Music genres are expanding every single day. New horizons and soundscapes are available in a very organized, visually pleasing and mind blowing way on Every Noise at Once. On their website their algorithm exhibits about 1000 different music genres and sub-genres. It’s super easy to fall into a rabbit hole here and discover good music especially because they offer Spotify playlists for most genres. Here’s a few of my favorite lesser known genres and some artists.
Scandinavian Pop – Little Dragon, Cloud, Boom Clap Bachelors
Math Rock – Chinese Football, tricot
Deep Funk House – Homero Espinosa, way too many artists to count
I’ve been a Daytime DJ at WKNC for over a year now and I still have the hardest time answering when people ask me, “What exactly is indie’. Recently one of my co-workers asked me this and my mind went completely blank. So I decided I should probably think about that question.
The reason it’s so hard to define ‘indie’ is because it has so many subgenres and those subgenres can be ambiguous and sound a lot like other kinds of music. What’s the difference between indie rock and rock? What about folk indie and folk music? Is there a difference or is it just a title? Is there some stylistic differences between the two? How does something qualify as ‘indie’? I mean I really don’t know but I do play/ listen to a lot of indie music so I guess in some indescribable and undefinable way I do know what ‘indie’ music is.
As far as what I like to call ‘indie’ music I sometimes say that if it doesn’t fit somewhere else it probably fits into indie and if the band is smaller it’s even more indie. But that doesn’t apply to all cases so that’s not even close to a good definition. Maybe indie is a style? I definitely see indie as a bit of a style, the album artwork and the way people in indie tend to dress can really be described as just weird enough and a little effortless looking.
Indie is one of those things that you can spend ages explaining and not making sense (much like this article) or you could just listen and look to identify it. Basically, what I’m saying is the only real way to know what indie is to listen to the music and look at the style. So I’ve linked my ultimate indie playlist (it’s something I’ve been working on for ages and still work on regularly) so if you’re curious about this ‘indie’ thing be sure to check it out.
I have seen a lot of E-boys and goth girls on TikTok recently and I can’t help but realize that they look so metal. But, some of them don’t even listen to metal. This got me thinking, how has metal influenced fashion?
The heavy metal fashion derived from the biker, rocker, and leather subcultures. Heavy metal fashion includes elements such as leather jackets; combat boots, studded belts, hi-top shoes, blue or black jeans, camouflage pants, and denim jackets that are sometimes decorated with pins and patches. Various bands have also helped contribute to the metal fashion, primarily Judas Priest. The lead singer, Rob Halford wears leather costumes on stage, and the rest of the band followed suit. Bands such as Iron Maiden soon followed, also. The use of modern military clothing was put to use in the Thrash metal scene with bands such as Metallica, Destruction, and Megadeth. This style was also used in the punk-metal and anti-fashion as well.
Here recently, I have noticed that the metal fashion has been used in modern-day fashion. Now, I am not saying that the metal scene owns this fashion, but I will argue that it has influenced what we see, today. For example, I have seen individuals wearing chokers, chains, fishnets, studs, leather, and heavier, darker makeup around. I do appreciate the style and versatility people have put on these outfits to make it their own.
There have been some debates as to whether or not individuals should wear band shirts of a band that they don’t know. As we can see in Pop Culture, celebrities have been spotted wearing band shirts (AC/DC, Slayer, Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Nirvana, etc). Primarily the “big name” bands. I have seen some artists (like Kanye West and Travis Scott) wear heavier band shirts such as Cattle Decapitation. For me, I do not mind if someone wears a band shirt that they don’t know. I am not going to gatekeep and ask them to name off songs from the band. To me, it is publicity for the band.
What trips me up is how some people will look completely “metal af” but have no idea about the metal culture and where there style has derived from. How can someone look like a badass goth girl and listen to Taylor Swift? I don’t know, but I love the fit!! Keep the ‘fits looking fresh!! I love it!!!
What has been your favorite fashion trend? For me, I love a good hoodie and denim jacket combo with a chain lock necklace. Total hardcore.
