Interesting Rhythm = Interesting Music

June 19, 2008

Welcome, new visitor! My name is Ari, the man behind Aries9. Here I share my thoughts on music and life, so you can get to know me and my music. Thanks for visiting!

Rhythm is the foundation of the music.  It’s the ground upon which everything else stands upon.

Rhythm is everywhere in life, in the nature.  From the speed at which butterflies flap their wings to our heart beats, rhythm is built into the world.

No wonder it forms the core of music.  Rhythm is like the connection between our primal nature and the articulation of our feelings that music is.

There is no such thing as a rhythm-less music.  Even those don’t have overt pulse or beat, has rhythm.  It may not even be regular pattern.  All music has rhythm.

One of the earliest purposes of music was to serve as a dance music.  Rhythm helps us to move our bodies.  When you have rhythm, sometimes you don’t need anything else.  Have you ever witnessed the power of live African drumming?  It reverberates in your core.  You feel filled with energy.

When I was at St. Olaf College studying classical music, once every so often Macalester African Music Ensemble would come over to do a recital.  I tell you, that was one of the most memorable concert experience in my life.  It’s so much more than music just to listen to.  It is a whole-body experience.  It was a funny sight, seeing white-as-milk Norwegian-descent church musicians, normally stiff as a bean pole, get up and dance all over this classical recital hall.  But none of us cared.  We all got up and danced.

Now, this power of rhythm is unfortunately lost on many people who make some of popular music.  They think rhythm section is just a subordinate, accompanying section to singers and guitarists.

What a big loss.  This is another area where much potential remains lost and untapped.

It’s no secret that good drummers are always in demand, and this is why.  Not only good drummers build a rhythmic foundation to the music, but having a creative drummer always equates to good music. He/she doesn’t need to be a virtuoso — but this is one area where there has to be technical competency to hold down time.  And its potential is limitless, if the drummer is inventive.

Listen to great bands, from Led Zeppelin to Wilco to Dream Theater to King’s X.  Subtle or pounding, their drummers’ personalities really come through.  Couple them with a creative bass player, and you really don’t need to write great songs, to make great music.  Really!  Have a great rhythm section have a go at the most basic, generic song.  It’ll still be very worth listening to.

I am a guitar player, but I’m always watching drummers and bass players.  Bono once said that rhythm is the sex of music.  I say sex is our most treasured, most personal, most important core of our identity.

Wanna make good music?  Make sure it has good rhythm.  Interesting rhythm.  Moving rhythm.  It never fails.

Interesting rhythm makes interesting music.

Filed under: Music |