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KanyePodCast

KanyePodCast by Johnny Kwest

Kanye West

Not only is Kanye West one of today's greatest hip-hop artists, but he is also one of the top urban music producers of our generation and my inspiration. As an artist Kanye has reached the top of the Billboard charts many times, but as a producer and songwriter, he has reached it even more. Which makes him a very unique and special entity in our industry.

Kanye began focusing on his music career when he dropped out of Chicago State University. But while attending school, West produced for local artists. He later gained fame by producing hit singles for major hip-hop and R&B artists including Jay-Z, Talib Kweli, Cam'ron, Paul Wall, Common, Mobb Deep, Jermaine Drupri, Scarface, The Game, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, John Legend and more. West got his break in the year 2000, when he began to produce for Roc-a-Fella Records producing Jay-Z's critically acclaimed album “The Blueprint.” The album, which was heavily influenced by Kanye’s style, became very successful. With it’s commercial success, Kanye became a sought after producer in the hip hop industry.

At the same time that Kanye was gaining popularity in the industry, he was also gaining popularity with many rising music producers and artists including myself. If you listen to today’s music, you will most definitely hear influences of Kanye’s musical style. Kanye's original style was characterized from pitched up vocals and the usage of soul music samples, incorporating his own drums and instruments. But more recently he has been experimenting with sampling genres ranging from folk to electronica.

Kanye is somewhat infamous for his use of sampling other artist’s music, but to me the way that he does it is very unique, and if you never knew the original artist you would think everything was produced by him.

Speaking again on Kanye’s success, his first 5 albums went platinum. He has won 14 Grammy's and has been included in the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world as well as being listed in a number of Forbes' annual lists.

As an industry professional music producer, to me Kanye was my first inspiration. When I heard the song "Jesus Walks" I became fascinated with how someone could create music like that. I learned how to produced hip-hop by listening and studying his instrumentals. Referencing his style over time I created my own, but I will always remember who inspired me to want to be in this industry.

Peer Comment (Posted on classmate's page, forgot to post on mine)

Patrick, I found your blog entry on Daft Punk to be very informative and enjoyable. I had no idea that these were humans! I thought they were actually robots who some how were programmed to make music! Shows what I know! Also, one of the musicians names is very long, that's cool. And wouldn't it be cool to be knights? Hopefully one day we can form a group and be knights, I would like that a lot. But really it is amazing what this duo has done. Have you actually seen the movie Tron? It is amazing the music in it is out of this world. Again, good job on the post keep up the good work.

October 17, 2011 5:05 PM

Peer Comment

Patrick, reading your post on Igor had me fascinated. Especially the part about neo-classism. The idea of taking something old and remaking it into something new reminded me of how artists today use samples to create electronic music. But Igor didn't have the luxury of just dragging and dropping samples he had to write and compose the music, something that I certainly wish that I could do! Also, like you said he was able to study under a master, something I too wish I could do! And you are right, if music doesn't continue to change people will lose interest in music. So as producers alike we need to keep experimenting to owe tribute to innovators like Igor Stravinski.

The Theremin

Ever wonder what was making that “spooky sound” in old horror movies? It was probably the Theremin. The Theremin was invented and refined between 1919 and 1921 by Leon Theremin, a Russian scientist. This instrument, originally known as the Astherphone, requires a player to move their hands through pitch and volume "fields" in the air around two antennas to produce changes in the tone being generated by the device.

The Theremin was one of the world's first electronic instruments. Eventually with its popularity growing in the United States it reached to the mind of a young man named Robert Moog. Robert would eventually create one of the most famous synthesizers in electronic music called the Moog. He later credited his moog synthesizers to the experience he learned with the Theremin.

The Theremin is most unique due to the fact that there is no physical contact while playing the instrument. The musician stands in front of the instrument and moves his or her hands in the proximity of two metal antennas. The distance from one antenna determines frequency (pitch) and the distance from the other controls amplitude (volume). The instrument is typical used in performances that require the legato performance, due to inevitable portamento in switching notes. But, with exceptional artists, staccato notes are possible. This is generally how to tell if the artist is experienced with the instrument.

Although today's modern synthesizers can recreate the sound of the Theremin quite simply, it is still a hit with most hardcore electronic musicians due to its expressiveness, novelty and uniqueness. Even today the Theremin is still being produced by the likes of Moog Music, and Harrison Instruments.

Being a music producer and sound enthusiast I would definitely love to have a Theremin in my collection, it symbolizes the beginning on electronic instruments and the wonder and mystery behind the electricity.

Kraftwerk

Kraftwerk in German means power plant or power station. And it’s a suitable name for the influential electronic band because a power station produces electricity the essential element in their musical style. Kraftwerk were the pioneers of electronic music, back in the 1970s their distinctive sound was revolutionary and has had a lasting effect in many genres of modern music. Comprised heavily of synthesizers, drum machines and vocoder vocals the bands sound was the beginning of electronic music as we know it.