Before I start this discussion I want to make it clear that I’m not biased and have both headphones and earbuds, three of each actually, and I’m not much of an audiophile either, just someone who likes talking music. The argument I have today is simple, both have pros and cons, but which one is better?
Let’s talk headphones. Headphones (like the ones above) are good for a more immersive experience and tend to drown out background noise better. I mean there’s definitely no shortage of noise canceling headphones. For making music and DJing they are definitely preferred because they tend to have a more full sounds and are more comfortable for long periods of use. Cons? Well they tend to be more expensive, I mean the price range is all over for both but, when you really get into things, headphones are more worth spending the extra buck. But they also are less portable. If you’re not planning to wear them the whole time you’re out they do take up more space in bags and they aren’t the best for hot weather because sweat really builds up, especially with larger headphones.
What about earbuds? Well… they definitely are preferred for working out and being portable. It is easier to find less expensive more quality ones too, they are good for hot weather and take up very little space in bags. But they also have a couple drawbacks. They don’t have the same immersive experience and it’s harder to drown out background noise. And they also can get pretty uncomfortable after a while of wearing.
So where does this leave my point? Well, I use both for different things and I would have to say that headphones win with DJing, making music, studying in a loud place and sound experience. Earphones are my go to in the gym, on hot days, in quieter places, and when I need to travel with a lot of things. Which wins for you?
Theme songs/anthems are important when identifying horror movie villains. Who can forget Michael Myers theme song, or the Jaws’ anthem? These songs place a crucial role in creeping out the viewer and notifying us that our favorite villain is about to hit the scene.
What if their theme songs were metal tracks? How cool would that be? Below is a list of slashers and what I think their theme songs would be if you were to change them to metal.
Freddy Krueger: Hypocrisy – Let The Knife Do The Talking
Freddy’s glove is a bunch of knives, and it is his tool of choice for killing. So, it is only reasonable that we let his knives do the talking (get it?). I can already imagine Freddy dancing to this song while killing his victims.
Leatherface: Cannibal Corpse – Kill or Become
This song fits Leatherface because the chorus goes, “Fire up the chainsaw. Hack all their heads off.” Leatherface loves him some chainsaw, can you imagine seeing people screaming in terror with Leatherface running after them while this song plays? I think it is perfect.
Pennywise: Slipknot – The Heretic Anthem
This song has a lot going on in it and is very in your face and aggressive. It’s a lot like IT right here. Pennywise is always in the face of his victims and is always trying to terrify them. Slipknot gives me the same feeling sometimes when I see them live, but that is okay. I can see Pennywise doing his little dance to this song now.
Michael Myers: Cannibal Corpse – F***ed with a Knife
Like Freddy, Michael loves him a good butcher knife and that is always his choice of killing. So, it is only reasonable to have a Cannibal Corpse song that involves a knife to be Michael’s song. Just like Michael’s killings, the song is short, simple, and sweet. (:
Jason Voorhees: Spite – Kill or be Killed
The story of Jason Voorhees is pretty sad, not gonna lie. Jason got bullied at Crystal Lake and ended up drowning in the lake. His mother killed the counselors who she thought were responsible for her son’s death since they weren’t looking after the kids. So, in essence, Jason’s mother’s theme was kill or be killed, and she did both. Since Jason takes orders from his mom, in is only reasonable that this is also his theme song.
Ghostface: Capture – You Call That A Knife? This Is A Knife!
The list wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t have a stereotypical slasher movie on the list. And the list wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t have a stereotypical early 00’s metalcore on this list. Each very fitting.
Hannibal Lecter: Left Behind – Focus on the Flesh
Hannibal Lecter is a cannibal, so it is only fitting to have a song that focuses on the flesh (I love puns). I can already see Hannibal cooking up his victims while blasting this song in the background. I imagine the scene where is he cooking homeboy’s brain while TALKING TO HIM. Creepy right?
Pinhead: Behemoth – O Father! O Satan! O Sun!
