Centuries of Obscure Sounds: A Survey of Cotemporary Tin Ear Music

Centuries of Obscure Sounds: A Survey of Cotemporary Tin Ear Music

In recent years, there has been a growing resurgence of antiquated noise music, a form of creative expression often referred to as ‘tin ear music’ – a term often used to describe a type of music inspired by raw and abrasive sound textures. These sounds, commonly associated with the early 20th century, seek to break boundaries by moving away from traditional Western music conventions and utilizing the noise of everyday objects, oftentimes found in repaired or reprocessed formats.

Tin Ear Music delves deep into the obscure and often unknown sounds of non-Western cultures and creates a framework through which it can be explored and represented. This is done through an eclectic use of samples and recordings, often found in archives and various sound libraries worldwide. It is a genre of music which attempts to draw upon centuries of overlooked sound sources, combining them with modern production techniques to create a unique, often disconcerting sound.

This type of music has been around since the advent of electronic music and has taken on various forms over the years. It has incorporated elements from industrial and noise music, as well as contemporary styles such as hip hop and EDM. A defining aspect of tin ear music is its ability to combine elements from different musical genres and time periods  to create something entirely new. This genre has been gaining notoriety and dedicated fans in recent years as more and more producers attempt to replicate and innovate the unique sound of tin ear music.

Though it may seem like an eerie and uneasy type of music, tin ear music has been embraced and cherished by audiences due to its ability to reach beyond nostalgia, serving as a platform for creativity, exploration, and emotive expression. Through its revolutionary and weird soundscapes, tin ear music remains one of the most mind-bending and captivating types of music today.

A Symphony of Nothingness: Censored Music Through the Ages

Music censorship has been around for centuries, but the definition of what should and should not be censored has changed drastically over the years. From folk and classical music to hip-hop and rock, thousands of songs have been prevented from public consumption due to explicit lyrics, political overtones, and even religious beliefs.

In the past, certain pieces of classical music were considered too scandalous or morally questionable and were often banned from the concert hall. During the 19th century, the music of composers like Richard Wagner, whose pieces were heavily associated with German nationalism, was condemned by the Church and outlawed in several countries. Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9” was denounced for its unorthodox use of vocal and instrumental techniques, likely for its blatant critique of existing social and political systems.

In the past century, music censorship has become increasingly common due to the emergence of musical genres like hip-hop and rock. In the United States, many hip-hop and rap songs have been deemed inappropriate due to their explicit language and perceived glorification of criminal behavior. In the 1980s, protests and boycotts were organized in response to misogynist and violent lyrics in rap songs, and radio stations refused to play them.

Tone Deafness at Its Finest: The Ambiance of Censorship-Approved Music

If you’ve ever been to a bar or restaurant where the soundtrack is made up exclusively of seemingly innocuous oldies or elevator music, then you’ve experienced what I like to call tone deafness at its finest: the ambiance of censorship-approved music. We’ve all heard it, and probably recognize it at this point. It can be funny and even charming at times, but more often it’s so stifling it leaves us wanting to either laugh hysterically or screech in frustration, if our teeth weren’t gritted too tightly.

It’s easy to understand why a place of business might adhere to a certain level of self-imposed censorship, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying. This type of the music can strip away a really great atmosphere you’re trying to create for customers and suck out whatever life and energy the space is supposed to have. After all, if the sound of the setting is designed not to offend, it’s going to be pretty forgettable and perhaps even a bit boring.

Soundtracks like this are a bit like a baby aspirin—they won’t have a huge impact, positive or negative, on their  listeners but they leave a dull, generic taste in people’s ears. The problem is that the pandering to safe music means genuine creativity and meaningful expressions will be shoved aside, and the less enthusiastic, less passionate side of music that is designed to satisfy no one in particular will flourish.

It’s not all doom and gloom though. There are, of course, ways to make the most of a seemingly mundane situation. Tin Toy’s ‘Toon Loopz’ radio station is an example of this and features an eclectic mix of sounds that fits with any age range and venue style.

At the end of the day, it’s up to the venue and its owners to decide what sort of sound and music should best embody its atmosphere and convey its message to customers. So, just remember that if the right kind of music is chosen, no matter how strict the protocol, it can still have a big impact on customers and leave them with a lasting impression.