[Harp-L] ScaryLoud

[IcemanLE@xxxxxxx]

Don't think that audiences want music to be so loud. 
 
I believe it is a slow evolution that started during the late 60's, early  
70's - rock bands (Humble Pie known for their wall of Marshalls or Blue Cheer  
going for the Guinness Record of loudest band), discos pumping the music to 
MAKE  the audience dance, sound men pushing the bass to MAKE the audience feel 
the  excitement, etc. It never let up.
 
It became a substitute for "energy", "excitement", etc. Bands would  push the 
volume ridiculously when audiences didn't respond. Crazy guitar players  
needing the volume to get THEIR SOUND.
 
I find it insulting to be MADE to feel/hear the music this way. I want to  be 
able to become excited by the talent/ability of the musician on my own  terms.
 
Most have come to accept that "This is just the way it is" - go out for  live 
music, come home w/ringing ears.
 
It's fun to prove that "This isn't the way it has to be" any way that one  
can. I've used the BOSE PAS a lot and  have blown a lot of minds and gotten  a 
lot of grateful looks from audiences by proving that you don't need extreme  
volume in live music settings and can still hear/feel excitement, as long as the 
 musicians are talented.
 
 
In a message dated 2/10/2009 9:05:23 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
rhhammersley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

Does  anyone know why some bands and audiences want music to be so  
loud?  Clearly stadiums etc need a certain volume but surplus volume is  
not  limited to those events.


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