Music History

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Alan Freed: Rock’n'roll, payola, and innovation!

How many people really have an understanding of where their favourite genre of music came from? Do you sit lying awake at night, disturbed by the fact you don't know where the term rock'n'roll came from, or why exactly Rolling Stone magazine is called just that? There is so much we take for granted when it comes to the history of music, and I for one believe a greater understanding… Continue reading

Published: Friday, May 8th, 2009 written by Mel Clarke

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Famous Music Producers: Phil Spector

Phil Spector. Magnificent hair, killer mind, music genius, and murderer. You've all heard the news, and see this dishevelled old man with hair that any person with an afro would envy, finally being put away for murder after a trial that's lasted several years. His crushed velvet suits and his amazingly naff fashion sense can only lend you one clue as to the era he was heralded as one of the… Continue reading

Published: Thursday, May 7th, 2009 written by Mel Clarke

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Weird Instruments Part Two: Sonic Aqua-Phone

 In part one we talked about the incredible electronic machine that is the theremin. In this part we take a look at another instrument that begins to blur boundaries and move on into the weirder musical instrument category with its creation of sound, the way its played, and the sound that it produces.

The Sonic Aqua Phone is a device that you've heard many times before. You've heard… Continue reading

Published: Sunday, April 19th, 2009 written by Mel Clarke

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The Madrigal

In Renaissance and Baroque eras, there wasn't a whole lot to do. There were of course, no tvs. Not a high prevalance of sporting events, nor was there much else to do unless you were wealthy and educated. Fortunately, people could sing, and play music which encouraged the genre known as Madrigal. While you may not realise it, Madrigal songs have permeated our culture and impacted on our pop music in… Continue reading

Published: Saturday, April 4th, 2009 written by Mel Clarke

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1979: My Birth Year In Music

1979: My Birth Year In Music My childhood memories of music mainly revolve around the 1980’s and 1990’s, and posters of Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, and in my teens, numerous boyband’s such as Take That, who I still admire today. But what, I thought to myself, of the years I am too young to remember, especially the year of my birth. A few Google searches later I have discovered my birth… Continue reading

Published: Monday, February 2nd, 2009 written by Lauren John