The music industry is a broad part of society and culture around the world. It has many unique styles and variations that give it different value to different people. When using magazines to promote music most companies tend to focus on a specific genre so as to give it one purpose. Before I go any further with my own, I think it is necessary to understand what each genre includes to give myself an idea when deconstructing other magazines.
Alternative
Alternative music is songs that couldn't be classified as any other genre. It came about in the 1980s with the emerging variations of the rock genre in the underground, which adhered to similar instruments and tone of rock but steered towards a more focused interpretation.
Sub-genres
Sub-genres
- Experimental Rock
- Progressive Rock
- Alternative Rock
- Punk
- Indie Rock
An example of a magazine based on Alternative Music is 'Alternative Press' which was founded in 1985 as a way of bringing more media coverage to underground music.
Blues
Blues music appeared at the end of the 19th Century, and combines African-American music and European folk music. There is a very simple structure in both chords and lyrics, where the instruments are often repetitive and the lyrics form ballads.
One of the traditional structures is the call-and-response method, where the artist would sing a line and answer this with their guitar accompaniment.
Sub-genres
- Classical Blues
- Chicago Blues
- Contemporary Blues
- Country Blues
The 'Blues Blast Magazine' is one magazine centralising on the blues genre.
Classical
Classical music can cover any time period extending beyond the 'classical period' and is now certified as traditional, mainly instrumental music. Notable figures such as Beethoven are famous for their ability to be expressive without overwhelming the audience. It tends to have an orchestral symphony where the individual rhythm, tone and pitch coordinate with each other.
Sub-genres
- Medieval
- Renaissance
- Opera
- Orchestral
- Romantic
- Baroque
Although classical music doesn't have as much media attention nowadays, radio stations like 'Classical FM' and magazines like 'Classical Music' still offer it to its core audience.
Country
Country music is a genre that originated in rural American states in the 1920s. The lyrics often formed gentle ballads and harmonies with mainly string instruments like banjos and acoustic guitars. It began as a way of representing the culture of working-class Americans but has since expanded to other nationalities and explores themes such as romanticism.
Sub-genres
- Bluegrass
- Outlaw Country
- Traditional Country
- Honky Tonk
- Rockabilly
The 'Nash Country Weekly' magazine has been publishing since 1994 and cosponsors the 'CMT/TNN Country Weekly Music Awards.'
Rap
Rapping is chanted lyrics that are spoken to a beat in order to create a rhythm. It is considered to have been a derivative of hip-hop music. This particular genre has generally arisen as a way of social rebellion because the lyrics often depict the struggle of life in a rough neighbourhood. The lack of much musical input allows the rapper's lyrics to become the central focus of the song.
Sub-genres
XXL is a hip-hop magazine founded in 1997 that features coverage on many famous artists as well as promotes the 'freshmen' who are less recognised.
Pop
Pop music is a genre that first came about in the 1950s and describes music that has mainstream appeal. Identifying factors normally include the conventional 'verse-chorus' structure and the use of repeated verses or melodic tunes. The choruses tend to adopt a different rhythm and harmony to the other verses to enforce their significance.
Sub-genres
Rock
Rock centers on instruments like electric guitars and drums whilst the lyrics tend to express an anti-establishment belief towards social or political matters. These themes offer fans more freedom and gives them greater insight into the meaning of society. There is a specific emphasis on live performances because the ferocity of the instruments creates impressive atmosphere.
Sub-genres
R & B
R and B music blends instrumentals from the piano, guitar and saxophone in order to create a relaxing, almost hypnotic tone. The singer emotionally engages with the song and the lyrics often focus heavily on the triumphs and downfalls of relationships, aspirations and freedom.
Sub-genres
Jazz
Jazz music is traditionally known for its African-American history and the heavy reliance on improvisation. Its origin is credited as being part of the black culture. Artists have been known to play solo as well as perform as part of a larger brass band. The distinction is in the instruments used, and they consist of saxophones, trumpets, trombones and piano.
