The past taken out of context: A conclusion on modern music and its influences
/The former always influences the latter
It’s not a new concept for music and culture from the past to make an impression the future. Seeing as music inspires far and wide, it only makes sense for some past trends and styles of music to rub off on newer artists and bands. Like anything, we evolve, and we take into consideration the past when moving forward. There are some notable musical talents who have incorporated nostalgic personas and sounds for the purpose of their own branding. Let’s take a look at some modern artists who are heavily inspired by the past and discuss their inspirations, and whether or not they are really their own artist given the circumstances.
Here are three examples for you.
1. The glamorous Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey has taken to producing music based predominantly on nostalgia of past time periods she admires, and she’s extremely popular and loved for doing so. Her music as a whole contextualizes American imagery from the 50s onward, and its iconic history and figures – including that of jazz, Woodstock, groupies, Norman Rockwell, cult leaders and New York City, among many other mentions. Whether she’s using specific nostalgic imagery, or simply singing in a simplistic dated way, Lana makes it very clear what she considers to be her muse — that being the past and all it entails – the good and the bad.
Despite her evident consideration and idolization of the past, which is strongly incorporated into her branding, I would say this has ultimately helped to make a name for herself – one that is specific to her and her only. Right off the bat you can pinpoint whether a song is by Lana Del Rey.
To sum up, in very Lana like fashion, as pulled from her tune Brooklyn Baby, “I’m talking about my generation… And if you don’t like it, you can beat it, beat it, baby”.
2. Greta Van Fleet or Zeppelin Van Fleet?
Greta Van Fleet, like Lana Del Rey, seems to be quite reminiscent of the past – specifically 60s and 70s-esque rock eras. It’s something that you can definitely tell when seeing them perform live. It’s obvious they embody the style and musical elements of the past. It’s quite interesting to listen to Josh Kiszka, lead singer of the band, because he sounds uncannily similar to Robert Plant, iconic lead singer of Led Zeppelin. So much so, that it’s hard for people, myself included, to differentiate between the 24-year-old Michigan native and the 72-year-old English rock legend just by listening alone. Their heavy allude to former rock eras has gathered them a huge following of fans – specifically a lot of young people who enjoy and appreciate the representation of that genre and culture as a whole. A lot of criticism has been made in terms of whether or not they are copying Led Zeppelin and simply profiting off of something that’s already been done. It’s debatable as to whether their brand as a whole is truly their own.
3. The groovy Dope Lemon
Perhaps a lesser known band, Dope Lemon is an Australian indie-folk group formed by former Angus & Julia Stone member Angus Stone. The first thing I thought of when I heard their music was a) I like this, and a little after the fact, b) this is very reminiscent of psychedelics, if psychedelics and Bob Dylan had a love child. It’s evident what inspiration Dope Lemon is pulling from. The music is incredibly nostalgic of the psychedelic rock era, where the lyrics are simplistic and mellow, while the music alone is dazed and entrancing. I would argue that not everyone would necessarily put two and two together in terms of the nostalgic elements, and because of that I feel like they have a relatively unique sound despite the notable influence.
So what’s to be said about musical influence? Is it really a bad thing?
I think it’s crucial to understand that old music and culture is not the pinnacle of greatness, and modern forms are not merely a copy. Sure, there are influences and takeaways from the past, but this has been happening for centuries, and is not something to criticize given the fact. Inspiration from the past incorporated into new music forms can really enhance the overall nostalgia of the work. I think it really comes down to the fact of the matter: do you like the music or do you not? It’s that simple. Music is subjective, and everyone can learn to appreciate the past in all its forms -- whether in the past or brought into modern day.
Natasha Lanceman
A uOttawa social sciences graduate and a second year professional writing student at Algonquin College. Will gladly edit or look over your work if you ask her. Enjoys anthropological non-fiction novels, black and white films and music that makes you feel something. Always caffeinated and probably conveys ideas much better on paper.
