orbits

Orbiting Around Music: A Cosmic Journey Through Orbital Sounds

The concept of orbiting, the celestial dance of celestial bodies, has long captivated the human mind. It’s no surprise, then, that this cosmic phenomenon has also found its way into music, influencing everything from song titles to musical styles.

Early Echoes of Orbiting in Music:

While the term “orbit” might seem modern, the concept of celestial movement has been a source of inspiration for musicians for centuries. Ancient Greek and Roman music often featured themes of the cosmos, with deities like Apollo and Hermes associated with music and the celestial spheres. Even the medieval Gregorian chants referenced the heavens, incorporating the cyclical patterns of the cosmos into their rhythms.

The “Space Age” of Orbiting Music:

The mid-20th century saw a renewed fascination with space, fueled by the rise of space exploration. This era brought forth a plethora of musical styles incorporating the idea of orbiting:

• Space Age Pop: Artists like The Ventures and The Shadows experimented with futuristic sounds, often using electronic instruments and effects, creating a “spacey” vibe.
• Electronic Music: The birth of electronic music in the 1970s further embraced the concept of orbiting, with pioneers like Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream exploring the infinite possibilities of sound manipulation, evoking a sense of cosmic journeys.
• Prog Rock: Bands like Pink Floyd and Genesis incorporated complex musical structures and themes of space travel into their epic compositions, with albums like “Dark Side of the Moon” and “Selling England by the Pound” becoming iconic representations of this style.

Funny Facts from the Orbiting Music Scene:

• David Bowie’s Space Oddity: Bowie’s iconic song “Space Oddity” was originally commissioned for the BBC’s coverage of the Apollo 11 moon landing, but it was rejected due to its “unconventional” nature.
• The “Orbiting” Song: The band “The Orbiting” was a short-lived project by renowned composer and pianist Keith Emerson, known for his work with Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The band’s name was a humorous nod to the “spacey” sounds they produced.
• Neil Armstrong’s “Hidden” Music Talent: While the world remembers Neil Armstrong for his famous “one small step,” few know that he was an accomplished trumpet player. He even brought his trumpet along on the Apollo 11 mission, but never played it in space, fearing he might disturb the crew.

The Future of Orbiting Music:

As our understanding of the universe expands, so too will the musical explorations inspired by orbiting. From the use of advanced technology to create immersive sonic experiences, to the fusion of traditional instruments with electronic sounds, the future of orbiting music promises a journey through a vast and ever-evolving musical landscape.