Music texts Question topics-Marketing-Digital technology-The internet helping distribution and promotion-The Importance of the text to the music industry-Regulations

Possible Music questions

NirvanaKurt CobainDave Grohl Krist Novoselic

1.Changing the genre of mainstream music in 1991

2. Assisting the creation of a subculture

3.Changing the ideology present within mainstream music

Industry importance

1. Use of the music video2. Brand recognition3.The use of the rock star/front man4. Reliance on Television performances (Jonathan Ross, MTV own shows, memorable live shows)5.Music Videos, iconography, connotations, mis en scene, all attracts its target audience

Marketing/Digital Marketing

Use of the internet

1.Fansites (facebook, Instagram, Websites)2. Itunes, Youtube3.Allowing new generations access to older music4. Spotify

Analysing “Nevermind’s” Cover. Any ideological clues?

Nirvana-Nevermind •Firstly Released by DGC Records in 1991 with

an optimistic expectation of 250 000 copies

•Nevermind has now sold 30 million copies world wide

•Bridged the gap between rock and the mainstream

•4 singles were released ovver an 18 month period with a music video each for promotion.

V.S

1989 1991

Record label and the change in distribution/marketing/promotion and thus success

1991 Charts pre Nirvana

Genre Metal/Punk/Pop = Grunge

•Singing style (elements of shouting and screaming)•Instruments and effects used•Simple musical structures (verse chorus verse, mostly containing a bridge)•Some elements but not as purist as punk on Anti-establishment ideology•Smashing instruments •Sloppy musicianship•Use of bar chords

Punk musical Characteristics present within Nirvana

Genre Metal/Punk/Pop = Grunge

•Singing style (elements of shouting and screaming)•Instruments and effects used (distortion/overdrive)However•Very anti metal ideology

Metal musical Characteristics present within Nirvana

Genre Metal/Punk/Pop = Grunge

•Reliance on vocals•Song length•Song structure•Use of rhyming couplets•Promotion channels

Pop musical characteristics present within Nirvana

Genre/subculture

Metal/Punk/Pop = Grunge

•Grunge was born in the 1990’s•Sludgy guitar sound that uses a high level of distortion, fuzz and feedback effects.•Lyrics are typically angst-filled, often addressing themes such as social alienation, apathy, confinement, and a desire for freedom•Many grunge musicians displayed a general disenchantment with the state of society, as well as a discomfort with social prejudices•Live shows are energy filled and crowds are very active/moshing/crowd surfing,stage diving (video Swedish interview)

Grunge ideology and characteristics present in Nirvana

Importance to industry (helping in creating a subculture)

•Clothing commonly worn by grunge musicians and fans consisted of clothes that was purchased from or looked like they were from charity shops•Most common was checked/flannel shirts•A look that appeared un-kept (ripped jeans, baggy T-shirts, longish hair, anti superficial)•Grunge fashion was very anti “Flash/show off”

Grunge Fashion

Smells Like Teen SpiritCome as you are

Lithium

In Bloom

The use of the music video

Possible Music questions