What is World Music?

World music is usually described as traditional, cultural and indigenous music which doesn’t fit into the popular Anglo-American category. The songs included do not contain the key points which Anglo American music have, in order to become popular and sell records. Unlike the popular music we have come to know, World music generally contains traditional (maybe even folk) music which reflect the culture where the music origins from. This would mean that the lyrics would not be in English and traditional instruments would be used such as the sitar in India. 

This kind of music is categorized as ‘World Music’ as it is a difficult to define as a genre. It is harder to sell as it is not the popular music of Western culture. Therefore, categorizing it in this way would help promote world music, making a profit. 

Is popular music a mass produced commodity or a genuine art form?

Art can be defined as a human creation made with skill and technique. A mass produced commodity are goods created for the sole purpose of sales and profit. 

So, is popular music a mass produced commodity or a genuine art form? I would say the answer could be both. There are many talented musicians who simply write and create music as a reflection of their passion, which eventually become popular and are appreciated as a genuine art form. 

However, the majority of popular music heard on the radio, tv, etc, are created for the purpose of making a profit; which lack in creativity and skill. A great example of this is the TV programme X Factor, which claims its objective is to find unique, talented singers/musicians. However, the programme clearly copies other artists music and makes a large profit off it. 

How useful is the production of culture perspective in understanding the birth of Rock 'n' Roll?

Peterson explores the birth of rock ‘n’ roll and explains that some statements are myths, such as: the emergence of a group of creative artists in the 1950s are responsible for Rock ‘n’ Roll. Instead, Peterson suggests there were 6 significant factors which are responsible for the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll. These are: law, technology, industry, organisation, career and market. 

This article is useful as a production of culture perspective in understanding the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll, as his suggestion makes sense and is more likely to be an accurate review. It is more likely that the 6 factors, contributed to the birth of rock ‘n’ roll rather than a random occurrence of the revolution of Rock ‘n’ Roll. 

However, there is a flaw in Peterson’s article as he doesn’t actually mention Rock ‘n’ Roll, and why the 6 factors made Rock ‘n’ Roll and not another genre. 

Is it reasonable to consider that rock music is gendered male?

It is undeniable that the majority of rock musicians are male. According to Rolling Stone’s magazine, the top 100 guitarists are full with male musicians, without a mention of any female guitarists within the first 50. But why is this when women are just as able?

Mavis Bayton states that in rock music: ‘The reasons for women’s absence are entirely social’. For generations, traditionally, boys tend to choose to learn the guitar whilst the girls choose the piano. The guitar is a symbol of masculinity and power. Whilst there are legendary female guitarists, these days to be a successful musician, she would have to show her femininity and sex appeal. In which case, it would be more suitable for a woman to play an acoustic instrument or to be a lead vocalist.

So yes, I would say it is reasonable to consider Rock music to be gendered male.