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From cannabis plants to screaming peacocks, swallowed microphones to babies in utero, musicians are rejecting regular instruments and software-derived sound
The true definition of avant garde music is debatable but, for the sake of brevity, let’s say it’s a radical work that defies tradition. John Cage’s 4’33” is a touchstone example – instructing musicians not to play for the titular time period; the art coming from the meditative state achieved from a room in silence, as well as atmospheric noises: coughs, scratches, sighs and sneezes.
However, when discussing experimental music, context is crucial. Anyone can record themselves pulling out their own teeth, or headbutting a horse, and stick it on Bandcamp for a handful of dedicated noise freaks. For avant garde music to truly transcend it needs an audience, thereby giving it the opportunity to rage against and provoke the mainstream. Cage, whose 4’33” peaked at No 21 in the UK charts in 2010, did this masterfully in the classical world, as have countless jazz artists such as Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. But perhaps it’s in the pop world where mo
Patrick Clarke
, February 26th, 2021 09:33
Here are ten essential albums and EPs that we at tQ have been loving this last month, as well as a smattering of superb singles
With the recent announcement that the end of June
could mark the final end of coronavirus restrictions on social contact, paving the way for a summer of actual real life gigs that won t kill anyone we love, there s been a wave of newfound hope among a British music scene that s spent a year being battered to the point of near collapse. In all honesty, I ve been burned too many times by this Government s false promises to entirely allow myself to succumb entirely to that optimism, but it s palpable nonetheless.