So my son noted that Skrillex is coming to town. He's putting on a show and Ammon initially said he'd be interested in going. If you're not familiar with Skrillex, here's a sample of his work:
If you're not familiar with this genre of music (known as dubstep), it's basically all computer generated, washed, and manipulated to the point that these sounds have very little in common with things that we would traditionally consider music. There is a definite beat, and one could probably determine some sort of theory or theoretical basis behind the music. But it's definitely pushing the envelope. And you know, I kind of like it.
Technology has enabled Skrillex to find expression in ways that our ancestors could never have imagined. What if Mozart had had access to this kind of technology? An interesting mental exercise.
The arts are constantly evolving, seeking new ways of expression and using new technologies. Musical instruments have evolved over time, and as cultures have interacted different forms of art have melded together to create new and interesting sound, sights, and experiences. As I noted in the previous post about technology and art, this kind of thing can actually change what it means to be human. I think this is a good thing. As we redefine ourselves, we are also learning about ourselves, and affording opportunities for expression that otherwise may have been reserved for the elite. Skrillex is a young man, and it's not clear how much formal music education he has. But what is clear is that he has a passion for it, and he makes music that people like.
Is that a reasonable measure of success? I'll let you decide. But in my mind, it's not that much difference from what Andy Warhol did in the 60s, what Mozart did in the late 1700s, and what people everywhere try to do when they push the envelope to create new and interesting things. What I like most about our modern age is the access to both new ways of finding expression and sharing that expression.
Conversely, I also like that people can take more time with their craft, working with their hands and hearts and souls. I like that we are patrons of the arts, and that so much richness and beauty is imparted into our world by talented, dedicated, and many times unsung folks. I have been blessed to know many fine artists, people who work in fabric and oils, in clay and steel, in music and spoken word. They have each blessed my life, from my sweet mother who taught me to love the clothes I wear and how to look at the world for the beauty therein, to my own children, who help me see the world anew and realize that I'm leaving a legacy of appreciation and the sheer thrill of living. They're all - WE'RE all - part of the magic and beauty and richness of the world. We each have a voice, a passion, and an opportunity to share, more so now than perhaps ever before in all of human history. And I love that.
If you're not familiar with this genre of music (known as dubstep), it's basically all computer generated, washed, and manipulated to the point that these sounds have very little in common with things that we would traditionally consider music. There is a definite beat, and one could probably determine some sort of theory or theoretical basis behind the music. But it's definitely pushing the envelope. And you know, I kind of like it.
Technology has enabled Skrillex to find expression in ways that our ancestors could never have imagined. What if Mozart had had access to this kind of technology? An interesting mental exercise.
The arts are constantly evolving, seeking new ways of expression and using new technologies. Musical instruments have evolved over time, and as cultures have interacted different forms of art have melded together to create new and interesting sound, sights, and experiences. As I noted in the previous post about technology and art, this kind of thing can actually change what it means to be human. I think this is a good thing. As we redefine ourselves, we are also learning about ourselves, and affording opportunities for expression that otherwise may have been reserved for the elite. Skrillex is a young man, and it's not clear how much formal music education he has. But what is clear is that he has a passion for it, and he makes music that people like.
Is that a reasonable measure of success? I'll let you decide. But in my mind, it's not that much difference from what Andy Warhol did in the 60s, what Mozart did in the late 1700s, and what people everywhere try to do when they push the envelope to create new and interesting things. What I like most about our modern age is the access to both new ways of finding expression and sharing that expression.
Conversely, I also like that people can take more time with their craft, working with their hands and hearts and souls. I like that we are patrons of the arts, and that so much richness and beauty is imparted into our world by talented, dedicated, and many times unsung folks. I have been blessed to know many fine artists, people who work in fabric and oils, in clay and steel, in music and spoken word. They have each blessed my life, from my sweet mother who taught me to love the clothes I wear and how to look at the world for the beauty therein, to my own children, who help me see the world anew and realize that I'm leaving a legacy of appreciation and the sheer thrill of living. They're all - WE'RE all - part of the magic and beauty and richness of the world. We each have a voice, a passion, and an opportunity to share, more so now than perhaps ever before in all of human history. And I love that.
Comments