[LAU] re Subconscious Affecting Music

Jeremy Jongepier jeremy at autostatic.com
Mon Aug 30 13:37:29 UTC 2010


On 08/30/2010 07:21 AM, Patrick Shirkey wrote:
>
> 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.
>

There are already so many bands and artists that are providing this 
alternative set of commands for people to absorb. And some of them even 
manage to get noticed (like Annie, Sia and even Lily Allen) but most of 
them stay under the radar, partly because they don't bother (like James 
Yuill) or partly they just might be trying too hard (like Metric and 
maybe Stars in a lesser way) which echoes in their music and 
performances. And don't forget about the French (Justice!) or someone 
like Empire of the Sun.

Best,

Jeremy



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