Ethnomusicological Themes Of Country Music
Ethnomusicological Themes
a.) Music in transitional change as affected by contemporary life
Over the years, country music has changed. From Appalachian music to Hillbilly music to officially calling itself country music. It went to pop, jazz and blues. Change is affected largely by consumer demand, country music changed rapidly from 1972 to 1977. Due to this demand, lyrical themes focused more exclusively on love problems and were more explicit in discussing various sorts of deviant behavior. Chord structures and rhythms became more complex, orchestrations became fuller, and the singing styles became smoother. In all these ways, the most widely heard country music sounded more like the other genres of popular music in 1977 (Peterson). This also affected how it was portrayed in the media. Songs that are getting played on these stations are starting to sound less like country and more like rock, hip hop and pop, a result of the list of musicians these days who are misrepresenting the industry they call “country.”(Policastro). Country music change due to the influence of popular musicians. Taylor Swift, for example, the the winner of 18 country music awards. Her instant popularity made her left her country style and switched to pop which resulting to misguiding her fans to this transition.
b.) Musical change …show more content…
Classic country music appeal to the older generation, it has simple rhythm and construction of chords. Lyrics of classical country music are about hardships of life relatable to the society which is also a reason why it is profitable. A side from it’s traditional song style, classic country still charm many listeners including young generation. Mainstream country music, on the other hand, appeals directly to young listeners. It is classical country music edited with other music genres. These crossover makes country music
a.) Music in transitional change as affected by contemporary life
Over the years, country music has changed. From Appalachian music to Hillbilly music to officially calling itself country music. It went to pop, jazz and blues. Change is affected largely by consumer demand, country music changed rapidly from 1972 to 1977. Due to this demand, lyrical themes focused more exclusively on love problems and were more explicit in discussing various sorts of deviant behavior. Chord structures and rhythms became more complex, orchestrations became fuller, and the singing styles became smoother. In all these ways, the most widely heard country music sounded more like the other genres of popular music in 1977 (Peterson). This also affected how it was portrayed in the media. Songs that are getting played on these stations are starting to sound less like country and more like rock, hip hop and pop, a result of the list of musicians these days who are misrepresenting the industry they call “country.”(Policastro). Country music change due to the influence of popular musicians. Taylor Swift, for example, the the winner of 18 country music awards. Her instant popularity made her left her country style and switched to pop which resulting to misguiding her fans to this transition.
b.) Musical change …show more content…
Classic country music appeal to the older generation, it has simple rhythm and construction of chords. Lyrics of classical country music are about hardships of life relatable to the society which is also a reason why it is profitable. A side from it’s traditional song style, classic country still charm many listeners including young generation. Mainstream country music, on the other hand, appeals directly to young listeners. It is classical country music edited with other music genres. These crossover makes country music