Cleveland is rock. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in fact located in this city, and with good reason. It was in Ohio that Alan “Moondog” Freed, one of the first white DJs to promote and celebrate African-American artists, invented the term rock and roll to describe the unique combination of blues, country and R&B he proposed on his frequencies. If you want to discover this musical genre, it is essential to inform yourself about its origins, history and peculiar characteristics. You can learn to listen carefully, and maybe even cultivate a rocker style and start your own band.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Listen to Rock and Roll
Step 1. Listen to a wide variety of rock music
If you want to have a rocker style, you absolutely must listen to this genre as much as possible. Everything else, from style to attitude, should take a back seat, because it's the music that really matters. From great classics to modern masterpieces, a self-respecting rocker spends a good deal of his time looking for new bands, listening to CDs and everything else that revolves around music.
- Fans affected by fanaticism, of whatever kind they are, can become territorial and closed. What is real rock music? For some, it's not worth listening to everything that was done after Hendrix's death, while others think the genre was invented around the 1990s. We leave the discussions for themselves for YouTube comments. Rock music today is great, but so was 60 years ago. Listen to anything you like and ignore extremism.
- Real rockers only think about music. They listen to everything, regardless of different genres, styles or sounds. Just worry about one thing: choose rock CDs, period. Make several attempts and judge for yourself.
Step 2. Begin to enjoy classic rock
If you want to become a rocker, the classics of this genre cannot be missing in your collection, because that's where it all started. It is difficult to establish time limits, especially since radio stations dedicated to classic rock broadcast music that is no more than 15 years old, but remember that in reality we must refer to records recorded between the mid-sixties and that of the seventies.
- Classic bands and artists of course include the Rolling Stones, The Who, Cream, Jimi Hendrix and many more. The specific sound and musical style vary significantly. Classic rock is based on the guitar, and is mainly characterized by the riffs and solos made with this instrument, but also by the howling vocals and the tight rhythms.
- Someone will also tell you that there are several recent bands, and characterized by different styles, such as Nirvana, Guns N 'Roses, Bad Company and Kansas, which should be included in the category of classic rock. Sometimes this definition is more related to attitude and context than to the time frame.
Step 3. Learn about particularly rebellious and provocative rock bands
Rock is notoriously subversive, intense. Many will have heard of the time when Pete Townshend, guitarist of the Who, got his eardrums; in fact, he had put dynamite in Keith Moon's battery to play a prank on him on stage. And this is just one example. Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on your point of view), subsequent rockers have respected tradition. If classic bands aren't your thing, get to know their equally transgressive cousins.
- Punk rock exploded in the late 1970s as a direct response to the vanity and conceit of the classic bands that filled stadiums at the time. No frills with this genre, just "three chords and the desire for truth". Hear punk classics: The Stooges, The Clash, The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, The Damned and Zero Boys. More modern representatives of classic punk include the Black Lips, the True Sons of Thunder and the Oblivians.
- Heavy metal is the most extreme version of rock and roll. Originating from the somber and somber style of Black Sabbath, this genre has spread and fragmented into an almost infinite variety of sub-genres and styles, peaking and exploding in the 1980s. To start, listen to Judas Priest, Motörhead and Metallica.
Step 4. Go beyond the origins of rock and roll and discover the music that inspired its birth
Listen to such grandparents. The first rock pieces and popular music of yesteryear are the basis of rock and roll. In fact, it began to form when country was mixed with R&B and blues to create a new style. Get the first records recorded in the Sun Studio, like those of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, to get to know the original sound, and also give Screamin 'Jay Hawkins, Ike Turner and Gene Vincent a chance to get an idea of the very first artists. You will see, you will like them.
If you want to dig even further, discover the great-grandparents of rock by discovering the blues, the energetic and powerful quintessence of American music. Folk music sung and honed by African-American laborers who populated the sharecroppers of the southern United States, blues can be more rock than Led Zeppelin and more ghostly than black metal. Listen to Blind Willie Johnson, Charley Patton, Geechie Wiley and Bessie Smith if you want to discover real musical gems
Step 5. Make a pilgrimage to the rock mecca
A self-respecting fan should sooner or later organize a trip to the sacred land. Where is it? In Memphis, Tennessee, a melting pot of cultures, where R&B, country and blues genres have mixed to give life to a new, unique style. This is where Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Howlin 'Wolf and Little Milton were born. Stroll down Beale Street, the Las Vegas of the blues. Visit the Sun Studio, where some of the most renowned rock musicians have recorded, from Roy Orbison to Bono. If you are not a big fan of the roots of rock, organize other pilgrimages and discover the different homelands of this genre. Try visiting:
- Liverpool, port city of the English working class, birthplace of the Beatles. Visit the Cavern Club, where the Fab Four used to perform. Check out Penny Lane and Strawberry Field, real places.
- Joshua Tree National Park, the psychedelic desert region of Southern California where Gram Parsons was cremated and which inspired the title of U2's eponymous (and iconic) CD.
