The music industry has undergone transformations as a result of societal changes and artists' approach to music. When an artist recognizes their potential to influence the industry, they will strive to deliver their best.
There are differing views on music, with some people being artists and others being listeners. Some artists are motivated by finances, while others are driven by passion and talent (Williams, 2013). Evaluating how a piece of music resonates with listeners is crucial in determining its success. Technological advancements have transformed the music industry, enabling the use of innovative machines and instruments to create new lyrics. It is now common to see individuals forming bands or pursuing independent music production. Music is an effective way to communicate messages to audiences, and many musicians' creative direction is heavily influenced by current societal issues.
The society is composed of mu
...sicians who have a significant impact on society. Their performances not only transform the careers of emerging artists but also influence the direction of the music industry, shifting from traditional music to a more contemporary approach (Williams, 2013).
This article focuses on the musical journey of the Dresden dolls. We will analyze three of their songs: "Modern Moonlight," "Sex Changes," and "Shores of California." The Dresden dolls are a duo from Boston, Massachusetts, consisting of Brian Viglione and Amanda Palmer. Viglione plays drums, guitar, provides backing vocals, and plays bass guitar; Palmer handles vocals, piano, harmonica, keyboards, and ukulele (Hollander, 2013). The division of duties between them emphasizes the importance of each member's contribution to their music's success.
They have characterized their music style as Brechtian punk cabaret. Palmer coined this term out of fear that the media woul
create an unconvincing or dismissive name for their music. Palmer and Bryan began making music together after Bryan noticed Amanda performing a solo at a Halloween party. They decided to combine their talents to create something that would be embraced by society. In order to capture the attention of their listeners and the world, they started performing in dramatic makeup and fancy clothing, which enhanced their theatrical aesthetic. This caused fans to go wild and attend the shows featuring both artists (Hollander, 2013).
Initially, they went by the name "out of arms," but later changed their name to the Dresden dolls. The name was influenced by the bombing of Dresden, Germany, and the porcelain dolls produced during the pre-war Dresden era. The Dresden dolls have made significant strides in rock music, gaining recognition at the 2002 Nobel Prize ceremony in Cambridge.
This is a self-recorded demo that was released in 2001. The band began their music career on a high note and after two years, they collaborated with two popular musicians, Ad Frank and Shawn Setaro. In 2004, two songs from their album gained recognition in the triple J hottest 100 rankings. "Girl Anachronism" secured the thirtieth position, while "coin operated boy" landed at number twelve.
Dresden Dolls achieved success in music when they won the WBCN Rock and Roll Rumble in 2003. Their album "yes, Virginia" was released in 2006 and included their famous song "Modern Moonlight". They had the chance to explore different genres during this time of significant success. Their artistic freedom inspired them to create a song that incorporated explicit language.
Palmer stated that artists should make music that positively impacts their audience.
Nevertheless, the Dresden Dolls opt to express themselves through strong language. "Shores of California" from the California album is an example of a song featuring such language. This track stands out due to its incorporation of literary references like Lysistrata and the Iliad by Aristophanes and Homer respectively. The lyrics also mention specific locations such as Minnesota and California, while depicting aspects of social life including girls crying and boys masturbating. Despite the potential for controversy, these choices are deliberate.
The word "masturbating" was referred to as "masterbatin". "Sex Changes" is another song by the two, featured in the album titled "miscellaneous". The title sparked curiosity and speculation among their fans, who eagerly sought to understand its meaning. After the release, Amanda addressed the song and discussed the importance of personal choice regarding sex reassignment surgery.
She expressed her disagreement with the decision of many individuals to alter their bodies and shared that she wrote the song following her experience being in a relationship with someone who was preparing for surgery. The Dresden Dolls' success can be attributed to their unique approach to starting their musical careers. Unlike other artists who struggle to find their place in the current music industry, they quickly learned how to captivate audiences through their distinctive fashion choices (Hollander, 2013).
The Dresden Dolls' music has gained global popularity, attracting a dedicated fanbase. Bryan and Amanda went through a brief separation but eventually reunited due to fans expressing their love for them as a duo rather than as separate artists. They began their music careers as young individuals with a passion and talent for rock music. This passion has transformed them into financially
successful individuals, earning substantial amounts from their performances and music sales (Simon, 2013).
Amanda recently gave an interview where she discussed her current life and the progress of her band. She emphasized that the band is the top priority for both her and Bryan. Despite their busy schedules, they have been working on new songs since the release of their last album, "yes, California." This requires sacrifice and making positive decisions. Over time, the band has gained a larger fanbase, proving that the music industry is significant in today's world and society. The Dresden dolls have successfully paved their way in the world of rock music.
Their music reflects extensively on the current societal issues (Simon, 2013). Many of their ideas and messages conveyed through their music hold significance in the struggles faced by people. The Dresden dolls, having emerged from ordinary individuals to revered music stars, provide a group to learn from. As the world progresses, the music industry is bound to continue evolving in a new direction, just like traditional music has embraced change. Modern music will undoubtedly undergo a period of transformation.
Cited Sources
- Williams, J. P. (2013). Authentic identities straightedge subculture, music, and the internet. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, 35(2), 173-200.
- Hollander, D. B.
(2013). The article "Why Can't We Be Friends-How Congress Can Work with the Private Sector to Solve the Digital Sampling Conundrum" by Virginia Journal of Law & Technology, 18, 229
Moving to Digital Media Worlds: Three Successive Transformational Waves. In Digital Media Worlds (pp. 27-40). Palgrave Macmillan UK.
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