Willie Jolley couldn’t believe it. He thought the only place machines could replace men are in factories, or in movies; but never in the music industry. Maybe even electronic instruments replacing acoustic ones, but for a machine to replace a singer? Preposterous! But there he was, a successful night-club singer replaced by the latest craze of the early nineties; a karaoke machine.
This was just another step in machines’ evil
conspiracy to take over the world. I honestly don’t foresee that happening
until around the year 2222. But until then, musical electronica—and its
popularity—has slowly infiltrated the hearts and minds of music fans worldwide.
But why? Is it because it’s so darn easy to create and play music these days? (
Steve Jobs with his fancy-shmancy Apple products just continue to make things
easier and easier) And with the decline of instrumental music programs in urban
schools, will playing a musical instrument be on the “Endangered Arts” list? (I
just made that up). But on the flip side, when it comes to High School proms,
weddings and other parties, it becomes much more cost effective to hire a DJ
than to hire a couple of dinosaurs who know how to play that “trumpet-thingy.”
So which is better? I cannot answer that question for you. I can only give you
a fresh perspective on the topic (and hope that my preferences don’t bleed
through too much.) But in the end, when it comes to making a selection on tech
vs. live, I hope you become better informed.
conspiracy to take over the world. I honestly don’t foresee that happening
until around the year 2222. But until then, musical electronica—and its
popularity—has slowly infiltrated the hearts and minds of music fans worldwide.
But why? Is it because it’s so darn easy to create and play music these days? (
Steve Jobs with his fancy-shmancy Apple products just continue to make things
easier and easier) And with the decline of instrumental music programs in urban
schools, will playing a musical instrument be on the “Endangered Arts” list? (I
just made that up). But on the flip side, when it comes to High School proms,
weddings and other parties, it becomes much more cost effective to hire a DJ
than to hire a couple of dinosaurs who know how to play that “trumpet-thingy.”
So which is better? I cannot answer that question for you. I can only give you
a fresh perspective on the topic (and hope that my preferences don’t bleed
through too much.) But in the end, when it comes to making a selection on tech
vs. live, I hope you become better informed.
Tech Music—everything electronic including iPods, CD
players, iTunes etc.
players, iTunes etc.
Firstly, for all ye who are not musically inclined (shower singers, air drummers, etc) thank
God in Heaven that you live in the 21st Century. These days, in
order to listen to music—any music, your favorite type of music—all you have to
do is push ‘Play’. Nevermind the fact that real live people have spent
countless hours slaving over the just the right sounds for our whimsical
pleasure. But nevertheless, pre-recorded music is ready for our instant
gratification. And this comes in handy for several occasions. Whether we need
some motivational music to jog to, or something as elaborate as a business
convention meeting; being able to cue and play just the right song at just the
right time is the convenience of the ages. (Right behind sliced bread and the
TV remote control). Also, event planners and their budget-watchdogs need to
also rejoice. Instead of having to negotiate and make arrangements for a
handful of musicians, who sometimes can be a hand-full themselves, it’s much
easier to contract with 1 person who has the latest in DJ’ing equipment. (Which
these days can easily be just an iPod connected to mammoth speakers) For that
matter, DJ’s can likewise rejoice! Long gone are the years when they had to lug
around their archival collection of vinyl records and manually fine tooth comb
through each one just to play the right song. Now, the only time they need to
take is to download songs to their electronic storehouse. ‘Plug-n-Play’ music
also becomes convenient when the event calls for the rapid transition between
songs. Suppose you want only the chorus to the Kool and the Gang’s
“Celebration” but then, an immediate cut to Queen’s “We Are the Champions.” It
would take even the most professional musicians several hours just to get that
right. But if you want it right away—in a moment’s notice—all it takes is ‘click-play-click-play’.
I’m telling you, this modern day convenience could hardly become better! Side
note: I’ve always felt like convenience is the breeding ground for laziness;
and laziness begets atrocities. Air-go, convenience is the devil!