Okay, Pinhead is my favorite because he has some GREAT one-liners: “I am pain,” “no tears, please. It’s a waste of good suffering,” and one of my all-time favorites “Burn? Oh, such a limited imagination!” I feel like Pinhead would love some black metal, I can see his quotes being lines of a black metal song. When Pinhead first met Kirsty Cotton, he was asked who he was. His response was, “explorers in the further region of experience. Demons to some, angels to others.” Hearing this line made me think of Behemoth and this song. I can already see Pinhead surrounded by chains with this song in the background. It’s beautiful.
Jigsaw: Whitechapel – The Saw Is The Law
Do I really need to explain this one?
What are some of your favorite slashers? What would their theme song be? Do you have a theme song?
Stay Metal,
THE SAW
BONUS!!!! Here is a fun video that I found that has all of our favorite slashes as a boy band. It’s hilarious and you should totally check it out.
I have been to a lot of shows and even though I mosh, I mainly dance. My friends have described my dancing at a show as “club dancing” (shout out to Kevin), and it’s honestly straight facts. How I dance at any metal show is how I dance when I’m out with my friends. I have been asked why I dance the way I do at shows and my only answer is because “it’s fun” and I am a firm believer that some types of metal could be club music.
When listening to metal, if it has a good, catchy beat to it that anyone could dance to (primarily death metal and hardcore), it should be played at the club! The choppiness of the riffs and beat of the drums really emphasize this notion. The heaviness and the power of the band doesn’t take away from the aspect that the music is catchy as hell.
And I’m going to be honest, I 100% believe that people could throw their asses back to some death metal, I mean have you listened to Redneck Stomp by Obituary? I can see a grind train right now. The club would be lit as hell. I grew up having dance parties with my mom, and she would play Korn, Pantera and Rob Zombie, etc.; but she would also play TLC, Usher, Lil Jon, and Snoop Dogg. So I grew up dancing to both genres of music even though they are at opposite ends of the spectrum. My mom dances the same way I do at shows, so maybe its genetic? Was I born with it? Maybe its Maybelline, who knows.
Here are a lists of songs that I believe should be played in a club that people could “get down” to:
Subjectively speaking, you definitely don’t need music theory to make music. There are a lot of people choose not to learn it because they say they either find it limiting or just tedious. But, it can also be super helpful, especially when you’re starting out or want to do something new and original. I recently read a really interesting reddit post about this ‘debate’ that made me want to learn more about both sides. I’ve been working on music with some friends and, since I only know a little bit about theory and production, it’s been on my mind. Do I need it more?
I’ve been studying music for almost two years now through the music minor program and before I started my music classes I knew absolutely nothing about music theory, but I have been playing guitar for about six years now. I really didn’t understand what it was before or what I would do with it. Then I wanted to start making my own music, so I was excited to start music theory because I was told it would really help me. I’ve only taken Piano, Music Theory 1, and joined the schools Music Theory Club at this point so I’m no expert but I definitely am starting to understand where both sides of the argument comes from.
I have written little pieces before (it’s not a musical genius by any means) but I was able to make something coherent ‘by ear’ as many people say. And I should also mention that there are so many programs these days that are made to help people who don’t understand theory too well or don’t care for it (free loop samples, chord packs, etc.). I personally feel like it’s really up to you and what you want out of your music if theory will matter much to you. If you’re simply doing it for fun or because it’s a good stress reliever, or an outlet for you, etc. then there’s really no right or wrong way to make music. I mean there isn’t either way BUT I do understand the side of the argument that says learning theory, or at least understanding some basic parts of it, will really help out a musician trying to do something new or unique. Having an understanding of how things work in music can help you do more complex things and evoke the emotions/ styles you’re going for. I’ve noticed that the more I learn the more I can break things down and come up with a more complex understanding that I can bring into my music making. It’s hard to put but as one of the Reddit commenters put it ‘if you learn theory you are more likely to do things you wouldn’t otherwise have done’.
Theory isn’t the easiest thing to understand but if you are interested in seeing what it can do for you, there are lots of videos online that can help and there is also a music theory club on campus. But again it’s totally up to you how you feel about this, you can definitely get into music without it. And you definitely don’t have to be an expert to try anything you want in music. So my question for you is, do you think music theory is fundamental for making music?
