The cosmos has always been a source of fascination and inspiration. It’s no surprise then that it has seeped into the realm of music, giving birth to a vibrant, psychedelic, and often experimental genre: Cosmic Music.
Cosmic Roots: A Tapestry of Influences
The origins of Cosmic Music are as diverse as the universe itself.
Psychedelic Rock: In the 1960s, the burgeoning psychedelic movement, fueled by mind-altering substances and a desire to explore the unknown, birthed bands like Pink Floyd, The Doors, and Jimi Hendrix. Their music often explored themes of space travel, surrealism, and altered states of consciousness.
Space Rock: Bands like Hawkwind, Gong, and Can incorporated elements of electronic music and krautrock to create a futuristic and experimental sound, embracing space-themed imagery and sonic explorations.
Electronic Music: The rise of synthesizers and electronic instruments in the 1970s opened up new avenues for musical exploration, paving the way for artists like Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream to create music that was both cosmic and technologically driven.
Funny Facts From The Cosmic Galaxy:
Spaceman Spliff: Hawkwind’s frontman, Dave Brock, was famously arrested in 1972 for possession of cannabis, earning the band the nickname “Spaceman Spliff.”
The Cosmic Chicken: Gong’s eccentric lead singer, Daevid Allen, famously had a pet chicken named “The Cosmic Chicken,” which he often brought to gigs.
Kraftwerk’s Robotic Revolution: German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk, known for their robotic vocals and futuristic soundscapes, once claimed to have built a robot that could write music.
A Journey Through the Milky Way of Sound
Cosmic Music continues to thrive today, with artists from around the world carrying the torch of cosmic exploration. From the psychedelic sounds of Tame Impala to the space-age electronic music of Boards of Canada, the genre continues to inspire and captivate listeners with its otherworldly sounds and evocative themes.
A Trip Worth Taking
So buckle up, prepare for takeoff, and embark on a sonic journey through the cosmic expanse. There’s a whole universe of sound waiting to be explored, and who knows what strange and wonderful experiences await you.