God in Heaven that you live in the 21st Century. These days, in
order to listen to music—any music, your favorite type of music—all you have to
do is push ‘Play’. Nevermind the fact that real live people have spent
countless hours slaving over the just the right sounds for our whimsical
pleasure. But nevertheless, pre-recorded music is ready for our instant
gratification. And this comes in handy for several occasions. Whether we need
some motivational music to jog to, or something as elaborate as a business
convention meeting; being able to cue and play just the right song at just the
right time is the convenience of the ages. (Right behind sliced bread and the
TV remote control). Also, event planners and their budget-watchdogs need to
also rejoice. Instead of having to negotiate and make arrangements for a
handful of musicians, who sometimes can be a hand-full themselves, it’s much
easier to contract with 1 person who has the latest in DJ’ing equipment. (Which
these days can easily be just an iPod connected to mammoth speakers) For that
matter, DJ’s can likewise rejoice! Long gone are the years when they had to lug
around their archival collection of vinyl records and manually fine tooth comb
through each one just to play the right song. Now, the only time they need to
take is to download songs to their electronic storehouse. ‘Plug-n-Play’ music
also becomes convenient when the event calls for the rapid transition between
songs. Suppose you want only the chorus to the Kool and the Gang’s
“Celebration” but then, an immediate cut to Queen’s “We Are the Champions.” It
would take even the most professional musicians several hours just to get that
right. But if you want it right away—in a moment’s notice—all it takes is ‘click-play-click-play’.
I’m telling you, this modern day convenience could hardly become better! Side
note: I’ve always felt like convenience is the breeding ground for laziness;
and laziness begets atrocities. Air-go, convenience is the devil!
Live Music—all singing and live musical instruments;
both acoustic and electronic.
both acoustic and electronic.
There I was; a grown man drooling on the floor (Not
literally, but still). I was supposed to be waiting tables at a local night
club, but I could not take my eyes and attention off of the entertainment. The
saxophone player was playing 2 saxes at once!! Did you just understand that?!
Two saxes at once!! And was harmonizing both of them!! Sure, music history
indicates that it’s been done before, but I’ve never seen it live and in
person!! So, when I managed to pull myself away from the jaw-dropping action
and look for the ‘reaction-shot’ of the club patrons, I was even more shocked.
The sax man could’ve been playing 2 kazoos for all they cared or knew. I think
the only way they would’ve paid attention is if he simultaneously set his hair
on fire. And even then, one of the clubbers probably would’ve just asked him to
help light their cigarette.
literally, but still). I was supposed to be waiting tables at a local night
club, but I could not take my eyes and attention off of the entertainment. The
saxophone player was playing 2 saxes at once!! Did you just understand that?!
Two saxes at once!! And was harmonizing both of them!! Sure, music history
indicates that it’s been done before, but I’ve never seen it live and in
person!! So, when I managed to pull myself away from the jaw-dropping action
and look for the ‘reaction-shot’ of the club patrons, I was even more shocked.
The sax man could’ve been playing 2 kazoos for all they cared or knew. I think
the only way they would’ve paid attention is if he simultaneously set his hair
on fire. And even then, one of the clubbers probably would’ve just asked him to
help light their cigarette.
How can these things be?
Sorry, but all you non-musicians just don’t
understand. (But I do give credit to those who don’t play an instrument, yet
their musical acumen is astute) But for the rest of the population, they just
don’t get it. It’s okay, I understand. It’s the same reason why most men
normally hate going to the ballet with their significant other. (Most) men
don’t understand ballet. Or even the same reason I leave the room whenever my
wife turns the TV to So You Think You Can
Dance. It does nothing for me. But my wife, she gets it. Because she was
trained in dance, she understands what an arabesque is; she knows how to do a
plié; and she knows what perfect lines should look like. So, when she sees a
dance performance, she looks for examples that reflect her core knowledge of
dance. She knows when a dancer executes a spin perfectly and in form. She knows
when they hit the mark (and when they don’t). Me…enh, not so much. Only because
I’m married to a dancer, do I appreciate the art; but only by association. You
do not find my wanting to buy tickets to the latest dance performance. But if
you set one of the dancer’s hair on fire, then I’ll watch!
