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Hey there, sound wanderers! Today, we’re diving deep into the mesmerizing world of drone music. Grab your headphones and get comfy as we take a trip through the foggy atmosphere of sustained sounds, where time stretches and reality blurs.
At its core, drone music is all about long, sustained tones. You know that feeling when you kick back and just let a note hang in the air? Yep! That’s what we’re talking about. It doesn’t rush; it breathes. This genre often uses electronic instruments, but you’ll also find traditional ones like didgeridoos or sitars creating those lush textures.
Now let’s rewind the tape! While many think drone music popped up in the 20th century with avant-garde composers like La Monte Young and his minimalist buddies, its roots go way deeper. Ancient cultures across the globe have had their own form of droning sounds for centuries—think Tibetan monks chanting or Indian ragas!
Fast forward to the 1960s: rock ‘n’ roll was king, but some cats were tuning into different frequencies. Artists like Tony Conrad dabbled in exploring minimalistic soundscapes that hung around longer than a stubborn guest at a party (you know who I’m talking about!). His collaboration with The Velvet Underground introduced drones to underground rock circles.
In parallel universes (also known as different genres), musicians were brewing something special too—like John Cage, who threw caution to the wind by focusing on silence and ambient sounds that could stretch perception itself!
By the late ’70s and ’80s, drone was getting more serious attention in experimental scenes. Bands like Sunn O))) came along with a wall-of-sound approach using heavy guitars tuned down lower than your uncle’s jokes at Thanksgiving dinner. Their live shows became legendary experiences where audience members felt vibrations deep within their chests—the ultimate sonic massage!
Speaking of strange experiences—did you hear about Sunn O)))’s hilariously unconventional black cloaks they wear during performances? They call it “the ritual.” Imagine showing up to see them live only to realize it’s less concert and more atmospheric séance!
Let’s sprinkle some giggles on our journey through this soundscape:
La Monte Young vs Guitarists: In an epic battle for “longest performance,” La Monte once played one note for over six hours straight! Guitarists tried to replicate it but ended up cramping their fingers after fifteen minutes.
Tuned Out: Ever heard how composer Philip Glass got tired during rehearsals? He would actually set timed breaks—but do you know he went home once thinking practice would solve everything? Spoiler alert: He didn’t even have his score with him when he returned!
Psychedelic Shenanigans: One time during an outdoor festival performance by Earth (another iconic drone outfit), someone accidentally started barbecuing right next to them while they played—a classic case of “misplaced priorities.” Who knew grilled burgers could match those low-end frequencies?
When Australian artist Gareth Liddiard recorded one track dubbed “Drunk on Drone,” he purposely left out beats just so people could sip drinks without missing any rhythm! Now that’s multitasking magic.
And let’s not forget Julianna Barwick, whose rich vocal loops are heavenly yet… her first mic purchase from eBay made her voice sound exactly like she was singing from inside a tin can—a humbling reminder that everyone starts somewhere!
As genres evolve into new hybrids (hey there ambient techno!), many artists borrowed elements from jazz improvisation and electronic experimentation forming new drony fusions along exciting timelines.
Today you’ve got countless subgenres sprouting off – post-rock bands adding airy drones over delicate melodies or electronic producers layering thick synth waves alongside glitchy beats (cough cough Aphex Twin). You might be surprised how much fun experimenting can be when teasing out sonic layers—you never know if divine genius will pop out unexpectedly while jamming!
Drone music offers unique spaces for contemplation—it allows listeners space between thoughts so people can drift through feelings rather than rigid structures found elsewhere in life…and isn’t drifting sometimes exactly what we need?
Plus—it gives us room for creativity whether you’re composing an ambitious masterpiece trying endless layers…or perhaps just chilling after work listening quietly amidst bustling city vibes outside your window at home—a necessary escape now more than ever.
So next time you’re vibing away within swirling clouds produced by modern-day druids wielding noise machines remember these doodly moments sprinkled throughout history…and keep groovin’ along wherever life takes ya! Catch ya later on our next groove exploration ride🌀🌌🎶
Fate – Boy Harsher
Shipwreck – Mount Kimbie
Knuckle Curve Blues – Mule Thrower
Plays Orchestral Favourites – Hypnodrone Ensemble