clessiennethms

[clessiennethms]

State Control vs Creative Freedom in Music

Hi everyone :)

In today's blog I'm going to discuss about the implications of state control and its impacts on creative freedom in the music industry.

As you all know, music isn’t just about entertainment, it is powerful enough to shape identities and challenge authority. Throughout history, governments have tried to control this power, but musicians have always found ways to resist.

Here's a poster from 1930s Germany, where we can read 'Degenerate Music' in the middle. It referred to any kind of artistic work that was performed by black people (jazz, swing...).

In Nazi Germany for example or also in the Soviet Union, music was tightly regulated to fit state ideology. Jazz was, seen as “degenerate,” which was why it was banned in Nazi Germany. On the Soviets’ side, artists had to align with socialist ideals. However, underground scenes emerged, where musicians played forbidden music as acts of rebellions.

Here's a poster from 1930s Germany, where we can read 'Degenerate Music' in the middle. It referred to any kind of artistic work that was performed by black people (jazz, swing...).

According to Vladimir Lenin: 'Every artist, everyone who considers himself an artist, has the right to create freely according to his ideal, independently of everything. However, we are communists and we must not stand with folded hands and let chaos develop as it pleases. We must systemically guide this process and form its result.' Even though he acknowledged the rights of artists to create freely, the belief that art should serve the collective and align with revolutionary ideals is still prominent.

Today, control is subtler, ‘softer’ in a way. Democratic states may fund music that aligns with national values or establish quotas favoring local content, like in France, where there has to be at least 40% of French songs on the radio. While intended to protect the national culture of a given country, these measures can shape creative expressions by favoring certain voices over others.

The balance between state influence and creative freedom can raise questions: should the state play a role in promoting certain types of music? When does support actually become an attempt of control? 

Nowadays, this question is even more complicated than it used to be, because of globalization. Music crosses borders more than ever, but local musicians are often challenged by global trends. This is why state support can be seen as a buffer, helping and protecting local musicians, but it can also kill innovation and diversity. 

Ultimately, every song we hear is shaped by complex elements, some in the artist’s control, some not. This context gives a deeper connection to the music we love.

Thanks for reading my post,

Have a nice week,

Thomas.

[clessiennethms]

Articles linked with my final project + relevant themes from Keith Negus's Popular Music in Theory:

Hi everyone :) 

Today I’d like to explore various themes of Keith Negus’ Popular Music in Theory that align with my project which is: ‘How does Playboi Carti uses gothic and vampire themes in his ‘Whole Lotta Red’ album cover and lyrics to construct a unique persona within hip-hop culture?’ I will also present you 2 articles that I consider to be very useful for my analysis of the album. 

Negus’s work gives insight into how artists construct their identities through media, which aligns with Carti’s dark, vampiric persona. Carti’s gothic aesthetics create a mediated identity, standing out within hip-hop by challenging traditional norms. This echoes Negus’s idea of using media to shape alternative personas. Playboi Carti’s vampire imagery also mirrors the rebellious energy of punk cultures, positioning him as an ‘outsider’, a sort of ‘countercultural’ symbol.

Another theme Negus discusses is aesthetic pluralism in subcultures, where distinctive styles are crafted by blending elements (clothing, symbols, language…) to challenge mainstream norms. Similarly, Carti’s gothic visuals are based on dark, dramatic imagery, fused with hip-hop to form a unique style. This aesthetic pluralism reshapes hip-hop’s boundaries. It actually puts Carti in the position of an artist who embodies subcultural values of defiance.

Concerning the articles, I’ve chosen: ‘The 'King Vamp': Vampiric Aesthetics of Playboi Carti’s ‘Whole Lotta Red’" by D. Green. This article is particularly useful as it explores the vampiric themes in Carti’s album. It analyzes aspects like the stage design, the album cover, the lyrics, and overall sound. It provides an in-depth look at how these elements work together to create Carti's unique persona within hip-hop culture. 

I’ve also picked the article ‘Playboi Carti 'Whole Lotta Red' Album Review’ by Vivian Medithi posted on HipHopDX. This one praises the album's innovative approach, describing it as "the sound of a new legend dying to be born" and predicting it will be the album of the year in 2022. He also makes an important contrast between the people who absolutely love Carti's innovative style, and the others who clearly hate it.

The last article I chose is 'Playboi Carti, Rap Iconoclast" by The Nation. This one emphasizes how his style sets him appart in the Hip-Hop genre.

