Pop Music
Pop music is actually an abbreviation for popular music. Often associated with commercial music,it is a genre of music which is extremely close to the music prevalent during the rock culture. But actually the music is technically softer than hardcore rock and roll music.According to The Oxford Dictionary of Music,the term was coined to denote the music which had a mass appeal and was able to influence the youth of those times.This particular genre had a commercial viability and was not a part of any kind of expression of the youth or rebellion of sorts.
Characteristics:
The subgenres of the pop music include Bubblegum pop,Indie pop, Dance-pop,Baroque pop,Sophisti-pop,Electro pop,Sunshine pop, Christian pop, Operatic pop,Europop,Soundtrack,Power pop, Space age pop,Traditional pop,Synth pop,Teen pop.The following namely Psychedelic pop,Country pop, Pop punk, Dream pop,Urban pop,Pop rock,Jangle pop,Disco,Hip pop and Techno pop are considered fusion genres of the pop music.Expert musicologists have stated that this type of music is influenced by many genres of music and is considered to be a “mish mash” of musical styles. It is yet distinctive in its own ways.
>> It has got mass appeal instead of appealing to a particular culture or a section of it.
>> A stress on craft of music rather than the natural musical talent.
>> The music is meant for dancing and grooving to the beats.
>> The process and techniques of recording and other aspects of commercial mass production is given more importance rather than live performances.
>> The music reflects current musical scenario rather than growing on its own. Hence, there is very little progression; in fact there is more of absorbing the current musical demands.
Influences and Development:
If you carefully notice, the entire pop music history is filled with instances of getting influenced by the current happening around in terms of music and related sentiments.Be it sentimental ballads,jazz or country music,the pop culture has taken a little here and there from every genre of music.This form of music is all about innovation and that too in technical terms such as the microphone or enhancement while recording a certain music piece.Another major reason for the pop music to be so popular was the rapid invasion of television into the lives of people. Therefore,pop artists had a visual appeal which was missing from the earlier genres of music.The main factor of influence is the song in this culture. The trademark of the songs is the duration which is normally between 2 to 3 and half minutes,a distinctive rhythmic element outlining a popular style.
The Beetles,ABBA and Rolling stones are understood to be the fore runners when we talk about the music bands promoting this type of music. Madonna, Britney Spears,Christina Aguilera, Rihanna and Lady Gaga are icons of the 90s and have an appeal even today.
Enjoy listening to Pop Music from singer songwriters and vote on your favorite songs and videos. http://www.singersongwriter.com Discover new pop artists.