[LAU] re Subconscious Affecting Music

Patrick Shirkey pshirkey at boosthardware.com
Mon Aug 30 05:21:14 UTC 2010


On Sun, August 29, 2010 9:32 pm, Louigi Verona wrote:
> The problem with psychology in music/literature/whereever is that each
> person has his own understanding in this domain. And no matter what you
> say
> it will seem nonsense to some, genius stuff to others. It's delicate
> ground
> to tread on.
>
> Obviously music is capable of affecting subconscious. To do it in
> conscious
> manner, however, is very unlikely, as all human attempts to control
> subconscious were always with very limited success.
>
> As for the question with which the thread has started, I would respond to
> it
> in two ways.
>
> 1. It is probably less likely to be able to effect subconscious in a
> "good"
> way, because while "bad" seems to be very basic and same for everyone
> (aggressive and sexual instincts), "good" stuff differs from person to
> person, depending on his cultural level, context and education, as well as
> personal beliefs. And the person who would try to control people with
> "good"
> stuff will end up bringing up things which he believes to be "good",
> according to his views.
>
> 2. It is not a very good idea, all in all. The whole religious process of
> "becoming better" comes out of inner freedom of doing so. Any forceful
> effects would not be "real", they would be no more than influences which
> would never be able to ignite the actual flame of "betterness", "needing
> to
> change something to the better" within oneself. Do you see what I mean?
>

I hear what you are saying. My counter argument is that I wonder if it is
better to stay apathetic to the current status quo and allow it to be
dominant method of communication on the airwaves and media or if we should
be actively working against the affects by providing an alternative set of
commands for people to absorb.

If the current system of complete bombardment and brainwashing is allowed
to continue unchecked we are all complicit in the results.

Hence I feel it is a worthwhile use of time, resources and energy to at
least try to counter the damage being done by the affect of what is
currently considered to be acceptable standards in pop music construction
on the greater consciousness.

For example IMO the song "Bang Bang Bang" by Mark Ronson with QTip and MDNR

http://vimeo.com/12581076

is a good attempt at a subversive attack on modern pop and the
subconscious mind of the listener but I feel it misses the mark by being
too well produced, having lyrics that are too abstract and complex and
having performers who are too good at their art and not attractive enough
for the market.

It's a delicate balance because it requires a complete commitment to
selling out and producing what most artists would consider total crap.
With the exception of having actually got into people heads directly and
as efficiently as possible.



-- 
Patrick Shirkey
Boost Hardware Ltd.



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