Recently, I listened to a concert by Grand Funk Railroad, an iconic 1970s band. (1) As with many in history, it has disappeared from the charts and the public’s consciousness. At the time of its success, it was every person’s “rags to riches” story: backward, working-class kids, who make it big.
Their music expressed societal rage and frustration at the American military juggernaut, however subtle, during an era punctuated by The Vietnam War (1955-1975). Their songs thrust young people into the hubris-laced repugnance that is so, so necessary in youth. When we are young, we must reject all, and feel invincible, immortal, and omniscient — why not?
Few of us now grow up in a rural environment filled with the visual whisperings of butterflies or the soft enchanting lilt of song birds at 5 AM. Our mental imagery, however, pines for just such phenomena. We see ourselves reclining by that gentle undulating brook enjoying the fruits of being alive.
We lack this intimacy and thus constantly strive to have it recreated through an artificial melody. The philosophy or truth behind sound is, of course, an age-old question. Music is related to the reinforcement of time: a song heard at a seminal moment in life is truly unforgettable — one’s first dance, for example. On a more academic level, the study of music as a discipline is associated with the questions of reality (metaphysics) and beauty (aesthetics).
A fundamental question could be posed: What meaning does music hold for me and its relationship to my way of thinking? Is music actually “organized sound,” as some pundits claim, or is it another form of language? Most concerning to its spontaneity is the contamination of the business of music through the marketing survey and AI.
Large firms digitally track consumer trends and then introduce created, as opposed to impromptu, music to fill a void in the marché. (2) We must be selective in our musical choices. Are we sensitive, living, and free entities or simply consumers of a given product? Music and how I live my life will not change, but I must learn to think critically at all points. The Great French novelist Andre Gide (3) leaves us with a thought: There are admirable potentialities in every human being. Believe in your strength and your truth. Learn to repeat endlessly to yourself: It all depends on me. (Parts of this essay were first published in 2015)
A closing thought: As with so many societal trends, we are slowly being more and more managed. The only way to respond is to develop my critical thinking skills through reading and reflection and have an appreciation of my life on this Earth. This will certainly focus my daily conscientiousness.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about music and its modern industry.
To be noted: From Ralph Waldo Emerson — Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.
Just for fun:
For reflection:
This week, on your thoughtful walk, please reflect on what music means to you.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: Knowledge is a great tool for analyzing the mistakes of the present.
Footnotes:
1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Funk_Railroad
2) How record deals work and making money in the music industry | FT Film