FEATURE:
Joy as an Act of Resistance
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Will We See a Musical Revolution in 2020?
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I have heard from a couple of people…
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in the past couple of weeks (independently) who have commented that both the 1960s and 1990s are noted for their sense of liberation, uplift and experimentation. Of course, in both decades, there were periods where music dipped and got darker. I associate the 1960s with a feeling of togetherness and harmony; a resistance and reaction against the somewhat troubled times. Whilst there were some rather forgettable artists back then, one cannot argue against the spirit and best music that arrived then. The same is true of the 1990s. It is not the case things got bleak and dull from 1970 and did not pick up for a couple of decades: there was ample energy and brilliance to be found. I think it is interesting we can draw some comparisons between the 1960s and 1990s. I especially reckon Pop was at a real peak during these times. The 1960s gave us bands like The Beatles whereas the 1990s had all sorts of varied and brilliant Pop music. Maybe there is not this magical thirty-year cycle, but it is interesting to note. One of the reasons why we got such unifying, brilliant and powerful music is that reaction to political and social events; the feeling that the best way to combat that division was to produce this amazing music.
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I have written a few times about modern music and how the tone has changed. I was thinking about it the other day and I can, maybe, trace it back to 2004 or 2005 - when things shifted markedly, that is. In relation to the catchiest, anthemic Pop and the last great Rock bands, there are not too many examples in the past fifteen years. Some might bridle at that, but it is clear Pop has changed in tone. There are fewer bigger hooks, sublime vocal melodies and optimistic jams: the palette has become sadder, slower and more repetitive. Some feel the terrorist attacks of 2001 resonated in the music world and, as the landscape changed, so too did sounds. Maybe the start of the millennium and a rise in technology has meant music has become less about anthems and huge choruses and more about the personal and reflective. It would be all-sweeping to suggest the 1960s and 1990s were unique, perfect and much stronger than anything we have today. I do think there is a need, against the division of today, to bring about some form of revival and change. Music is great right now, but I do feel there is little in the way of unity and overt positivity. Some might say that is a natural position: listen to the news and look around and there is not too much to smile about! This year has been one of the strongest in terms of political music and, whilst that is great, I do feel there is a desire for music that lifts the mind and senses as well as informs.
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I can understand why artists want to write the way they do; to open eyes and reflect what is happening in the world. I am not sure about you, but I am at my most inspired and revived when listening to music that makes me think but can stay in the mind; a feeling of defiance and optimism that we all need right now. I do not think musicians would be wasting their platform or ignoring the world around them. Indeed, there is more energy and passion in the air now than there has ever been. This year has been excellent for music, but I can sense something bubbling. Maybe, as I have mooted before, a third Summer of Love is a little remote; I do think there will be some sort of mass movement…maybe a new genre or wave that tackles what we are all going through right now (from climate change to political dissension) and sprinkles in elements of the 1960s’ and 1990s’ best. Whilst there is some great music around, there is a lack of connection; we have no movements, scenes or any uprisings. It is time for that in 2020. The intent and charge are flowing but, as I have written about many times, there is not a lot to feel happy about or get us all jumping. Sure, the world is in a poor state and it has been before; we are all compelled to see things change and I do think things will improve.
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I do feel popular music (especially) has declined in some ways and, for many artists, there is an inclination towards the angry and downbeat. I am one who likes to see honesty in music, but I think there is a danger that, without new movements, scenes and renewed purpose, music will fail to lift and boost the mood. I don’t know about you. For me, music needs to blend purpose and importance with a degree of joy and energy. Look back at the 1960s and 1990s and one can find plenty of that. I hope 2020 is a year when we see either a new Summer of Love or a change in direction. I am hopeful things can improve in that sense and, although this year has been great in terms of quality music, it has been a pretty heavy one – few chinks of light or escape. We all want to tackle and challenge the status quo and see progression. I think music has produced some great moments but few that join us together and offer hope and positivity inside the black – the world is not now or has never been completely lost and desolate (it is debatable there were great fears and worries back in the 1960s). Whether there is a general overhaul or there is a 2020 movement, now is the perfect time given the sense of defeat and anger that is around. There is a lot of change right now and we are not sure quite what will come of all the problems in Government. Although we will encounter some hard and uncertain times, the future is one that exists…
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WITH plenty of hope.