Break Rock Down: Recent Episodes
Kate M
Let's talk music! Have you ever heard the terms "Yacht Rock," "Space Rock," or "Punk Rock" thrown around? Have you wondered what these subgenres are, or what they sound like? In this podcast we break down various genres of rock music. We talk about how the genre came to be, some stylistic characteristics of the genre, and tell stories of notable artists who pioneered the genre. If you're a fan of rock music looking to expand your horizons/explore genres you may have heard of, but not heard, learn about the many different branches of rock music with us.
What is Stadium/Arena Rock? Let’s define Stadium Rock, talk about its history, identify what it sounds like, and talk about some popular bands that made it iconic.
Let’s see. How many of these bands' names ring a bell… Journey, KISS, Styx, Kansas, Rush, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Boston, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Guns n’ Roses. One or two? If you’ve even turned on classic rock radio, even for just a second, you’ve probably heard some Stadium Rock. Stadium rock is made up of just what it sounds like - bands that are popular enough to fill up a stadium, put on a hell of a show, and songs that are produced for mass appeal.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Stadium Rock Spotify Playlist
How to Play Power Chords
Mötley Crüe co-founder Mick Mars takes band to court: Here’s what we know so far
PSources:
Arena Rock
Arena Rock Music Guide
What is Stadium Rock
Arena Rock Music Overview
The birth of arena rock - The Guardian
The Rolling Stones 1969 Tour
When pop music got big: 1968 and the birth of arena rock
Journey Biography
KISS Biography
Van Halen Biography
Bio - Motley Crue
AC/DC
What is shoegaze? Well it’s gazing at your shoes… This dreamy subgenre of rock was named for artists who liked to stare at the effect pedals at their feet, rather than at the adoring fans. The result is big, ethereal, wall of sound songs that make your ears melt (in a good way). Let’s define shoegaze, talk about its history, and identify what it sounds like.
Inspired by the punk movement, the Cocteau Twins, and The Jesus and Mary Chain - solidified by My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive, Shoegaze was a huge step forward in sonic production. Although it was quickly snuffed out by grunge and Britpop, its influence on modern day music is felt. We now have acts like M83, Beach House, and Tame Impala who aren’t afraid to go overboard with effects, creating an unforgettable soundscape.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Shoegaze Playlist
The 50 Best Shoegaze Albums of All Time
Tame Impala Interview
How to sound SHOEGAZE with Guitar Pedals
Tame Impala's Kevin Parker Breaks Down His Favorite Drum Sounds
Sources:
What is Shoegazing Music?
Shoegaze
AllMusic Shoegaze
A Brief History of Shoegaze
What is Shoegaze Music?
Cocteau Twins Biography
Jesus and Mary Chain, Biography
My Bloody Valentine Biography
Slowdive
Beach House
Tame Impala
What on earth is Wizard Rock??? We’ve got an interesting one for you on the podcast this week. This magical genre is a niche form of rock that came from the Harry Potter fandom making music based on and inspired by the books & movies. Literally. Bands are named things like Harry and the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys, and the Parselmouths.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Wizard Rock Spotify playlist
Band Listings
We are Wizards: Wizard Rock Documentary
Rolling Stone Interview with Harry and the Potters
Current Wizard Rock Scene - Bandcamp page
Wizrocklopedia Facebook Page
Sources:
Wizard Rock
The wonderful, weird world of wizard rock
Wizard rock
Witch House: Harry Potter and the Wizard Rock Phenomenon
Wizard Rock Forerunners Harry and the Potters Reflect on J.K. Rowling’s 20-Year Legacy
Label - Harry and the Potters
Draco and the Malfoys
Wizard rockers The Whomping Willows confront current issues with 'Revisionist History'
What is noise rock exactly? Join us as we break down one of the most abrasive, ear-bleeding, and limitless genres in existence. It's a breeding ground for creativity and variety. In fact, many bands and albums in this genre follow their own instincts and influences to produce music that defies strict categorization.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Noise Rock Playlist
Steve Albini Explains Why He Hates Steely Dan
Sources:
Noise Rock
Noise Rock Guide
Noise Rock - TV Tropes
Distortion: The Sound of Rock and Roll's Menacing Spirit
Sonic Youth Biography
Big Black
Melt Banana Wiki
Swans Biography
Folk music, also known as traditional music, has been around for ages. But what happens when you combine a tale as old as time with new, British-invasion-esque rock and roll? Folk Rock. But what is Folk Rock exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, and identify what it sounds like. Let’s also talk about some of the fantastic bands that defined Folk Rock.
Folk rock is just that - a hybrid music style that combines elements of the folk genre with popular rock and roll styles. It gained popularity in the early 60s following a folk music revival, and was made popular by The Byrds and, much to the chagrin of his folk purist fanbase, Bob Dylan.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Folk Rock Spotify Playlist
Sources:
Dylan Goes Electric at the Newport Folk Festival
Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize
Folk Rock
Folk Rock Music Guide
What is Diatonic Harmony?
Folk Rock
Folk Rock 101
Bob Dylan - Biography
The Byrds Biography
Buffalo Springfield
Joni Mitchell
The Mamas and the Papas
How did the U.S. respond to the British Invasion? Garage Rock. But what is garage rock, exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, and identify what it sounds like. Let’s also talk about some of the fantastic bands that defined Garage Rock.
