desert

Desert Heat: A Groovy History

Sun-baked guitars, hypnotic rhythms, and a yearning for the wide-open spaces – desert music is more than just a genre, it’s a state of mind. But where did it all begin?

Roots in the Dust:

The desert’s influence on music is as old as the sand dunes themselves. Traditional music of the Middle East, North Africa, and the American Southwest all feature elements reflecting the harsh landscape and nomadic lifestyles. Think of the haunting melodies of Bedouin music or the rhythmic chanting of Sufi whirling dervishes. These ancient forms set the stage for the modern desert sound.

Western Influences:

As the 20th century unfolded, a new breed of musicians began incorporating desert imagery into their work. Country music, with its yearning for wide-open spaces, played a key role, as did blues, with its mournful melodies that echoed the desert’s loneliness.

The Birth of Desert Rock:

The 1960s saw the emergence of desert rock, with artists like The Doors, The Seeds, and The Byrds injecting a psychedelic twist into the classic rock formula. Their music, often infused with Eastern influences and a hazy, sun-drenched atmosphere, captured the spirit of the desert.

The 70s and Beyond:

Desert rock continued to evolve in the 70s with bands like Eagles, Gram Parsons, and The Flying Burrito Brothers embracing a more country-rock sound. This era also saw the rise of The Desert Sessions, a loose collective of musicians exploring experimental and psychedelic rock, often with desert-inspired themes.

Some Desert-Dusted Fun Facts:

• The Doors’ lead singer, Jim Morrison, was known for his flamboyant stage presence and controversial lyrics. Legend has it that he once urinated on a concert-goer in Miami, earning him a public indecency charge.
• Gram Parsons, a founding member of The Flying Burrito Brothers, famously had his body cremated and scattered in Joshua Tree National Park, the desert he loved.
• Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme is a self-proclaimed fan of the desert. He even bought a house in Joshua Tree, where he created a studio and recording space, dubbed “The Pink Duck.”

Desert Music Today:

From Queens of the Stone Age to The Black Keys, the spirit of desert music continues to thrive in the 21st century. Bands across genres continue to tap into the desert’s unique energy, infusing their music with a blend of hard-driving rhythms, atmospheric textures, and a touch of psychedelic weirdness.

So, whether you’re driving across the Mojave, soaking up the sun in the Sahara, or simply escaping into a world of sonic escapism, desert music offers a captivating and timeless escape.