Finally, as my 'main' secondary source, I considered using the book 'Goth: Identity, Style, and Subculture' by Paul Hodkinson. This one focuses on the gothic subculture and explores how aesthetic choices create an identity within a cultural context. It shows how gothic themes are adopted and reinterpreted by different genres. This is why is think that this is a great book to examine Carti's use of gothic and vampire motifs in his album.

Thanks for reading my post,

Thomas

[clessiennethms]

Exploring the Dark Aesthetic of Playboi Carti’s Whole Lotta Red and Its Cultural Impact

Hi everyone, today I would like to present to you the topic of my final project:) 

I’ve always been a big fan of Playboi Carti, and if you listen to his musics, then you know he’s no ordinary rapper. His album Whole Lotta Red pushed the boundaries in ways that made fans go wild, making listeners wondering what’s next for hip-hop. I consider Carti’s latest album to be a masterclass, especially in blending aesthetic, sound, and cultural influence. It creates a full sensory experience that’s about the visuals and vibes, but also about the music.

Carti’s world is dark, with a distinct punk-goth vibe that’s become his signature look. It has a sort of vampiric imagery with high-contrast visuals, and horror movie aesthetics. His music videos and album aren’t just backdrops but essential to understand the atmosphere of Whole Lotta Red. This isn’t the typical hip-hop scene, but a throwback to punk with a twist in it. 

This song in particular embodies Carti's dark, rebellious energy, directly reflecting his punk-goth aesthetic. His vocals are intentionally distorted, adding a rebellious and abrasive atmosphere.

The sound of Whole Lotta Red is unmistakably Carti, but it’s the way he combines minimalist production with his mumble-rap style that really catched my attention. This album definitely isn’t meant to please everyone. The beats are sparse and his vocals are often intentionally garbled. It’s as if he’s creating a world that you’re invited into only if you get it.

Even though less intense than "Stop Breathing", it similarly gives that same feeling of stepping into Carti’s world with its repetitive hooks and punchy beats.

Whole Lotta Red has helped redefine what it means to create an “album” today. With Playboi Carti, it’s not just sound or visuals but a real vibe, a movement, and a connection between the artist and the fans that goes beyond the music.

I hope you like my subject, thank you for reading my post:)

Thomas

[clessiennethms]

From Vinyl to Streams: The Digital evolution of the Music industry

The music industry has undergone an important shift over the past few decades, because of digital technologies. This transformation has been marked by the rise of music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, which have revolutionized the way we all consume music nowadays.

The days when physical album sales dominated the charts are gone, for the better or not. The rise of digital platforms has not only made music more accessible than ever but at the same time, it also reshaped how artists release and promote their work. The shift to digital has democratized music distribution, allowing independent artists to reach global audiences without the help of major labels.

However, this digital revolution hasn’t been without challenges. Debates over fair compensation for artists in the streaming era continues, with many arguing that the current model benefits much more the platforms than the creators. Despite these issues, the digital age has undeniably broadened the horizons of music, offering listeners endless sounds.

The digital transformation of the music industry is a testament to how technology can both disrupt and innovate an entire cultural sector, creating an actual new generation. 

Thank you for reading my post, see you next week:)

[clessiennethms]

Cultural analysis of different musical genres: Hip-Hop, Punk Rock and Phonk: 

Hello everyone, today I would like to make a cultural analysis of three of my favorites musical genres :)

Music genres are not simply used to categorize sounds, they are also used to shape personal identities and social belongings. This relationship between music and identity is rooted in cultural, social, but also economic structures. 

Hip-Hop emerged from marginalized urban communities in the Bronx during the 1970s. It was a true cultural movement that represented resistance, self-expression as well as social commentary. Artists like Tupac Shakur speaks of the struggles concerning racial inequality and poverty. This genre truly forged a collective identity for the ones who felt rejected by the society.

On the other hand, punk rock rejects the modern capitalistic ways of consumption.  Punk is not just music, but a subculture where fashion, attitudes and music intertwine. It creates a distinct identity for those opposed to social norms. Bands like The Sex Pistols truly embodies this ideal. Ultimately, we can say that Punk Rock is not just « music » as an art, but it is a true way of life. 

Finally, Phonk is an emerging subgenre of Hip-Hop and electronic music that finds its origin from the sounds of Memphis rap in the 1990s. It’s characterized by slowed-down tempos, and samples from old rap vocals, creating a dark and gritty atmosphere. It is usually associated with younger audiences, in underground and digital spaces like SoundCloud. It reflects how music is constantly reinventing through nostalgia while shaping new subcultural identities. 

