Musicians Musical Influences: A Comprehensive Exploration

Musicians' Musical Influences: A Comprehensive Exploration

As a musician, keeping an open mind and a diverse playlist is essential for growth and innovation. While many musicians focus on a specific genre or style, a truly versatile and talented musician will explore a wide range of music. Listening to a variety of genres is not just about being a well-rounded individual; it is often a crucial part of developing a unique and personal sound.

A Diverse Playlist for Musicians

Great musicians know that listening to as much music as possible helps them get a feel for rhythm and nuances. The more they expose themselves to different musical styles, the better they can understand and incorporate elements from various genres into their own work.

For musicians, it's not just about listening to the type of music they play. While some musicians may limit themselves to the style they specialize in, others expand their horizons by exploring different genres. Some musicians listen solely to the type of music they play, some only to other types, and some to a mixture of both. This diversity helps them discover new techniques, emotions, and expressions that can inspire their own music.

The Importance of Listening to the Genre They Play

It is particularly critical for musicians to listen extensively to the style they play. Understanding the nuances and rhythms of their primary genre is fundamental to mastering it. However, this should not be limited to just their genre. Great musicians often steal from other styles, taking inspiration from different sounds and techniques to enhance their own work. This cross-pollination leads to a richer and more dynamic musical experience.

Music as a Pastime and Inspiration

Musicians are also animated by their musical interests. Like everyone else, they have a wide range of musical tastes. Some musicians are so well-versed in other genres that they can easily incorporate elements from them into their own music. This cross-genre influence is not just a fun dive into various styles—it often leads to innovative and unique sounds.

For example, classical and jazz players often admire one another. There are numerous cases of musicians who cross-pollinate genres, perhaps the most famous being Elvis Costello, a rock musician, who is married to jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall. Bob Dylan, a rock legend, has cited the influence of Frank Sinatra, a classic pop icon. Similarly, the rock band the Beatles were heavily influenced by the music of India, as seen in the long-term involvement of member George Harrison with Indian music and his friendship with classical sitarist Ravi Shankar.

Cross-genre friendships and collaborations are not limited to these famous examples. Musicians like Bela Fleck, Mark O'Connor, and Chris Thiel, known for their bluegrass work, have also recorded pieces by the renowned classical composer Bach. In the realm of classical music, violinist Tessa Lark, known for her mastery of classical instruments, is also an accomplished bluegrass fiddler. These examples show that musicians are often drawn to traditions that are completely separate from their own, such as the Beatles' connection to Indian music.

The divisions between musical genres and traditions are often more cultural or political than musically technical. These distinctions are more meaningful to fans and enthusiasts than the musicians themselves, who appreciate the music for what it is rather than its genre.

A Personal Perspective

My own journey as a musician has taught me the value of a diverse playlist. My favorite music comes from genres that are not widely mainstream, stuff you won't find on your local AM or FM stations. Artists like townes van zandt, john prine, and ashley mcbride have greatly inspired my songwriting, and their unique styles have a profound impact on my work. Exploring their music has broadened my horizons and given me new perspectives on what it means to be a songwriter.

Listening to a variety of music is not just about staying informed or culturally attuned; it is a crucial step in developing a unique and personal sound. Musicians who are open to different genres and styles are more likely to create innovative and impactful music. So, the next time you hit play on your music, let it be a diverse collection of sounds that inspire you to push the boundaries of your own art.