What is Stadium/Arena Rock? Let’s define Stadium Rock, talk about its history, identify what it sounds like, and talk about some popular bands that made it iconic.
Let’s see. How many of these bands' names ring a bell… Journey, KISS, Styx, Kansas, Rush, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Boston, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Guns n’ Roses. One or two? If you’ve even turned on classic rock radio, even for just a second, you’ve probably heard some Stadium Rock. Stadium rock is made up of just what it sounds like - bands that are popular enough to fill up a stadium, put on a hell of a show, and songs that are produced for mass appeal.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Stadium Rock Spotify Playlist
How to Play Power Chords
Mötley Crüe co-founder Mick Mars takes band to court: Here’s what we know so far
PSources:
Arena Rock
Arena Rock Music Guide
What is Stadium Rock
Arena Rock Music Overview
The birth of arena rock - The Guardian
The Rolling Stones 1969 Tour
When pop music got big: 1968 and the birth of arena rock
Journey Biography
KISS Biography
Van Halen Biography
Bio - Motley Crue
AC/DC
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10. Shoegaze
What is shoegaze? Well it’s gazing at your shoes… This dreamy subgenre of rock was named for artists who liked to stare at the effect pedals at their feet, rather than at the adoring fans. The result is big, ethereal, wall of sound songs that make your ears melt (in a good way). Let’s define shoegaze, talk about its history, and identify what it sounds like.
Inspired by the punk movement, the Cocteau Twins, and The Jesus and Mary Chain - solidified by My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive, Shoegaze was a huge step forward in sonic production. Although it was quickly snuffed out by grunge and Britpop, its influence on modern day music is felt. We now have acts like M83, Beach House, and Tame Impala who aren’t afraid to go overboard with effects, creating an unforgettable soundscape.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Shoegaze Playlist
The 50 Best Shoegaze Albums of All Time
Tame Impala Interview
How to sound SHOEGAZE with Guitar Pedals
Tame Impala's Kevin Parker Breaks Down His Favorite Drum Sounds
Sources:
What is Shoegazing Music?
Shoegaze
AllMusic Shoegaze
A Brief History of Shoegaze
What is Shoegaze Music?
Cocteau Twins Biography
Jesus and Mary Chain, Biography
My Bloody Valentine Biography
Slowdive
Beach House
Tame Impala
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9. Wizard Rock
What on earth is Wizard Rock??? We’ve got an interesting one for you on the podcast this week. This magical genre is a niche form of rock that came from the Harry Potter fandom making music based on and inspired by the books & movies. Literally. Bands are named things like Harry and the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys, and the Parselmouths.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Wizard Rock Spotify playlist
Band Listings
We are Wizards: Wizard Rock Documentary
Rolling Stone Interview with Harry and the Potters
Current Wizard Rock Scene - Bandcamp page
Wizrocklopedia Facebook Page
Sources:
Wizard Rock
The wonderful, weird world of wizard rock
Wizard rock
Witch House: Harry Potter and the Wizard Rock Phenomenon
Wizard Rock Forerunners Harry and the Potters Reflect on J.K. Rowling’s 20-Year Legacy
Label - Harry and the Potters
Draco and the Malfoys
Wizard rockers The Whomping Willows confront current issues with 'Revisionist History'
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8. Noise Rock
What is noise rock exactly? Join us as we break down one of the most abrasive, ear-bleeding, and limitless genres in existence. It's a breeding ground for creativity and variety. In fact, many bands and albums in this genre follow their own instincts and influences to produce music that defies strict categorization.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Noise Rock Playlist
Steve Albini Explains Why He Hates Steely Dan
Sources:
Noise Rock
Noise Rock Guide
Noise Rock - TV Tropes
Distortion: The Sound of Rock and Roll's Menacing Spirit
Sonic Youth Biography
Big Black
Melt Banana Wiki
Swans Biography
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7. Folk Rock
Folk music, also known as traditional music, has been around for ages. But what happens when you combine a tale as old as time with new, British-invasion-esque rock and roll? Folk Rock. But what is Folk Rock exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, and identify what it sounds like. Let’s also talk about some of the fantastic bands that defined Folk Rock.
Folk rock is just that - a hybrid music style that combines elements of the folk genre with popular rock and roll styles. It gained popularity in the early 60s following a folk music revival, and was made popular by The Byrds and, much to the chagrin of his folk purist fanbase, Bob Dylan.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Folk Rock Spotify Playlist
Sources:
Dylan Goes Electric at the Newport Folk Festival
Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize
Folk Rock
Folk Rock Music Guide
What is Diatonic Harmony?
Folk Rock
Folk Rock 101
Bob Dylan - Biography
The Byrds Biography
Buffalo Springfield
Joni Mitchell
The Mamas and the Papas
Let's talk music! Have you ever heard the terms "Yacht Rock," "Space Rock," or "Punk Rock" thrown around? Have you wondered what these subgenres are, or what they sound like? In this podcast we break down various genres of rock music. We talk about how the genre came to be, some stylistic characteristics of the genre, and tell stories of notable artists who pioneered the genre. If you're a fan of rock music looking to expand your horizons/explore genres you may have heard of, but not heard, learn about the many different branches of rock music with us.