understand. (But I do give credit to those who don’t play an instrument, yet
their musical acumen is astute) But for the rest of the population, they just
don’t get it. It’s okay, I understand. It’s the same reason why most men
normally hate going to the ballet with their significant other. (Most) men
don’t understand ballet. Or even the same reason I leave the room whenever my
wife turns the TV to So You Think You Can
Dance. It does nothing for me. But my wife, she gets it. Because she was
trained in dance, she understands what an arabesque is; she knows how to do a
plié; and she knows what perfect lines should look like. So, when she sees a
dance performance, she looks for examples that reflect her core knowledge of
dance. She knows when a dancer executes a spin perfectly and in form. She knows
when they hit the mark (and when they don’t). Me…enh, not so much. Only because
I’m married to a dancer, do I appreciate the art; but only by association. You
do not find my wanting to buy tickets to the latest dance performance. But if
you set one of the dancer’s hair on fire, then I’ll watch!
I think you get the point by now. Most people don’t
understand the skill vs. ability it takes to, not only play a musical
instrument, but to enhance the auditorium with your musical prowess. And don’t
get me started with the magic in a band or group! The magic that comes with
playing in a band is much more than just everybody doing their part. My friend
Dave B. explained it best. Music is nothing more than just organized sound
waves, or vibrations. He said, similarly, each band member emits a
vibe/vibration. Comparable to tuning a radio to a certain frequency to pick up
the right radio station channel, magic happens when band members/singers get on
the same vibration while producing music. Perfect ‘harmony’ is when ALL band
members and singers are ‘vibing’; not just keyboards and drums, or singer and
guitar player. Rarely achieved, I’ve been blessed to be a part of that magic
and witness it for myself. In a word: sublime.
understand the skill vs. ability it takes to, not only play a musical
instrument, but to enhance the auditorium with your musical prowess. And don’t
get me started with the magic in a band or group! The magic that comes with
playing in a band is much more than just everybody doing their part. My friend
Dave B. explained it best. Music is nothing more than just organized sound
waves, or vibrations. He said, similarly, each band member emits a
vibe/vibration. Comparable to tuning a radio to a certain frequency to pick up
the right radio station channel, magic happens when band members/singers get on
the same vibration while producing music. Perfect ‘harmony’ is when ALL band
members and singers are ‘vibing’; not just keyboards and drums, or singer and
guitar player. Rarely achieved, I’ve been blessed to be a part of that magic
and witness it for myself. In a word: sublime.
So when it comes to your event, I suppose it depends
on what your preferences are. If you are overly concerned about budget or
space, than having a band may not be right for you. But if you’re anything like
me, first of all, I’m sorry! You, just like me, are a people person who gets
down right enthralled when people take the Rodney King way of life: “Can’t we
all just get along?” If you’re like me than you see the magic that happens when
people live in harmony; coalescing and coexisting without contention. So it
capitalizes on your ‘harmony-fetish’ when you see a small group of people
achieve what is rarely done in society through music. Getting on the same
accord. If that’s your fancy, or anywhere along that spectrum, than you should
choose live music.
on what your preferences are. If you are overly concerned about budget or
space, than having a band may not be right for you. But if you’re anything like
me, first of all, I’m sorry! You, just like me, are a people person who gets
down right enthralled when people take the Rodney King way of life: “Can’t we
all just get along?” If you’re like me than you see the magic that happens when
people live in harmony; coalescing and coexisting without contention. So it
capitalizes on your ‘harmony-fetish’ when you see a small group of people
achieve what is rarely done in society through music. Getting on the same
accord. If that’s your fancy, or anywhere along that spectrum, than you should
choose live music.
Or if that’s too much for you, you can always just click
‘Play.’
‘Play.’
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