From Past to Present: How Genres and Creativity Never Stand Still

Have you ever thought about how a genre's identity today, may not have been the same as it was some twenty to thirty years ago? In the past decades, a lot of music genres originated and got popular. Since the 1940s, a lot of music artists made their big impact on the world, and still influence and inspire artists to create and produce music in different ways. Nevertheless, the evolution of technology, digital media, and the globalization of genres have transformed and reshaped music composition in new, unique ways. It's a given that with time, there will be evolution in any topic, but what were seeing in the music industry as of today is revolutionary for any upcoming artists. Artists have come up with distinct elements such as tempo, melody, and especially the use of synthesizers in music that can create unique and eccentric sounds with the use of technology. These elements have been slowly introduced to different genres, creating what is called a subgenre, or even more specific, a niche. The use of these elements have created new expectations within the music industry and artists fans, that seems to get harder to surpass each time. So, how have artists improved their creativity to such lengths that genres constantly transform and reshape their identities? 

CREATIVITY AND CULTURE: Artists Pushing Boundaries

Many might argue that artists have gotten less creative when it comes to composing and producing their music. But, is it really that they have gotten less creative, or that the creation of music has transformed into something new and unfamiliar, to what might have been considered creative in the past? It's not that artists have lost their creativity, it just has evolved into something new and fresh. The fusion of different cultures and traditions into one is a factor that has opened doors into a world of innovation and broadened artistic vision. Now, genres and past trends coming back to the surface, like synth-pop inspired strains and melodies, artists have learnt to push boundaries and leave fear behind. Even though the future is uncertain, they have brought a new light and enrichment to music and their performance, making the possibilities limitless. While artists have also been able to expand their knowledge and bend their music into something different, they still incorporate their own culture and traditions. They offer a fresh perspective on musical styles and dynamic, reaching more audiences because of the cultural diversity they have introduced into their songs. To be able to mirror cultural shifts and integrate and honor the roots and traditions by adding elements of those original genres into groundbreaking blends, makes the process more appreciated and deep rooted. The mix of these have not only influenced and challenged fashion, lifestyle, identity and societal norms, but has transformed how music is promoted and marketed. In doing so, artists shape distinct identities of their own.  

THE DIGITAL ERA: Synthesizers and DAWs

Alongside artists transformation, the digital world has also reshaped music composition, leading to groundbreaking creations. The use of synthesizers is a good example of how technology has introduced new ways for music to be produced and distributed throughout the world. One would not think so, but synthesizers go way back to the early 1930s. But, it came to have mayor advancements entering the 1960s, becoming essential for the evolution of music. Now, as we entered the digital era, synthesizers have revolutionized sound production, allowing more flexibility and creativity to be introduced. As a result, artists are inspired to create and design music that is vibrant, energetic, and catchy, evoking powerful emotions through sound. On top of that, it allowed artists to make more complex and entirely new intricate soundscapes that wouldn't have been possible with traditional instruments.

The Synclavier, a groundbreaking digital synthesizer, sampler, and sequencer from the late 1970s to 1980s, which was used by renowned artists like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.

Similarly, digital audio workstation (DAWs), introduced in the 1970s, have become probably the most influential tools in how artists create. It provides DAWs provide control and flexibility, letting artists layer tracks, adjust melodies, and fine-tune sounds, revolutionizing the creative process of recording, composing, and editing. One of the most significant impacts is the rise of home studios, which makes the production of professional-quality music possible at home. This reduces costs and dependence on big studios, allowing independent artists to compete with major label productions, and enjoy greater creative freedom. DAWs allows the manipulation of sound, and ensures flexibility to adjust tempo, melody and individual tracks. It makes it simple to combine traditional instruments with synthesizers and other digital elements to create entirely new sound textures and enhance tracks in a personalized, unique way. Sampling contributes to individuality, allowing musicians to be able to recycle, reshape and reinvent sounds into something uniquely personal. Techniques such as granular synthesis and reverse sounds further enhance this creative process, offering unconventional and innovative elements. Altogether, these advancements gives artists unparalleled freedom to limitless experimentation without significant risk. Both of these advancing digital technologies have completely changed the game and made the production of music more accessible to artists.

GLOBALIZATION AND MEDIA: Music without Borders

The democratization and globalization of music have made it more affordable to artists, making it easier for them to create and gain recognition and purse independence. Discovering new artists and music is now much easier, inspiring fresh creativity. Social media has influenced immensely how music is shared, and how one single viral song or artists can inspire and make new trends in the music industry. This evolution has brought new sounds into the spotlight. Besides making music for themselves, artists want to connect and satisfy their listeners, finding these new ways to do so. Most of the times, when artists compose a song, they are talking from past experiences and emotions. Mixing and matching genres has been able to expand the possibilities of expressing these emotions not only from the lyrics, but also from the sounds. Technology and genre-blending give artists new ways to impact listeners, creating entirely unique and expressive sounds. Now, they are capable of making completely, unknown and "asymmetric" sounds that may invoke even more feelings and emotion through the combination of different elements and genres. 

INDIE MUSIC: From Underground to Mainstream

The indie music genre is a good example about just how much genres can change expedientially over time. There is a lot of confusion behind what indie really is. Is it a genre, or is it just a term? One would think that indie music came to be naturally just by the way it sounds and moves people, but the term indie was nothing but just that, a term. Back in the 1970s, indie meant to be an independent artist from big labels, the production and distribution process was on their own. But, what does it mean now? The original term has a very special meaning, it inspired many artists to become independent. It has drastically changed over time, and is now considered something completely different from its original meaning. Is it a sound? A distinct style? A genre? Its identity shifted into one big umbrella term that now falls under many categories. The term watered down, went mainstream in the 1990s and is now a broad term that a variety of artists can relate to. Even though many might think that it is hypocritical to use the term indie for artists in big record labels, I feel like it has also inspired many artists to challenge themselves and lose fear to get it there and make their own music. In the music industry, terms naturally evolve. Its almost inevitable, especially with the recent generations. Creativity and innovation have struck, and artists began the mixing the genres and making new sounds, like the making of synth-pop and alternative rock into what is now indie. Indie is evidence that genres don't stay rooted, they evolve with culture, technology and the artists themselves. The Smiths, a very famous band from the 1970s, now gets mixed with the term indie rock even though it was recognized as an alternative pop-rock mix. Even though indie and alternative are basically considered the same thing, the identities inside of music continue to shift over time. 

At the end of the day, music is never static. It grows, gets twistes, and reinvents itself just like the artists behind it. Technology has opened doors we didnt even think possible, and creativity keeps pushing boundaries we thougt were fixed. The best part of it is that this process never stops. When we think we have seen it all, some new creation appears or an idea reshapes a genre, and so much more. So, whether you're a fan, a creator, or just someone who loves to learn, and explore new sounds, remember: there is always, and I mean it literally, something new around the corner that might just spark you in ways you did not think possible.