Minimalist Music and Social Platforms – Part IV of Part IV

Platforms for social statements can be interpreted as the Minimalist’s sonic independence put into spoken or sung word. With initial ground word laid by such compositions as Reich’s controversial “Come Out” (a taped statement from a police beating of an African American) Protopunk and Punk rock continued the metamorphosis of Minimalist music. Minimalist influences now presented not only aggressive musical sound, but aggressive lyrical content. Individualism now had not only a musical sonority, but it was given a voice. Songs, such as “God Save the Queen” by The Sex Pistols, and the 1969’s “Kick Out the Jams” by MC5, became accepted vehicles to promote political and social platforms.
American composer, David Lang, makes the connection between minimalist music and social platforms when he states, “I look at minimalism… as being the battleground that was necessary to remove those forces from power… to loosen up the power structure in America.” This strong statement pinpoints underlying themes of Minimalism, that when fully embraced, it cannot only authenticate rebellion, but it can subtly breed a culture of rebellion.
Like most genres of music, Minimalism is a musical response to numerous cultural influences as a whole. Not all affects, whether viewed as positive or negative, were the intention of the initial Minimalist pioneers; affects are the products of intent and perceived realities of society and its individuals. Composers like Reich and Riley are heralded in their own right for exploring musical ideas, however, as with all new ideas, innovators risk consequences and interpretations.
Looking back through the timeline or American music, discoveries of how a seemingly simple and innovative shift in the thinking process of composition, such as the basic development of individualism, can lead to such varied music styles like Punk rock, Conceptual rock and “drone metal” music, shows the direct influence music has on culture. As art continues to be the forerunner of society’s cultural shifts, perhaps the next musical shift will oppose the spirit of rebellion and welcome a spirit of unity.