Made up of individuals who perform with immense raw energy, these guys are often called the first wave of do-it-yourself punk rockers. These may have been amateur musicians, but these guys were inspired by the same 50s Rhythm and Blues acts that the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and the Kinks started their careers covering. They did it rawer, heavier, and wilder. Garage Rock is still going strong today, with acts like Ty Segall, and Thee Oh Sees making music with those 60s garage rock sounds.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Garage Rock Spotify Playlist
Nuggets
Goldie and the Gingerbreads
Sources:
Garage Rock
Garage Rock Music Guide
Garage Rock AllMusic
The Best Garage Rock Albums of 1966
Nuggets
The Kingsmen Biography
The Sonics
The Beau Bremmels
Goldie and the Gingerbreads
Ty Segall
How Thee Oh Sees Became Cult Garage Rock Icons
Deliberately nasty, dirty, anti-glam and, consequently, pre-punk, Pub Rock groups in valued the simple, back to basics sounds of the early 60s. Ignored by the big wig record companies, these guys opted for inexpensive records put out on their own terms. Picture ordering a $4 draught instead of a $17 martini. The result was a raw, live-performance-driven scene hosted primarily in London and Essex that lasted a mere six or so years.
I invite you to pull up a cushy barstool, pour yourself a Guinness, and lean in while I tell you everything you need to know about who raised the bar with the creation of Pub Rock.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Pub Rock Spotify Playlist
Sources:
Pub Rock Encyclopedia Britannica
Raising the bar: the chaotic story of Pub Rock
Pub Rock
Pub Rock' was more than a label
Pub rock (United Kingdom)
Eggs Over Easy
Nick Lowe Biography
Ducks Deluxe Biography
Ducks Deluxe
Dr. Feelgood biography
Two Rock Bands at the Bottom Line
A child, or should I say… division of progressive rock, Math Rock sounds incredible. But what is Math Rock, exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, identify some stylistic characterizations, and tell some stories about notable people in the genre.
Math Rock is a genre of rock characterized by complex rhythms and irregular and angular instrumental patterns that change constantly first made popular by hardcore groups like Shellac and Slint, cemented as a genre by groups like Don Caballero and Hella, and branched into softer, melodic subsets by groups like Toe and American Football.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Introduction to music theory
Explaining time signature
Explaining Syncopation
Math Rock Spotify Playlist
Sources:
What is Math Rock?
An Introduction to Math Rock
The History of Math Rock
Math Rock
Shellac Biography
Slint Biography
Music Preview: Instrumental monsters Don Caballero return with revamped lineup
Hella biography
The history and influence of Polvo
toe biography
A genre that changed the face (literally) of the music industry forever, Glam Rock was pioneered by big name superstars like David Bowie, Queen, and Alice Cooper. But what is Glam Rock exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, identify some stylistic characterizations, and tell some stories about notable artists of the genre.
Glam Rock is a genre that came about in the early 70s as a response to the drab, square, and mature authenticity of late 60s rock. Glam rock was about fashion, image, androgyny, and - of course - glitter! It was all about the live performances, which often featured ostentatious costumes, make-up, props, and dramatic theatricality. The music itself, inspired by bubblegum pop and 50s rock-and-roll, was upbeat and danceable.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links
T.Rex Hot Love 1971 Top of the Pops Performance
Glam Rock Spotify Playlist
Sources:
Glam Rock
The History of Glam Rock
Children Of The Revolution: How Glam Rock Changed The World
From Bowie to Gaga: How Glam Rock Lives On
T. Rex Biography, Songs, & Albums
About David Bowie
Slade Biography
Sweet Biography, Songs, & Albums
Alice Cooper Biography, Songs, & Albums
Queen History
To the moon! It’s a genre that swept the nation alongside the space race. But what is Space Rock, exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, identify some stylistic characterizations, and tell some stories about notable people in the genre.
Coined in the 70s to describe the emerging psychedelic-type rock groups like Pink Floyd and Hawkwind, Space Rock sounds slow, hypnotic, otherworldly, and is characterized by reverb or distortion on guitar, shimmery textures and sound effects. It’s all meant to sound very… cosmic. It’s also characterized by space-themed lyrics and concepts. Duh. But did you know these sounds date as far back as the 50s and a certain British audio engineer?
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii
Space Rock Playlist
Sources:
The History of Space Exploration
A Brief History of Space Rock
Space Rock Overview
Space Rock
Pink Floyd Biography
Hawkwind Biography
Gong biography
A genre that was named 20 years after its debut, Yacht Rock has seen a revival in recent years. But what is Yacht Rock, exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, identify some stylistic characterizations, and tell some stories about notable people in the genre.
In 2005, four LA-based goofballs started releasing a short video series for Channel 101 called “Yacht Rock.” Thus, the songs that give an airy, breezy, sipping-champagne-on-a-sailboat feeling were given a genre of their own. The music that makes up the genre of Yacht rock is characterized by clean vocals, polished production, and the evocation of a certain SoCal feeling. Notable yacht rockers include Kenny Loggins (the movie soundtrack king), Michael McDonald - both on his own and as the acclaimed front man of the Doobie Brothers, Christopher Cross, and Toto.
To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Links:
Yacht Rock Video Series
Yacht or Nyacht? Website
Yacht Rock Spotify Playlist
Sources:
Yacht Rock Guide, a Brief History of Yacht Rock
Sail Away: The Oral History of Yacht Rock
This is the Definitive Definition of Yacht Rock
If the Yacht is a’ Rockin: Riding the Yacht Rock Nostalgia Wave
Grammy Award for Album of the Year
Michael McDonald Biography
Kenny Loggins Biography
Toto Biography
Hit Parade (Podcast) - What a Fool Believes Pt. 1
Hit Parade (Podcast) - What a Fool Believes Pt. 2
Join Kate as she breaks down various subgenres of rock music. If you're looking to expand your rock horizons or want to learn about rock history, you've come to the right place.