- Jim Morrison's grave in Paris. In addition to the Lizard King, the Père-Lachaise Cemetery hosts many important historical figures, from Chopin to Proust. It will allow you to pay homage to the past.
Step 6. Go see the bands play live
All rockers have to live the experience of being in the middle of a screaming crowd, feeling that emotion that can only be felt in front of the performance of a great group. When the band takes the stage and people go into raptures, you realize this is one of the moments worth living for. Arrive early and also attend supporter concerts to discover new records and bands, then share the wait to see the real stars of the evening. Sing out loud.
You don't have to shell out astronomical sums to see a great band live. Tom Petty and Rolling Stones concerts are really expensive, but almost all cities have an interesting music scene, which can satisfy the desire to have fun and listen to good music. Find out about events organized in your area to discover local groups - this will help you expand your tastes and have more opportunities to meet people like you
Step 7. Listen to the vinyl records
The invention of the 33 rpm (30 cm disc that rotates at 33⅓ revolutions per minute), also called the LP, has revolutionized the way we listen to music. Before this moment, there was not even the concept of "album", there were only songs. If you're going to be a true rocker, you should listen to the classics exactly the way they should, which is by getting vinyls and using a turntable, preferably at a cracking volume for the neighbors. If you've never placed your turntable stylus on side A, you haven't fully grasped The Dark Side of the Moon.
Part 2 of 3: Behaving like a Rocker
Step 1. Be cool
The quintessential rocker is relaxed. If you want to lead a lifestyle like that or get a reputation as a rocker, you need to have a calm, even a little detached, attitude. Whether you're at school, at work, on stage or out and about with your friends, learn to live calmly and go with the flow. The world is your living room. Relax anywhere.
Get excited just in front of the rock, nothing else. Did your girlfriend leave you? And what is the problem? Did you have a bad day at work? So? Rockers know how to behave in a detached way even in the most difficult situations. Don't get scratched. Nothing can put you in crisis
Step 2. Let your hair grow, otherwise cut it completely
Check out the cover of Rubber Soul, by The Beatles. Years later, it will also seem a relatively tidy look, but at the time, with that helmet, the Fab Four looked at least dangerous. The hairstyle is deeply linked to this musical genre. Hair length and style can even express your political stance. If you are a man, making them grow places you directly against the classic social rules, while, if you are a woman, you can cut them completely, making you a mustache of traditions. Hair is the best way to identify yourself as a rocker.
- For a guy, letting his hair grow can be a great way to rock a rocker look. Headbanging like this is one of the pleasures of life. Alternatively, shaving them or creating a mohawk cut is quite common among punk aficionados.
- For a girl, there are different varieties of styles and cuts to show off a real rocker look. The choice depends on your preferences; for example, dye a lock of electric blue, make a very short cut or leave the bangs long for a hippie look, similar to that of Joni Mitchell.
Step 3. Bring rock clothes
The rock and roll style is one of the easiest to show off. It's inexpensive, straightforward, and cool, and clothes don't even have to be clean to impress. Having such a wardrobe is simple, just follow a few steps:
- Buy used clothes. Second-hand shops are ideal for finding this type of clothing. Old flannel shirts, ripped jeans and original print t-shirts are ideal for creating an indifferent rocker look. Avoid the malls.
- When in doubt, put the Converse. These shoes are the most suitable to have a rocker style, immediately followed by the Beatles Boots and Dr. Martens, typical of punks.
- Pay homage to your favorite bands by wearing t-shirts that feature them. One of the best ways to make everyone understand that you are a rocker is to wear shirts from record labels, bands and artists you adore. Have you been to the concert of a band that won you over? Buy the shirt.
- Feel free to use the accessories. For rockers, boys or girls, necklaces, bracelets and bandanas are always appropriate. However, don't go overboard with knot-dyed fabrics and hemp. There is a very fine line between "rocker" and "hippie".
Step 4. Wear sunglasses
Check out old photos of Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Elvis Presley. It's the glasses that make the rocker. It doesn't matter whether you are outdoors or indoors. Don't forget to put them on. Preferably, go for simple, medium-rimmed and black ones. Investing in a basic, good quality pair of lenses will instantly make you look cooler.
Step 5. Find a guru
Retrace the steps of the rockers who came before you to search for your rock and roll heroes, gurus and idols. Every fan of this genre has their own points of reference, and you shouldn't be outdone. Look for a musician who speaks right to you, who digs deep, and with whom to have a personal connection. After that, find out about his life. Read everything you can.
- Read some biographies of classical musicians and dedicated to the rock lifestyle to get an idea of the mythology and stories associated with this genre. Life, by Keith Richards, and Cash, by Johnny Cash, are two of the best books on life and rock ever written.
- Watch documentaries on your favorite musicians. Featuring stage footage and intimate interviews, these materials are ideal for getting closer to your favorite rockers and delving into their private life. Don't Look Back, by Bob Dylan, The Last Waltz, by The Band, and Gimmie Shelter, by the Rolling Stones, show all the highs and lows of celebrities, and show the strengths and weaknesses of rock stars.
