The Purpose Behind Minute-Plus Long Intros in Music

Musicians often include minute-plus long intros in their songs for several reasons, which contribute to enhancing the overall listening experience. These intros serve various purposes, from setting the mood to allowing for artistic expression.

Atmosphere and Mood Setting

Extended intros can create a specific atmosphere, setting the tone for the song. These intros build anticipation and immerse the listener in the intended emotional landscape. For instance, the opening of Jethro Tull's 'Locomotive Breath' gradually builds the listener's attention, creating an atmosphere that prepares them for the main part of the song.

Artistic Expression

Some artists use long intros as a form of artistic expression, showcasing their creativity and musicality. This allows them to experiment with sounds, melodies, and arrangements that might not fit within the main structure of the song. An example of this can be seen in the complex introduction of 'The Beautiful Blue Danube.' Similarly, Dire Straits' 'Money For Nothing' starts with a sonically unique intro that sets a unique tone before the main song begins.

Transition and Build-Up

A longer intro serves as a gradual build-up to the main part of the song, creating tension and excitement. This technique is often used in genres like progressive rock and electronic music. For example, in 'Locomotive Breath' by Jethro Tull, the intro sets a compelling mood that builds the listener into the climactic guitar riff towards the end of the piece.

Establishing Themes

Intros can introduce musical themes or motifs that will be developed later in the song, providing cohesion and depth to the overall composition. The introduction of 'The Beautiful Blue Danube' sets a classical and intricate theme that is elaborated upon throughout the piece.

Live Performance Considerations

Extended intros can also be beneficial in live settings, allowing musicians to engage with the audience, set up the stage, or create a dramatic entrance. For instance, an artist like Jethro Tull might use intros to connect with the audience before launching into the main song, setting a dramatic and engaging atmosphere.

Genre Conventions

In certain genres, such as post-rock or ambient music, long intros are more common and expected, aligning with the stylistic norms of those genres. These intros serve to introduce the listener to the unique atmosphere and style of the music before the main part of the song begins.

While some of these intros have meaning and purpose, others are merely extended to take up time, possibly due to economic or promotional reasons. Some artists might believe that people might not enjoy their music, so they use intros as a kind of 'scam'; even if listeners skip past the intro, they still earn a profit by playing for a minimum of 30 seconds. However, such intros can sometimes detract from the experience, especially if they are overly lengthy and do not serve a clear purpose.

Conclusion

Overall, long intros can enhance the listening experience by adding layers of complexity and emotional depth to a song. Whether used as a build-up, a commencement of artistic expression, or to align with genre conventions, these intros play a crucial role in the overall composition and delivery of a musical piece. Whether intentional or not, understanding the purpose behind these intros can deepen the appreciation and enjoyment of the music.