Sub-genres
Downbeat is an example of a Jazz magazine, first published in 1934 and so has charted the evolution of jazz as well as its influence on social culture.
Reggae
Established as an African/Jamaican style of music, reggae is widely accepted as an upbeat genre, with the drums and bass guitar defining its musical quality. Less lyrics feature in this style, but it is common some lyrics to be sung in the dialect of the artist in order to reinforce the sense of culture being portrayed. The upbeat tone is largely down to the themes of love and socialising being discussed.
Sub-genres
There are obviously many more genres and subgenres of music from different countries and cultures globally, but the purpose of this research task was to broaden my knowledge and opinion of different styles. Therefore when I need to select a genre to advertise in my magazine, I can at least have a starting point.
Rap
Rapping is chanted lyrics that are spoken to a beat in order to create a rhythm. It is considered to have been a derivative of hip-hop music. This particular genre has generally arisen as a way of social rebellion because the lyrics often depict the struggle of life in a rough neighbourhood. The lack of much musical input allows the rapper's lyrics to become the central focus of the song.
Sub-genres
- Gangsta Rap
- Old School Rap
- Hip-hop
XXL is a hip-hop magazine founded in 1997 that features coverage on many famous artists as well as promotes the 'freshmen' who are less recognised.
Pop
Pop music is a genre that first came about in the 1950s and describes music that has mainstream appeal. Identifying factors normally include the conventional 'verse-chorus' structure and the use of repeated verses or melodic tunes. The choruses tend to adopt a different rhythm and harmony to the other verses to enforce their significance.
Sub-genres- Britpop
- Indie Pop
- Dance Pop
- Teen Pop
Q was first published in 1986 and is noticeable for its primary focus on popular bands of the current time. It has received criticism for dedicating its focus on the popularity of bands rather than their actual music.
Rock
Rock centers on instruments like electric guitars and drums whilst the lyrics tend to express an anti-establishment belief towards social or political matters. These themes offer fans more freedom and gives them greater insight into the meaning of society. There is a specific emphasis on live performances because the ferocity of the instruments creates impressive atmosphere.
Sub-genres- Rock and Roll
- Death Metal
- Arena Rock
- Hard Rock
- Psychedelic Rock
Classic Rock is a magazine first issued in 1998 with a dedication on key bands from between the 1960s and 1980s, but also incorporates modern talents into their content.
R & B
R and B music blends instrumentals from the piano, guitar and saxophone in order to create a relaxing, almost hypnotic tone. The singer emotionally engages with the song and the lyrics often focus heavily on the triumphs and downfalls of relationships, aspirations and freedom.
Sub-genres
- Soul
- Contemporary R&B
- Motown
- Funk
The RnB magazine offers a very broad outlook on the genre, examining the sub-categories in specific detail.
Jazz
Jazz music is traditionally known for its African-American history and the heavy reliance on improvisation. Its origin is credited as being part of the black culture. Artists have been known to play solo as well as perform as part of a larger brass band. The distinction is in the instruments used, and they consist of saxophones, trumpets, trombones and piano.
Sub-genres
- Contemporary Jazz
- Hard Bop
- Ragtime
- Mainstream Jazz
- Fusion
Downbeat is an example of a Jazz magazine, first published in 1934 and so has charted the evolution of jazz as well as its influence on social culture.
Reggae
Established as an African/Jamaican style of music, reggae is widely accepted as an upbeat genre, with the drums and bass guitar defining its musical quality. Less lyrics feature in this style, but it is common some lyrics to be sung in the dialect of the artist in order to reinforce the sense of culture being portrayed. The upbeat tone is largely down to the themes of love and socialising being discussed.
Sub-genres- Dub
- Reggaeton
- Dancehall
- Ska
- Roots Reggae
There are obviously many more genres and subgenres of music from different countries and cultures globally, but the purpose of this research task was to broaden my knowledge and opinion of different styles. Therefore when I need to select a genre to advertise in my magazine, I can at least have a starting point.
No comments:
Post a Comment