Kraftwerk produced 8 albums from 1974-1981:

·      Kraftwerk (1970)

·      Kraftwerk 2 (1972)

·      Ralf und Florian (1973)

·      Autobahn (1974)

·      Radio-Activity (1975)

·      Trans-Europe Express (1977)

·      The Man-Machine (1978)

·      Computer World (1981)

The group’s first three albums were more free form experimental rock. They didn't feature "hooks" or a very disciplined song structure. They were strictly instrumental, featuring traditional instruments including guitar, bass, drums, electric organ, flute and violin. The Kraftwerk sound came from manipulating the recordings using distortion and tape manipulation.

The next album Ralf und Florian marked the bands movement to its classic signature sound, relying more on synthesizers and drum machines. Almost entirely instrumental like the previous albums, Ralf und Florian marks their first use of the vocoder, which would in time become one of its musical signatures. Their next album would turn out to be their most successful.

With the release of Autobahn, Kraftwerk made its international breakthrough. Featuring new instruments such as the Minimoog, the group now had a newer more disciplined pop sound. With its success the band undertook a multi-date tour to promote the album.

After the 1975 autobahn tour, they began to work on their next album Radio Activity. It was their first album with a "central theme". After a break from live performance in 1976, the band began working on Trans-Europe Express. This album was also themed, influenced by friends who suggested writing songs about the actual Trans-Europ Express.  The album is described as a celebration of Europe and the disparities between reality and image.

The next album Man Machine featured album art was inspired by Russian artist El Lissitzky and the Supernnatism movement. After this album the band wouldn't release another album for three years.

The next album released in 1981 called computer world featured new things like vocals from a Texas Instruments language translator. The album also featured Kraftwerk’s most successful song in the UK "The Model". Greater use of vocals and the use of sequencing equipment for percussion was also used. Ironically Kraftwerk did not own a computer at the time of recording computer world!

Today the use of custom electronic instruments is used more than ever and Kraftwerk was the first to pioneer this practice. Also their extensive use of electronic drum machines and vocoder effects which now are used everyday began with the group.

Being a music producer myself, I have to tip my hat to the innovators of electrical music, experimentation and innovation. When you think of the founders of rock and roll you think of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash amongst others. And when you think of the founders of electronic music you think of Kraftwerk.

Revolver Pod Cast

Whats Going On

Prior to “What’s going on” Marvin Gaye was considered a part of the Mo-Town sound, a sex symbol of the times and the “Prince of Soul”.  With hits such as "How Sweet It Is" and "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" Gaye was one of the hottest artist at the time. This was all well and fine, but with the war in Vietnam and incidents such police brutality against anti-war protesters in San Francisco, Gaye and others couldn’t help but wonder…What’s Going On.

The Main influence to Gaye's What's going on was Gaye's brother's accounts of his experience at the Vietnam War and co-writer Renaldo "Obie" Benson of the Four Tops' disgust of police brutality after seeing anti-war protesters attacked in San Francisco. Originally the song wasn’t intended for Gaye, but for the Four Tops. Not feeling the song calling it a “protest song” they passed it aside for someone else and it eventually fell into the hands of Marvin Gaye. Benson recalls the first time he played the song together with Gaye. "Marvin was the perfect artist for it," he says. "Marvin already felt like this. He was a rebel, and a real spiritual guy. The first time he sang it, I was playing guitar and he was playing piano, and it was so beautiful.”

Even though the song was a hit in the eyes of the creators, quality control at Mo-Town records thought otherwise, shutting down the idea of releasing the record to the public. Preventing Gaye from releasing the song, his brother in law Berry Gordy feared a backlash against the singer's image as a sex symbol. Openly telling him and others that the song ,"Was the worst record I ever heard". Gaye, however, refused to record anything that was Motown's or Gordy's version of him. He later said that recording the song and its parent album "led to semi-violent disagreements between Berry and myself, politically speaking." But, after many trials the song eventually was released and did surprisingly well selling over 100,000 copies the first day of release.

What’s Going on was different than other Mo-town hits at the time. Gaye wanted to stay away from the typical Mo-town beat. And being his first self produced song he held nothing back, even using local football team members from the Detroit Lions for background chatter. Gaye also developed his trademark double lead vocal in the record making process. Which he would use on all his future tracks.

We are all lucky that this great song landed with Marvin Gaye. As an industry professional What’s Going On leaves the impression of perseverance and questioning authority. These are bold moves mark a historic part of not only music culture but human culture as well.

The Velvet Underground

Alternative, avant-garde, extreme, alien, experimental and legendary. When you hear these words what comes to mind? It should be the Velvet Underground. This group has influenced bands ranging from the Sex Pistols, to U2 and has had an impact on rock and roll unlike any other group in history.

Produced and introduced to the public by Andy Warhol though his Exploding Plastic Inevitable the groups sound was unlike anything anyone had heard before. Their songs were filled with feedback loops, drones and experimental arrangements. Also, they were the first to discuss alternative sexuality and drugs so openly. For example in the song titled “waiting for my man”, the song follows a man into the inner city looking to score drugs from his man, which is his drug dealer.

