Innovation from early Innovators

Electronic music has come a long way from the early innovations of technology including magnetic tape and synthesizers. Early pioneers like Kraftwerk, whom pushed the boundaries of early electronics, set the stage for other musicians alike. David Bowie and engineer Brian Eno showed so much interest, these two went left for Germany to pursue the sound. David Bowie being one of the artist using further experimentation from the Kraftwerk compositions (Electronic Music) has made mainstream success in dance music. Not just for him but even future artist like Marvin Gaye with his song SEXUAL HEALING. I think it is wonderful what groups like Kraftwerk was able to accomplish.

I really like German producer and musician Conny Plank. He crafted some wonderful masterpieces. Conny worked with several acts like Liliental and Os Mundi, Kraftwerk, Guru Guru, Cluster etc… Starting his carreer in the 1960’s as sound engineer with his first album Kluster. Lets not forget the most important albums produced in the 1970’s like Kraftwerk, Kraftwerk 2, Ralf and Florian, Autobahn etc… By this time Mr. Plank had a nice palette of imagery and taste for the electronic sound. Conny became big on mainstream rock artist in Germany and crafted a new era of production for electronic in the music industry.

As a professional I like how the electronic era came out into the public. With this I am talking about the success of David Bowie and Brian Eno and the albums Berlin Trilogy, Low, Heroes and Lodger. All of these albums where highly influenced by Conny Plank. In the long run electronic music became a step up with not only dance but also became pop. Thank you very much for your time. I hope you enjoyed reading my blog. Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

Regards,

Joshua

Whats Going On - Marvin Gaye

Whats Going On - Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye was such an exceptional person when it came to music. He had a heart and felt what others were feeling. Looking on the outside in, he seemed comical and interesting. However, being on the inside seemed as demanding as ever. He was married to Anna, Berry Gordy’s sister in which was the owner of Hitsville U.S.A. ‘The Snake-Pit’. With thoughts and images from the letters his brother Frankie sent from his 3-year tour of duty in Vietnam, and the memories of his fathers abusiveness had set the stage very clear for the song WHATS GOING ON. Of course, lets not forget the 1967 “race riot” that enriched the sky with the burning smell of houses and local businesses.

Gaye had to overcome so much pressure to get the song WHATS GOING ON released into mainstream media. With the war and politics and crazy riots everywhere Mr. Gordy was sure it would ruin him and his image. Berry recalls a time when Marvin was so excited about the song. Gordy told a T.V. interviewer,

“He called and said, ‘Lookit, I’ve got to release this album. I’ve got these songs, it’s great. ‘When he told me they were protest songs, I said, ‘Marvin, why do you want to ruin your career? Why do you want to put out a song about the Vietnam war, police brutality and all of these things? You’ve got all these great love songs. You’re the hottest artist, the sex symbol of the ‘60’s and ‘70s…’”

Finally Gaye made him an ultimatum, until Berry and his Quality Control cabal came to release WHATS GOING ON, Marvin would do nothing more for the company. Marvin Gaye was the first of the soul era to produce a record aiming to make a difference within the community and take a political strike at cultural. His vocals were blended and stacked or overdubbed in a high and low part for the recording. (He did a couple of lead mono takes accidentally dubbed together) founded by accident, this later became a hallmark of his vocal style.

As an industry professional, I see a person that would stop at nothing to see his dreams, wants and desired come to pass. Some good and some bad, but in the end most obstacles were overcome. Haunted by drug addiction like most other artist of that time, in which influenced his playing style and tangible writing techniques. He seemed to have much to say, R.I.P. Marvin.