was not enough of a shock to the experience, another male member from the audience decided to get up and leave halfway thru the second portion. Both of these behaviors are highly frowned upon, as these individuals were not complying with the expectations that are expected by both the audience and musicians. Connection between the audience and musicians are harder to feel at concerts where musician do not use their voice to communicate with the audience. At times, members of the audience could be caught dosing off or whispering softly to the person sitting next to them. The lack of verbal and body communication made it harder to understand the messages that the musicians were trying to convey to the audience. The audience had to hold a focus to understand the messages that each piece was trying to convey.

Throughout the past hundred years, orchestras and other higher forms of art have undergone an evolution A form of art that was once only enjoyed by the world’s richest and most powerful individuals is now appreciated by many different types of individuals, who come from all different and social, ethnic and racial backgrounds. With that, these orchestras and similar variations of music have managed to withstand its’ exclusiveness through the moderate commercialization, preservation of original behaviors and mannerisms expected by the audience and performers, and providing an aura of royalty and beauty through place, costume, and interaction. The experiences felt at any contemporary concert are reflective of all these components and the fulfilling the commitment between the audience and performers.

Exercising Political and Social Belief Through Music: The Acoustic Genre

Exercising Political and Social Belief Through Music: The Acoustic Genre

by: Brad Weisberg, B.A. Sociology, UNC

Although acoustic music may sound soft, gentle and soothing at the surface, there is a deeper level of thought involved that one must decipher through the artist’s words. Artists such as John Mayer, Jack Johnson, and Ben Harper are a few of the talented and thought provoking of the acoustic genre. There is more to the music than the creative sounds of the instrument and the clarity of the musician’s vocals. All of these artists attract a wide range of individuals, but most of these individuals can connect to each other through a collective bond that is conjoined through political and social thought.

Listening to songs such as Mayer’s Waiting on the World To Change” and Johnson’s “Hopes”, one can realize that these songs are symbolic of inspiration and change. The general listener of John Mayer and Jack Johnson could be built on this socially constructed image. He is usually a free-spirited, relaxed teenager who participates in both adventurous and risky activity, such as surfing, speaking of politics in the open, and participates in the recreational usage of marijuana and other illegal substances, that are representative of one’s social freedom.

You may ask yourself, who is responsible for creating these images? The answer is not simple. It is a multi-faceted idea. There is not just one actor involved in building up the hype of any genre. Two of the most important sources in the process are the record industry and media outlets, such as MTV and VH1. The way in which they present an artist is crucial to his or her image, as both an individual and talent figure. Though, the public image that the artist creates for himself is vital for his identification with society and within the genre’s development. Being complex being, we are not all attracted to the same genres of music.

An artist and genre builds it following through the way in his he or she expressed his identity, which is done through verbal and visual apparatus. Followers of the genre will begin to emulate the thoughts, actions and style of their role models through their own creative practices. For example, people who view rap and hip-hop as the genre of music that they can relate to and/ or like the most, may begin to start writing rhymes and participating in rap battles in the community or take up break dancing. Also they may emulate their popular artists through the way they dress, communicate and socialize. In example, Lil’ Wayne has had a large impact on select youth’s verbal actions, with popular terms such as “like a lollipop” and “get money”.

For an artist to appeal to an audience, there has to be a common trait that both the artists and his audience share. This element is not always visible, it often requires heavy listening and serious comprehension. If you look at the following for the acoustic genre, you can see that it is diverse in many ways, but there are some common features. Artists relate with their fans through their music, symbolic representation in music videos, at concerts, and their social involvement. Artists such as John Mayer and Jack Johnson are storytellers, or as I like to term, have folk narrative aesthetic. They use their guitars to add to the depth and meaning of their mostly nonfictional accounts of their life. Watching “Waiting on the World To Change”, you can see John Mayer just walking down the street, sitting in a café, typical daily activities of common people.

These artists use their music to make their listeners and other audiences aware of the social and political problems. With the growing influence that technology has on society, it is not uncommon for teenagers not to pick up a newspaper. In “Waiting on the World To Change”, Mayer shares his opinion of the media and how he does not think it’s a credible source. His opinion infers that the media is a source of brainwash, they only tell you what they want you to know, which might not be the truth. Through relaying their views and opinions, artists such as Mayer, Harper and Jackson are not just entertaining their audience, but educating them. That is one of the most important aesthetics of acoustic music, making listeners more worldly and aware.