At the age of fourteen, I attended my first concert. It was a small-scale indie show for a then-bedroom-pop artist who has since soured into popularity and transitioned into new-age folk. In the two hours that she performed as my friend and I watched from the front row (while my mom waited from the bar), I became entranced by the environment. The lights, sounds, and affection that pulsated through the audience marked a significant moment in my life, as that was when I fell in love with music.
Since that night, I have dabbled in my fair variety of tangible music facets in hopes of discovering my angle into a music industry career. I lost hope in becoming a musician through my failed attempts at the flute and electric guitar, crashed then burned because of a short-lived DJing hobby, and am well aware that singing is not my forté. Yet, after each of these of these strides, my love for music never wavered. Each attempt brought me back to what I loved most: observing the allure of it all. Whether I was going to shows, curating playlists, or reading up on the chronicles of bygone artists, these were the moments that brought me to understand my potential as a behind-the-scenes contributor to this industry.
Over time, I have realized that my true passion lies in uncovering and understanding the stories behind the music. Every song and album carries a history shaped by cultural moments, personal struggles, and, significantly, public relations. I am fascinated by the power of storytelling in music – how a genre can rise to fame with the right message, image, or connections. So, in hopes of strengthening my knowledge of music’s expansive history, I have chosen to dedicate this blog to dissecting how public relations shaped the music landscape and paved the way for the successes of famous genres from recent decades.
Each week, I will uncover the roots of a genre, the key players in its popularity, and how it was influenced by the media landscape.
Week One: 1960s and Folk
Week Two: 1970s and Rock
Week Three: 1980s and Dance-pop
Week Four: 1990s and Hip-hop
Week Five: 2000s/2010s and Electronic Dance Music
As for my readers, I hope that these posts richly enhance the way you listen to music. By uncovering the stories behind the sounds, I aim to enhance your appreciation for the artistry and strategy that define each genre. I approach this project not as an expert, but as an observer, eager to familiarize myself with this vibrant and creative world.
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