Step 6. Stay away from rock star clichés
When you think of rock, you imagine excesses, but it is important to establish a clear boundary as you discover and explore it. Drug abuse, promiscuity and violence have absolutely nothing to do with music. You don't have to be self-destructive to become a rocker. Try to avoid stereotypes and non-constructive behaviors before they become a major problem.
Part 3 of 3: Forming a Band
Step 1. Choose a tool
If you want to cultivate this musical genre firsthand, choosing the instrument you will play is crucial, as it will indicate your evolution from rock fan to budding rock star. Do you want to form a band? Then better opt for one of the following classic instruments of the genre:
- Guitar. To complete the transition from Anakin Skywalker to Jedi Knight, choose the ultimate rock instrument. Nothing better than an electric guitar describes the style and soul of rock and roll. Only one question remains: Stratocaster or Les Paul?
- Bass. With a few notable exceptions, a band without bass is like a dish served without a plate. This tool unites all the others. It offers harmonic accompaniment and support for melodies, so if you choose it you will surely be in demand.
- Battery. The drummer is that wild madman who sits behind the rest of the band, waving his sticks and making everyone go in time. While one of the most satisfying instruments to play, a drummer must have a natural sense of rhythm and the innate ability to keep time to be good. Ready to accept the challenge?
Step 2. Find a group of people to play with
Clean up the garage, get the amps ready, and warn the neighbors - it's time to start a band. Start spreading the word so people will know that you are looking for rock music fans willing to start a band. Wearing a denim jacket and a pair of worn sneakers, he begins to change the world, deal after deal.
- Hang up a flyer with your contact information at a musical instrument store if you can't find willing musicians. Attend open mic nights at local bars and clubs to showcase your skills, grab attention, and get someone to play with you.
- The Pixies, a classic indie rock band, formed when Black Francis ran an ad in a Boston newspaper to recruit a bassist who liked Peter, Paul and Mary and Hüsker Dü. If you can, record a demo while you play and share it online so you can find musicians to play with. Spread the word and hang out in the underground scene.
Step 3. Gather to play
When you start making rock music, don't have too high expectations. The group's priority should be to keep on the same wavelength. Get ready together, try to be in tune and listen to each other. Begin playing using a single chord or a single chord progression before trying something more complex. Communicate with each other and don't worry too much: the results will come.
- Most bands don't write a Bohemian Rhapsody from the first meeting. At first, it is normal that you do not know exactly which direction to follow. Learn some covers early on: it will help you get used to playing together before you test yourself and start writing your own music. At first you should have fun.
- Volume should be reasonable. Try not to get kicked out of your rehearsal place before you even play a song together. Turn down the volume so you can hear yourself without difficulty. If you think it's too high and you can't hear each instrument well, it's time to run for cover.
Step 4. Your musical flaws can be your strength
When Johnny Cash was asked why his band always played tight, which made his music fresh, unique and interesting, the artist replied “We would play faster if we could”. The hardest thing after forming a band? Finding a personal sound. Everyone wants it, few groups actually get it. If you want your band to stand out, learn to embrace your quirky side, the flaws and quirks that characterize the band's sessions and style. Make them your base. Turn weaknesses into strengths.
- Miles Davis never managed to master the vibrato technique, so he simply decided to give it up and became a true icon thanks to long, clear and clean sounds (of course he stood out in other respects too). If something is causing you problems, cultivate other aspects of your playing. Have you noticed that when you play the guitar you constantly use the ascending legacy? Then make it your hallmark.
- One of the oldest adages in rock is that if you don't know how to play well, you should at least try to do it quickly; if you can't do it quickly, you should turn up the volume. In short, insist.
Step 5. Write about what you know
If by any chance you come up with a unique musical melody or give life to a catchy chorus while rehearsing, then you should try to write a song. Where to start? You don't have to be a Shakespeare novice to write a rock song, and it's usually best not to have too high expectations. Don't go too far. Take inspiration from your life and talk about experiences you know, don't try to write abstract or nonsense texts about society or politics. Bet on something simple.
- By studying poetry and investing in good rhyming, you will hone your lyrical skills. Try to write together. If you like, everyone make a contribution, so that it is a democratic process. Some writers find it helpful to create the melody in the beginning, chanting nonsense syllables as they play it, and adding the words later.
- Alternatively, you can also give it a try with other methods. Try the style of William Burroughs, who put scraps of newspaper clippings in a hat and then draw them by lot. The Stones also used to write songs this way. Or, do like Led Zeppelin, who delved into the fog of Mordor and took their cues from the world of fantasy, Dungeon and Dragons and other nerdy things. Rock songs don't have to make sense or be cool, they just have to rock.
Advice
- If you have stage anxiety, just take deep breaths, shake your thoughts off, and go with the flow.
- Find out about your idols, admire them and learn from them, but don't copy them.
- Be original.
- You don't have to take drugs to be considered rock. Remember all the great musicians who died young.
- To quote AC / DC, don't forget that there is a long way to glory for those who want to rock and roll.
