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MUSIC RADIO
Objectives: … To examine music as a signifier. … To examine music as a commodity. … To explore community alternatives. You should prepare an audio sampler to introduce the various facets of music for your presentation. See what 'samples' these notes suggests to you. Music as a signifier. Trying to define music in semiotic terms is a difficult task, since there is some doubt as to the sense in which music can be said to signify. Generally, semiotics states that words and images refer to something outside themselves, but this assertion cannot be so readily made for music. Music with lyrics presents less of a problem, since we can concentrate on the meanings expressed in the words. The great lack of significance in music makes it highly suited to the medium of radio; we can assimilate the 'mood' if we wish, to suit our feelings at any given time. Commercial music radio is so successful precisely because it has become an aural background to other activities. You could broaden this consideration of music by exploring the innate power of music and its psychological and societal effects. Ancient wisdom suggests that music present a force with both positive and negative potentials. (Offer warlike music and warlike cultures as examples of this theme.) … Also explore the idea that if music has the power to move, to determine thoughts and actions, then how should community radio respond. Music as a commodity. You could also usefully explore the idea that at present we have no philosophy of music except to see it as a commodity. In chart music formats the presenter acts, not simply as an associate of the music, but also as a spinner of gossip about the glamorous lives of celebrity pop stars, encouraging adulation and comparisons between such lifestyles and their opposite, the mundane lives of the listeners. Such behaviour also encourages consumption of the music industry products. … Can community radio retain the emotional power of music while developing the referential, informative aspects? Some of the more creative ways the media use music. As mood creation. Music can be heard during a radio play. It acts as a background enhancement as a clue to the characters moods and situations. Conversely, music can be used to convey sounds that occur in the real world, such as storms and battles. As index or icon. Actual music from an outside location, or a track from a C.D. can be used to set the scene for an O.B. or a documentary. The semiotic function of the music is to set the scene for the voice-over, whether actuality or documentary. As an 'associative' meaning. A radio serial theme tune brings to mind all that the listener knows about the characters and plot so far. Regular listeners will recall important past moments and the current situation as the signature tune soars As station identification. Music can 'frame' a radio station, just as a signature or theme tune can frame a particular programme by announcing its beginning or end. They set the style or tone of the station and can be seen as both index and symbol. … These are the musical codes that have evolved in the radio environment. Can community radio use them effectively? Can community radio adapt them to the needs of community empowerment and development? … You can organise participants into 'focus groups' on the night, or arrange for them to experiment with music radio through appropriate recordings. Both exercises are included. Materials:
Musical samples of the above. |
