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:
Mötley Crüe co-founder Mick Mars takes band to court: Here’s what we know so far
PSources:
The birth of arena rock - The Guardian
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:
The 50 Best Shoegaze Albums of All Time
How to sound SHOEGAZE with Guitar Pedals
Tame Impala's Kevin Parker Breaks Down His Favorite Drum Sounds
Sources:
Jesus and Mary Chain, Biography
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:
We are Wizards: Wizard Rock Documentary
Rolling Stone Interview with Harry and the Potters
Current Wizard Rock Scene - Bandcamp page
Sources:
The wonderful, weird world of 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
Wizard rockers The Whomping Willows confront current issues with 'Revisionist History'
Deliberately nasty, dirty, anti-glam and, consequently, pre-punk, Pub Rock groups in valued the simple, back to basics sounds of the early 60s. Ignored by the big wig record companies, these guys opted for inexpensive records put out on their own terms. Picture ordering a $4 draught instead of a $17 martini. The result was a raw, live-performance-driven scene hosted primarily in London and Essex that lasted a mere six or so years.
I invite you to pull up a cushy barstool, pour yourself a Guinness, and lean in while I tell you everything you need to know about who raised the bar with the creation of Pub Rock.
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:
Sources:
Pub Rock Encyclopedia Britannica
Raising the bar: the chaotic story of Pub Rock
A child, or should I say… division of progressive rock, Math Rock sounds incredible. But what is Math Rock, exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, identify some stylistic characterizations, and tell some stories about notable people in the genre.
Math Rock is a genre of rock characterized by complex rhythms and irregular and angular instrumental patterns that change constantly first made popular by hardcore groups like Shellac and Slint, cemented as a genre by groups like Don Caballero and Hella, and branched into softer, melodic subsets by groups like Toe and American Football.
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:
Sources:
Music Preview: Instrumental monsters Don Caballero return with revamped lineup
Join Kate as she breaks down various subgenres of rock music. If you're looking to expand your rock horizons or want to learn about rock history, you've come to the right place.