It's All Just Noise in the End
Music is noise. All of it. "Noise" can mean any kind of sound or just unwanted sound like hiss or hum. I'm referring to the former. Music is nothing more than an organization of sound waves. I've no clue why people love it so much; it seems so inconsequential when you look at what it really is.
But is there anything wrong with that? I worked at a post production company for the last few years and discovered that I enjoy listening to noises in general, not just music. I take pleasure in picking out every distinct sound I can hear in a particular setting. Right now, there's my fingers typing, my computer fan, TV downstairs, voices outside, occasional passing car, mysterious hum in the wall, and Mahavishnu Orchestra in my speakers (I won't list all the instruments, but I was thinking of them). I try to listen to them all simultaneously rather than shifting my focus between them. I get a big kick out of this, and I do it all the time.
I think this is the source of my new fascination with free jazz, avant garde, or otherwise experimental music. I've been seeking out artists who abandon established musical structure. Frank Zappa, John Coltrane, John Zorn, The Bad Plus, Bill Frisell, Nels Cline, Ornette Coleman and other crazies have been rapidly climbing my Last.fm charts. I've always had an affinity for music over songs, but I seem to be shifting up another level to prefer noise over music. When I'm about to listen to something new, I no longer wonder if I'm going to enjoy this music; I wonder if these noises are going to move me or not.
It's all just noise in the end. And there's nothing wrong with that.
Sepia (4 Mar 2008 at 9:59am)
I had a very similar thought the other night as I was driving home with my son. He and I usually go back and forth discussing songs on the radio. I usually ask him if he likes or dislikes a certain song and why. After our discussion I really started to ponder the question - "why are we drawn to music". As you pointed out, "music is noise". Why does this specific arrangement of sound waves play such a large part in our lives? Music impacts almost everyone. You typically ask someone "what type of music do you listen to" not "do you like music" right...? Way too deep a question for a Tuesday morning I guess :)
I have been following your journey for a couple of months now. I admire your determination. Keep it up man! I must admit I am quite jealous too, I wish I had the guts to drop my day job and devote that much time to the instrument. Maybe someday when my kids are out of the house... Take care.
Tom Shad (4 Mar 2008 at 2:43pm)
You should try listening to the english guitarist derek bailey.
also have yuo read the book "silence" by john cage ? it is a must read as well as "improvisation" by derek bailey
Joe (4 Mar 2008 at 3:18pm)
Yep, I've heard a little Derek Bailey. I've been meaning to listen to more, so I am right now. I'll check out those books.
People hear this stuff and ask how I can listen to it. "That's not music, it's noise." I say, "What's the difference?"
Tom Shad (4 Mar 2008 at 5:54pm)
It is very importnat to challenge and develop your ears . People who stretched mine.. Xenakis,Webern,Partch,Cecil Taylor,Anthony Braxton,Ornette Coleman,Fref Frith
I remember listening to the world saxaphone quartet in college in 84 abd a guy throwing open my door screaming that is not music.
Ps find derek bailey playing on you tube it is obvious he can play his instrument and chooses to discover his own way .
good luck on your journeys