Thank you for reading my post, see you next week :)

[clessiennethms]

Mediations and Visual Aesthetic: Beyoncé’s Lemonade and Radiohead’s OK Computer

In Popular Music in Theory, Keith Negus talks about "mediation" as the various influences that shape how we experience music, beyond the sound itself. It’s not only about music, but everything that affects how we connect with it, like the marketing or visual style.

For example, Beyoncé’s Lemonade is more than just an album. It includes a mix of music genres. But the mediations go deeper, with layers of visuals, culture, and even politics. Beyoncé didn’t just release songs, she created a multimedia experience, including a film. This one adds to the album’s themes of black womanhood and identity, making it even more powerful.

Visually, Lemonade includes bold fashion, Afrocentric themes, and Southern Gothic imagery. These visuals tell a story just like the lyrics do, showing how the album’s message is shaped. According to Negus, this is an example of how technology and visual engineers play a key role in shaping the meaning of music.

Negus also talks about the social relationships and the influence of culture in music. Another example is Radiohead’s OK Computer. This album was Released in the late '90s, it reflected the fears about technology and isolation. The album’s eerie music, paired with visuals, such as the helmet slowly filling with water, evokes a sense of technological entrapment.

In both examples, the music alone doesn’t give the full experience. Through mediation, whether visual, cultural, or technological, albums become more than just sound. Negus shows that music is shaped by the world around it, making it richer and more meaningful.

Thank you for reading my post, I hope you enjoyed it, see you next week!:)

[clessiennethms]

The P. Diddy Scandal and its impacts on the Music Industry

Hi everyone,

In today's blog I would like to talk about the musical actuality: the case of P. Diddy, who's an important hip-hop and R&B figure. This case is especially important as it not only involves a major figure of the music world but it also raises serious questions about the ethics and practices within the industry.

Recently, P. Diddy was arrested in New York on charges of extortion and sexual trafficking. This arrest has sent shockwaves through the American entertainment world, impacting both his personal brand and the wider industry.

I think that this incident could lead to several potential consequences. First of all, there might finally be a closer examination of the music industry, both in term of internal culture and the power dynamics which are at play. Indeed, we've all known for years that there have been rumors about exploitations of all sorts, and this case might finally push the industry to establish stricter guidelines and require more transparency in artist-label relationships.

Secondly, we need to consider the potential downfall of certain artists. Diddy's downfall could have multiple effects, which could increased scrutiny of other artists and executives who were close to him. I think it might create an unstable environment driven by fear, but it could also pave the way for a truly needed overhaul of industry practices. It could be beneficial to everyone in the industry.

In the end, this scandal might lead to new regulations in the music business and a change on how contracts and partnerships are managed. Only time will tell us how this situation unfolds. One thing is certain: the music industry, but also us, fans and music enjoyers, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye.

Thanks for reading my Blog,

See you next week :)

[clessiennethms]

Do AI tools have positive or negative impacts on music industry?

Hello everyone,

Today, I want to discuss how AI is affecting the music industry. As AI-generated music continues to grow, there’s an ongoing debate: Is AI destroying the music industry, or is it simply changing it in new ways?

AI is undeniably changing the landscape of music by combining technological advancements with creative artistry. These innovative tools can craft unique sounds by blending various genres and styles, resulting in richer and more diverse content. Nowadays, AI-generated music finds its place in multiple sectors, including video game scores, movie soundtracks, and advertising campaigns.

AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist) serves as an excellent example. It is capable of composing entire pieces in genres ranging from classical to pop and jazz, offering a versatile resource for musicians and producers who seek to experiment with new styles and create top-quality content. Another significant project is Google’s Magenta. This open-source platform explores AI's role in music and art, providing artists the opportunity to experiment with a wide array of sounds, melodies, and rhythms generated by machine learning models. This not only aids musicians in creating new works but also advances research in the fusion of AI and creativity.

In my opinion, AI-generated music is beneficial as long as it is not overused and does not attempt to replace actual artists. However, I still believe it puts the music industry at risk. Most people tend to prefer easier ways to make money, and the use of AI in music production could potentially devalue the hard work and creativity that traditional musicians invest in their craft. This shift might encourage a trend where facility and profit take precedence over originality and artistic exploration.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I look forward to hearing your opinions.