Founding member and principle songwriter for the group Lou Reed wrote extensively about sexuality and drug culture, which had rarely been examined so openly in rock and roll before. Reed being bisexual himself wrote about his unfortunate electroconvulsive therapy to cure his opposite sexual thoughts in the 1975 song, “Kill Your Sons”.

Alongside Reed the other founding member John Cale who studied music at Goldsmiths College University of London contributed with songwriting, but had his most influence on the group was his electrically amplified viola. Unfortunately like Reed, Cale had a troublesome upbringing having being molested as a child. One of which was a priest and the other incident occurring at a church.

Originally comprised of members Lou Reed, John Cale, Angus Maclise, Sterling Morrison, Maureen Tucker and Nico the band only played together long enough to record 4 albums. But these four albums made it into Rolling Stones top 500 greatest albums of all time.

To me as an industry professional the Velvet Underground epitomizes experimental music. Testing boundaries was what they did. I think the reason that they are so popular now is that unlike the time when they were making music, people today embrace experimentalism, sexuality is more open and music is more easily accepted. Without The Velvet Underground we wouldn't have alternative rock.

Peer Comment

Patrick, Revolver too had a very interesting impression on me too. I also enjoyed the "funky effects" as you put it. It's true the Beatles were ahead of their time with effects and overall sound and I believe that even though they were considered a "Rock" group they have influenced almost every genre from that point on. And for the innovations that the Beatles discovered on making this album I agree that using the bass amps for microphones was one of the most interesting things, but another thing that was very interesting was the technique of stuffing the bass drum to give it a more deadened sound. By the way your blog is very nice withe the pictures and such! Fancy!

Revolver

Revolver, The Beatles seventh studio album, and arguably one of the most influential rock n roll albums of all time was an innovative and daring new sound in it’s time. The Beatles combined an acid filled mind set with new studio equipment and new subject matter to create a music that was fresh to people’s ears. Using such techniques as reversing audio on vocal tracks, and recording in half time only later to speed up the results. They would also pioneer certain techniques with time-based effects and kick drum dynamics. They would take a sweater actually worn by the band and stuff it into the kick drum to deaden the sound, which they would virtually use on every track on their future albums.

Not only was new technology used but new subject matter on such songs as Eleanor Rigsby, where a story of an old woman who wasn’t remembered was told. Songs like this really intrigued listeners.

Contrary to other albums of the time which were filled with random songs that tried to hit the charts, Revolver was the Beatles first attempt at creating a collection of songs that made sense together, meant to be listened to from start to finish. The album was also the Beatles attempt to bring the listener into the studio and make them a part of the recording process. For example on the first track “Taxman” the listener is counted in, giving a sense that you are right there with them tracking the song.

Instrumentation on revolver was also fresh, taking influences from different genres of music. Utilizing instruments such as the sitar, which was not even known or heard from many Americans at that time.

To me Revolver means Revolutionary. The album was an ode to experimentation. I think that during this time when everyone was experimenting, musically and mentally we were very lucky that The Beatles were able to translate it into some of the best music ever recorded.

Pet Sounds

When people are asked what are the most influential rock n roll albums of all time, Pet Sounds from the Beach Boys is more often than not in their top choices. But, even though the album is revered as one of the greats, believe it or not it didn’t do that well in album sales. This just goes to show that great art sometimes doesn’t sell as good as the most popular thing at the time.

Brian Wilson, the founding member, producer, writer, arranger and overall musical genius of the Beach Boys was the mastermind behind the album Pet Sounds. The idea for the album came to Brian after he was blown away by the sound of the Beatles “Rubber Soul”. By nature Brian was very competitive and musically he wanted to grow, so he challenged himself as a writer, composer, and human being to craft what we now today consider one of the greatest albums in history.

Prior to Pet Sounds the Beach Boys imagery was considered pure California. It was bright, happy and appealed to the young generation. Songs featured topics such as hot rods, surfing, beaches and pretty Girls. The optimism, and promise of prosperity and happiness is what was appealing to the public at that time. And that is what the Beach Boys made, but soon for Brian and even the public the fad was beginning to simmer. A new sound needed to be heard.

Unlike the previous sound of the Beach Boys which was about finding the next big single to play on the radio, Pet Sounds was about making a complete album from A side to B side, track 1 to track 14. The songs on the album essentially cover the story of a man throughout his life, beginning with a song called “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” a song featuring a teenager thinking to himself about how it would be swell to be older and do the things the like the adults. Continuing along later in the album with a song titled “Caroline No” A song essentially about a woman leaving a man, and the heartbreak he feels.

The album also feature sounds and arrangements that were rarely heard in popular music on the radio at that time.  For example the use of the Theramin, a unique instrument that was played by manipulating sound waves in the air. The album was revolutionary, so revolutionary it even inspired The Beatles to craft their masterpiece “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”

To me Pet Sounds is an album that throws out the idea of trying to make money and is just a group of collective musicians making music. The idea of only writing songs that appeal to records executives is almost the norm now a days and I assume was the same back then. But, when you hear music like Pet Sounds it is special because you know it is what is truly coming from the artist’s Soul