In this time of no concerts, festivals, or in-person live music of any kind happening, I’ve been looking to find different ways to pull meaning and substance out of the music I do have access to. It’s been an exciting, emotional, and thought-provoking process full of history nestled within important music that I’ve come across in my years. Most think the default construction of a song is a pairing of music and lyrics sang along. Sometimes we need something a little different to really get the insight and depth across. Let’s take a moment to explore some songs that break the mold and use dialogue to tell a story, impart wisdom, and truly paint a picture through music.
Giorgio Moroder featured in “Giorgio by Moroder” by Daft Punk
Some may say that the introduction of the synthesizer marks the genesis of Electronic Dance Music. One of the earliest pioneers of its usage is Giorgio Moroder, also known as the “Father of Disco.” A humble Italian musician, Giorgio has grown to be one of the most notable names in Electronic history. Daft Punk created an epic nine-minute song specifically for Giorgio to showcase his story and share his musical wisdom on their most recent album “Random Access Memories”, released in 2013. This track has Giorgio recounting his own journey through music. He takes us back to 1969 as he reflects on his early years in discotheques. Giorgio employed unique sounds from the synthesizer as the sound of the future. This is a personal favorite of mine and I get goosebumps every time I listen, realizing I’m enjoying the fruits of his labors fifty years later.
Robert Owens featured in “Robert Talking” by Duke Dumont
House music has its roots in the Warehouse scene of Chicago in the late ’70s and early ’80s, where it rolled out of the Disco era and pulled some key vibes along with it. Duke Dumont teamed up with Robert Owens to give this track an abundance of House music history paired with some tasty beats. I’m sure you’ll have to give it a few listens to understand the true depth that Robert and Duke are able to jam into a seven-minute gem. Robert takes time to discuss what it was like when he first discovered House music and who the influential characters were along his journey. My favorite quote is Robert describing what the House music scene was like at its inception as “Everybody was there, you know, like one unit, you know, and all embracing each other and the music.” Of course, this wouldn’t be a House track without the perfect House beats to match and Duke Dumont delivers on that front. The two make for an excellent duo and manage to pull off a unique and engaging song that features virtually no singing and only dialogue.
Todd Terry featured in “DJs Gotta Dance More” by A-Trak
This track is an honest reflection of the connection that Todd Terry feels to the dancefloor, the dancers, and the music that has been the soundtrack to his life. Music is a saving grace in so many forms and Terry reflects on the fact that House music is what eventually helped get him and his family out of a bad situation. Terry summarizes his personal drive perfectly as he says that all his effort, “It’s for that good old House music.” He’s known for being a key player in pushing the House music movement forward and aiding in its spread beyond the Chicago scene. A-Trak paired up with Terry to make this jumping song and it’s a wonderful sample of both artists and their dedication to the genre and community.
Alan Watts featured in “Overthinker” by INZO
This next song will get the gears in your mind moving which is ironic given the title. INZO is a relatively smaller name that has been active over the past few years. For those that are unfamiliar with Alan Watts, he is a well-known writer and public speaker who is notable for his efforts in spreading Eastern spiritual ideas to the Western community. Watts has been sampled through a variety of songs and it’s not surprising why. He has an inviting and almost hypnotic voice that pairs beautifully with the subtly powerful Electronic energy that INZO is delivering on this track. For me, this is an exquisite blend of wisdom and shaking drops. As I listen through I find myself getting caught up in what Watts has to say but suddenly get shaken from the thoughts as INZO hit us with a jolt of musical energy.
Tupac Shakur featured in “Something We All Adore” by Solomun
Solomun has been a Deep House guru for quite some time now and he reached into the past to Tupac Shakur to deliver thoughtful words to be paired with his simple yet inviting progressions. Shakur will always be known as the unique rapper who was able to deliver insight and society-challenging thoughts. This particular dialogue featured was taken from an interview with Shakur in 1996. For me, it stirred up some contemplation as to whether fortune and fame are what we all truly adore or if it’s actually connection and recognition from one another? If you take some time to pull this musical thread a little further you’ll find yourself listening to “Fame” and taking in the complex words Shakur and his fellow featured artists have to share. I’ve listened through this Solomun track over and over and I’m still left with the same questions. I believe this was the inspiration behind Shakur’s original song and interview as well as Solomun’s intention with his own track.
*Featured Image Via The Creation Station Studios*
