Though Providence admittedly has a number of musical subcultures, one that has been growing over the past few years is the folk-rock scene. Though any genre of music is often hard to define, this one is mostly characterized by a simplified or "clean" sound. Among its original influences are Bob Dylan, Woodie Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and the Beatles. Traditionally, the instruments used include guitar, bass guitar, drums, and sometimes piano, though any number of other instruments have also been used in the creation of this music.
By studying the folk-rock scene in the Providence area, I hope to gain a better understanding of what exactly defines folk-rock (because, admittedly, as it stands my definition is quite vague), as well as what this particular scene is currently influenced by/influences. For example, one folk-rock fan commented that bands like Deer Tick are actually causing some young people in the Providence area to discover more-established artists such as Bob Dylan. Through researching some of the history of folk-rock as well as taking an ethnographic approach to studying the Providence scene (through interviews with fans, band members, etc., going to local shows, and becoming more involved in the scene), I hope to be able to adequately describe the attitudes and mentalities of the members, the musical and material style, the types of performances, and the methods of musical distribution (ie-how are people finding out about/acquiring this music?).
Guiding questions:
Who are the listeners? Do they identify with any other particular musical youth culture/subculture? Why do they like/identify with this type of music?
What instruments/methods are used in creating songs? And who is creating them?
Where is folk-rock music being performed? What are experiences at shows like?
How is the music being distributed and/or spread, if it is at all?
Example of a Providence Folk-Rock band:
Deer Tick performing at AS220
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Alyssa, this is a very good topic that will take shape as you start to explore the local scene. Deer Tick will definitely make a good case-study band if you decide to go in that direction. I would try to start making contact with some band members ASAP (e.g., through a MySpace page), since people may take a while to get back to you. Meanwhile, it would be a good idea to identify a local show that could be the subject of your performance ethnography paper (due before spring break). Doing a close analysis of a particular folk-rock show will help you focus your ideas and give you material to draw on in your final blog post (plus you could approach other audience members to ask questions or arrange an interview).
ReplyDeleteHey Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteThis is a topic that's near and dear to my heart; I saw Deertick at The Living Room before Manchester Orchestra last year and they blew my mind. I think they're a very good target, and they're also gaining notice in more places than Providence, so that's exciting.
I think one thing that could be interesting comparing the influences and repertoires you find in this area with those of groups in another test area. For example, the one time I saw them, they played "Sleepwalk" and "La Bamba" which aren't exactly what I think of as folk staples. How do these performers define what they produce, and how have things changed since the days of protest of Dylan's going electric?
That's just a suggestion. It looks like a great project! Good luck!
To answer one of your questions, I'm a fan of folk-rock because I am an acoustic guitar player and a song-writer. I like how pure and simple folk-rock is, and how there is a heavy focus on song-writing, without too many other distractions such as crazy distortions or other effects. Also, I always have associated folk-rock with people of liberal political views, and it might be interesting to see how true this generalization is and why.
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