Classical Fusion

Here are a few historical musical events that took place on July 12th:

• In 1962, The Rolling Stones gave their first public performance at the Marquee Club in London, England. This marked the beginning of their influential career in rock music.

• In 2013, the music streaming service Spotify announced that it had reached 24 million active users and had over 6 million paying subscribers. This marked a significant milestone for the company, which has since grown to become one of the leading platforms for music streaming.

Music has always been a diverse and evolving art form, with different genres developing over time

and blending with each other to create entirely new possibilities. While classical and pop music may seem like polar opposites, combining them can lead to an incredible musical experience that expands the minds of both musicians and listeners. Let’s explore the intricacies of combining these two musical worlds. Classical vs Pop Music - What Happens When They Combine?

What is Pop Music?

The term “pop” can be a little hard to define, especially with so many overlapping boundaries between genres. “Pop music” usually refers to a polished, strictly-structured type of song which uses basic triad chords and a combination of acoustic and electronic instruments. But it can also refer to “popular music” - any type of music which is mainstream and widely marketed such as rock, hip-hop, R&B, dance, and so on. In other words, it’s any popular music from the 1950s onwards.

What is Classical Music?

This is a bit easier to define, as we now use it to refer to any music which uses mostly or entirely orchestral instruments - strings, brass, piano etc. “Contemporary classical music” is used to describe any classical music which was written recently - within the last 50 years or so - rather than anything which combines the “classical” and “contemporary” styles.

Blending Classical and Pop

One of the primary benefits of blending classical and pop music genres is that it exposes both musicians and listeners to styles they might not normally favor. For example, “Secrets” by One Republic combines string instruments like the cello with typical pop-style vocals and rock drums to create a captivating and unusual sound within the pop rock world. This infusion of classical elements is also a feature in Coldplay’s much loved “ Viva La Vida ”, where the classical orchestration creates a sense of grandeur and drama that complements the song’s themes of power and royalty.

Genre blending can also lead to greater creativity and innovation. Musicians who are exposed to a wide variety of musical styles are more likely to experiment with different sounds and techniques, leading to new and exciting musical discoveries. You might be familiar with Led Zeppelin’s “ Kashmir ” which features a Middle-Eastern-inspired orchestral accompaniment, creating a hypnotic and exotic sound that contrasts with the hard rock instrumentation and bluesy guitar riffs. With this approach, Led Zeppelin created a sound that was fresh and innovative and which helped the song stand out in an already crowded music market. It seems most music artists would agree that boundaries between genres just aren’t helpful. Warp Records producer and composer Chris Clark explains to DJ Mag how the classical style of his soundtrack work filtered naturally into his (previously entirely electronic) solo work in recent album

“ Playground in a Lake ” - “I think it’s a journalistic fabrication and an expedient marketing tool to polarize these things. All musicians I know — in techno, jazz, classical — are curious about everything. If you’re hungry, and you’re serious about your work, you’re just curious. I wouldn’t approach a Bach chorale thinking, ‘This is the Western, superior tradition’. I just look at it as music.”

These are just a few examples of how classical and pop music styles can be combined to create exciting and innovative music. As music continues to evolve and new genres emerge, it will be fascinating to see how artists continue to experiment and blend different styles together to create new and unique sounds.

I asked my guitar if it wanted to join a band. It replied, 'Sorry, I'm already in a fretful relationship!'

What is the lie?!?

A suing foot!

This individual made a living losing $300k last year.

Country music tops Billboard’s Top 100!

The Spruce Goose, the largest plane in the world, made its first transatlantic flight!

Diversifying income streams is crucial for musicians to establish stability and financial sustainability in their careers. Here are some strategies and ideas for diversifying income as a musician:

1. Live Performances: Concerts, gigs, and performances remain a significant source of income for musicians. Focus on booking shows at venues, festivals, private events, or even online streaming platforms. Explore different genres or collaborate with other musicians to expand your audience.

2. Merchandise Sales: Create and sell merchandise such as t-shirts, posters, vinyl records, CDs, or digital downloads. Merchandise can serve as a valuable revenue stream and also help promote your brand and music.

3. Streaming and Royalties: While revenue from streaming platforms like Spotify may not be substantial on its own, it can contribute to your income over time. Register your music with performing rights organizations (PROs) to collect royalties from performances and broadcasts.

4. Music Licensing and Sync Placements: Submit your music for placement in films, TV shows, commercials, and video games. Licensing your music for synchronization can provide exposure and generate revenue.

5. Teaching and Workshops: Offer music lessons, workshops, or masterclasses to aspiring musicians. Utilize your skills and expertise to provide instruction either in person or through online platforms.

6. YouTube and Social Media: Build a strong online presence through platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. Monetize your content, collaborate with other creators, and engage with your audience to generate income through ad revenue, sponsored content, or brand partnerships.

7. Composing and Session Work: Explore opportunities to compose music for films, documentaries, commercials, or video games. Consider offering your services as a session musician for other artists or bands.

8. Music Production and Engineering: Utilize your skills in music production, mixing, or mastering. Offer your services to other musicians or work on freelance projects to generate additional income.

9. Grants and Funding: Research grants, scholarships, or music funding opportunities that are available for musicians. Many organizations and foundations offer financial support for music projects and career development.

Remember, diversifying income streams takes time and effort. It's essential to explore multiple avenues and adapt to changes in the music industry. Building a strong network, staying proactive, and continuously creating and releasing music will help you establish a sustainable and diversified income as a musician.

THE Wordplay Answers

1. the viper room

2. jimmy page

3. tuning fork

4. rush

5. effects pedals