Music has been in a consistent state of development for thousands of years.
New genres evolve from social circumstances and global issues, but from scientific progress as well. In recent decades, we’ve seen major advances in technology. They changed the way music was made and consumed.
Science also helped understand how sound affects our brain, so new genres have been created to address people’s needs to relax or energize.
How exactly has science influenced music genres? It’s an interesting matter to investigate.
Technological Progress Changed the Way Music Is Made
Today’s pop music is much different from what it was three decades ago, thanks to technology. Most artists rely on auto-tuning production techniques, so they can correct any imperfections in their tone or pitch. Their voices are tuned to sound better, and that affects the type of music that dominates the industry.
Lady Gaga was the biggest star on the latest MTV VMAs. Her performance reflects the standards of today’s popular music: dance, costumes, and special effects have a lot to do with it. If we could give a new name to this genre, it would be – show. It’s all about the show and less about vocal performance. Lady Gaga is an incredibly talented musician with an incredible voice. Still, technology enhances her natural talent and brings the focus to her image.
Technology can also replicate instruments, so the need for real musicians is suppressed. Technological progress enables producers to develop tracks in a much faster and less complicated way.
Scientific Research Triggered the Brain Power Music Trend
Numerous studies show that music affects the way our mind works. It can calm us down, make us more energized, or help us focus on a particular task. When you read well-written science essay examples, you’ll realize that outside stimuli have a big influence on our mind, body, and wellbeing. Sounds can help us get into the mood that we want to achieve.
Music, just like any other sound, is perceived by the brain through sound waves. The brain processes, decodes, and interprets it through various parts. It perceives chords, harmony, and pitch through a small section in the right temporal lobe. Rhythm is processed through the frontal lobes. When the sound is created in a specific way, it can light up the center of the brain that we want to activate.
Research showed that the right type of music improves a student’s focus on studying and writing. We’re talking about instrumental music that reaches a balance between upbeat and calm. That’s what inspired artists to create so-called brain power music. The tracks are meant to help us achieve a particular state of mind, depending on the circumstances.
Science Created Tech-Based Genres
Classical instruments are based on science, too. Let’s take the violin as an example. Andrea Amati, the Cremonese luthier credited with creating the first violin, didn’t do it by accident. Through trial and error, he realized that he had to transmit the vibrations of strings through a specifically shaped body, which would create force in the direction of the motion of the bow. That’s how the sound is produced.
Today’s popular genres are based on a different type of science, which led to technological progress. Chillstep, K-Pop, House, Electronica, and other genres are based on synthetic sounds and effects.
People who value classical and traditional music often underestimate electronic genres. But we have to keep in mind that all classical instruments were created as a result of science. Now that we live in the era of technology, it makes sense for modern music to reflect the new standards. We should never oppose progress. More traditional music styles are not going anywhere.
Science and Music Make Lives Better
You’ve felt it before: you play your favorite tunes, and they instantly put you in a better mood. When you’re sad and lonely, you have a particular playlist in mind. When you want to party, you turn to another type of music. When you’re reading a nice book and you want something in the background, you know what music to put on.
Scientists made an effort to figure out how exactly music affects our mood and thoughts. This knowledge helped artists create specific genres that influence our minds and push us into the state we want to reach.
Should we even mention technology? It changed everything, and it enabled us to enjoy more exciting genres. Let’s face it: no one wants to listen to Mozart in the club. Mozart is great and all, but Electronica has its place in modern society. We should welcome progress!
About the writer: Judy Nelson can never pick her favorite music genre. She enjoys a different playlist every day and loves exploring new stuff. It’s not a lack of character; it’s called curiosity. Judy loves sharing new discoveries with her blog readers.
Thanks for sharing this interesting article!