Introduction
In the book ‘Studying Popular Music Culture’, by Tim Wall, the core theme and attention is linked to the acceptance of music civilization; the recognition and composition of music within the society. Based on this, the author is mainly concerned with the studies that merge the political financial system with civilization components, and which investigate the implication of new expertise. It has therefore been revealed that by positioning the study of popular music within the wider field of media and educational studies; music takes its lively position in the people’s culture and lifestyles.
Despite the fact that modern music is an extremely planned and profitably abusive industry; it is a rich source of importance, which offers a good ground for resourceful development and personal distinctiveness (Wall, 2003).
Various analysts have also argued that the popular music culture emphasizes technology. Based on their arguments music trends have developed advanced technologies in media among other social institutions. It should therefore be noted that the popular music culture influences both the economy and politics as well. These are the two main institutions, in which music has greatly played a significant role in their development and sustenance. It is thus of importance to analyze how popular music influences each of these two institutions as well as the outstanding factors; which seem to govern the development of popular music in these two institutions (Wall, 2003).
Discussion
Economically, popular music increases a country’s foreign revenue when exported and also the revenues received from the taxes from the music industry. Further, musicians play a very crucial role in the economy in the sense that; they increase the country’s national income which boosts the economic status of the country’s economy. More so, the welfare of the musicians is increased once they earn some income from the sale of recorded music, both in the local market and in the foreign market (Wall, 2003).
On the other hand, music in political institutions assists in political campaigns and also in entertainment. Further, the music reminds people of their cultural values under which people are brought together and united through music. For example, the American slaves were reminded of their culture by the songs they sang; during and after slavery which strengthened their unity and promoted peace amongst them. Another example is that of the hip hop culture; which is emphasized through the different hip hop music compositions (Wall, 2003).
It is further important to note that, music forms people’s identity as it is clearly evidenced by the black Americans who were irritated with the disappointments of the social rights pressure group to live up to their dreams. As it happened, these Black Americans changed their flavors to the soul and bad temper with their expressions of an Afro-centric individuality, as well as a completely new set of dance floors. In this perspective, therefore, music forms a core into which the identity of people is instilled and cultivated, for various occasions and purposes (Wall, 2003).
More so, it is of importance to note that, as Wall argues in his article; a variety of characteristics of music at times reverses social stratification. In this case, for example, the American spectators who chose the African-American styles and music do not automatically desire to be black; but pursue the personalities of the black. It can thus be argued that music breaks up all social classifications when people use it to finish social differences amongst themselves. Music also weakens transverse divisions among people like race, gender and class. On this basis, therefore, music enters into social relationships and assists in encompassing essential divisions on both micro and comprehensive levels (Wall, 2003).
On the other hand, according to Wall music is an important indicator of unity among diverse groups of people in which music blinds all their differences and brings them into a common social grouping. Based on this it can be indicated that music styles connect significant divisions particularly when appreciated musical styles are associated with appreciated groups of people. Based on this, profit-oriented producers and marketers most likely have the maximum impact on how the broad civic forms connect musical styles and social divisions.
For instance, the sale of music on a racial basis has been at the center of profit-making music in the United States; right from its origin. Further, it is of importance to note that the financial conditions of a class form its members’ character toward music in a meticulous style; where this character seems apparently ordinary (Wall, 2003).
Additionally, different musical styles are used by different age groups where the older generation usually has a slow dancing style. As it has been occasionally revealed in Europe, black music and black forms of styles were of significance to the working-class youths. This was because of the tempo of the music which could not accommodate the older people due to the speed; at which the music was played leaving the youths alone to be in a position to dance to such music. (Densmore, 1992).
As Wall argues in his book, music tastes vary from one individual to another depending on a number of factors. Based on this argument, therefore, music styles vary from generation to another; social group to another and from one occasion to another among other factors (Wall, 2003).
In addition, music can be intransigent either to a culture in the case the society kills originality and uniqueness or to the existing unresponsive forms. An example here is punk music which was a response against a culture that was moving towards a conventional attitude; disco and the uninteresting, unresponsive appearances of rock music. In this case, music becomes an ‘alternative’ when it challenges the status quo in a society. Based on this, most music became alternatives during independence where people would sing, in order to remind themselves of their cultures and identities (Densmore, 1992).
Conclusion
From the general analysis of music and its implications, it is of crucial importance to consider the importance of music especially in this transitional global world; in which various cultural differences are being dismantled by music and cultural integration is being enhanced to a great extent. On this basis, therefore, music trends should be properly nurtured and corrective measures for music reviews with regard to social, economical and political changes; so as to ensure coherence in co-existence among the varied social groups within the society.
Below are the links to the Youtube music clips that will show the impact of music on bringing unity among the people from different parts or ethnicities of the world.
Reference lists
Dens more, F. (1992). Teton Sioux and Culture. Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press.
Wall, Tim. (2003). Studying Popular Music Culture. London: Arnold Publishers.
