Referencing the article on popular music by Theodor W. Adorno, there are 'two spheres of music', serious music and popular music. Although there are points that I do not agree with, especially in today's music industry, there are several valid points that make an interesting study. According to Adorno, popular music is standardized in a way that every aspect of it such as the rhythm to the lyrics have all been 'pre- digested' this ultimately makes a new pop song sound familiar to something that they have already been tuned to accept. This has been referred to as 'Pseudo- individualization' by Adorno; people think that they're making an independent choice of what type of music they like, but infact, he states that popular music is simply the process of reproducing what has already been done. 'The schematic buildup dictates the way in which he must listen'.
The idea of music being categorised into different genres refer the idea of 'Pseudo- individualization' in a way that people actively search for music that would sound similar to something that they've already heard of before, they are not searching for something new but for music that 'is already listened to for them' An example of this in today's technology include a website called Last Fm, the site would recommend music that would sound similar to another band/ artist that has been specified by the user. Although this may seem to help expand the user's knowledge on music, it is infact restricting them to music that they expect.
Adorno also writes about the listeners of pop music and the theory of 'plugging',
' One need only repeat something until it is recognized in order to make it accepted' ( Theodor W. Adorno studies in Philosophy and social science, New York) this can be achieved by constantly broadcasting a song repeatedly through the format of tv and radio for it to be recognized by people. Adorno's attempt to define the listeners of popular music resulted in the; rhythmically obedient and emotional type. The rhythmically type being the ones who would recognise and obey to the beat of the music, which reinforces the idea of a schematic rhythm/ beat to pop songs. The 'emotional' has been referred to as people who would relate the type of lyrics and music videos.
A recent example of popular music I have chosen that supports Adorno's theory on popular music; Leona Lewis - Bleeding in Love://
Video has been disabled for embedding so here's the link://
Leona Lewis - Bleeding in Love
Areas that support Adorno's theory on music://
- Firstly the timing of releasing this straight after the X Factor supports the theory of plugging. Lewis was on the program every week so people became familiar with her and eventually accepted her music as proven by the no. 01 single. On top of this, the track was constantly being promoted and played on the radio.
- The lyrics of the song can easily be related by listeners of the 'emotional' type.
- This has also been encouraged by the video, showing break ups and failed relationships etc.
- Rhythmically, the structure of the song is quite simple, with a emphasis on the bass and snare drum and a catchy chorus.
Wednesday 6 January 2010
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