Why These Genres?

On my radio show Scone Bone Radio, I feature a diverse array of genres. Every Monday I rotate these series: Rock n Roll and Soul, Punk Rock and Metal, Synth Pop and Hip Hop, and Breaks and Beats

It may seem that these genres have no relation to one another. One could find a bridge between Rock n Roll and Soul and Punk Rock and Metal, but what about Synth Pop and Hip Hop? Why do I feature these genres?

On one level its because I like these genres; they are unique, nostalgic and obscure, and I want to further explore and learn more.  I also have a very short attention span and covering one single genre for a month would feel dull. That is a very unsatisfying explanation.

There is a common thread that exists between all of these genres, technology.  New developments in musical recording and production equipment created massive shifts in music culture, creating zeitgeists across decades.  In the development of Rock n Roll and Soul from the 50s and 60s, the advancement and accessibility of recording equipment made it possible to record Lead Belly in a New York apartment.  This would continue in the late 60s and well into the 70s and 80s with every teenager forming a "garage" band with musical instruments becoming inexpensive and widespread.  The invention and implementation of the synthesizer not only created new sounds, but also made it possible to have a band with not much equipment or any friends.  The technology that allowed artists to sample and interpolate original music into a different form created Hip Hop music. 

These historical moments in music technology that go unnoticed but have drastically influenced music and culture are what appeal to me.  That is what I want to share with you

yours truly, Scone Bone