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
A genre that changed the face (literally) of the music industry forever, Glam Rock was pioneered by big name superstars like David Bowie, Queen, and Alice Cooper. But what is Glam Rock exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, identify some stylistic characterizations, and tell some stories about notable artists of the genre.
Glam Rock is a genre that came about in the early 70s as a response to the drab, square, and mature authenticity of late 60s rock. Glam rock was about fashion, image, androgyny, and - of course - glitter! It was all about the live performances, which often featured ostentatious costumes, make-up, props, and dramatic theatricality. The music itself, inspired by bubblegum pop and 50s rock-and-roll, was upbeat and danceable.
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
T.Rex Hot Love 1971 Top of the Pops Performance
Glam Rock Spotify Playlist
Sources:
Children Of The Revolution: How Glam Rock Changed The World
From Bowie to Gaga: How Glam Rock Lives On
T. Rex Biography, Songs, & Albums
Sweet Biography, Songs, & Albums
To the moon! It’s a genre that swept the nation alongside the space race. But what is Space Rock, exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, identify some stylistic characterizations, and tell some stories about notable people in the genre.
Coined in the 70s to describe the emerging psychedelic-type rock groups like Pink Floyd and Hawkwind, Space Rock sounds slow, hypnotic, otherworldly, and is characterized by reverb or distortion on guitar, shimmery textures and sound effects. It’s all meant to sound very… cosmic. It’s also characterized by space-themed lyrics and concepts. Duh. But did you know these sounds date as far back as the 50s and a certain British audio engineer?
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:
A genre that was named 20 years after its debut, Yacht Rock has seen a revival in recent years. But what is Yacht Rock, exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, identify some stylistic characterizations, and tell some stories about notable people in the genre.
In 2005, four LA-based goofballs started releasing a short video series for Channel 101 called “Yacht Rock.” Thus, the songs that give an airy, breezy, sipping-champagne-on-a-sailboat feeling were given a genre of their own. The music that makes up the genre of Yacht rock is characterized by clean vocals, polished production, and the evocation of a certain SoCal feeling. Notable yacht rockers include Kenny Loggins (the movie soundtrack king), Michael McDonald - both on his own and as the acclaimed front man of the Doobie Brothers, Christopher Cross, and Toto.
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:
Yacht Rock Guide, a Brief History of Yacht Rock
Sail Away: The Oral History of Yacht Rock
This is the Definitive Definition of Yacht Rock
If the Yacht is a’ Rockin: Riding the Yacht Rock Nostalgia Wave
Grammy Award for Album of the Year
Hit Parade (Podcast) - What a Fool Believes Pt. 1
Hit Parade (Podcast) - What a Fool Believes Pt. 2
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.