Become a Punk Rock Star.
So number 24 on your New Year's Resolution: "Become a Punk Rock Star"
Welcome to the first part of a mini series where we will explore what it takes to become a rock musician and how to get there. So let's start off with one of the more popular and easier to get started of the Rock trades, the Punk Rocker.
1) Philosophy: Punk rock is about attitude, about Anarchy, about being different from the rest. In terms of fashion, ideals, rebelling against the norm. This is what being a Punk Rocker is about. Punk rock dressing simply means you wear what you want, make your own clothes, however, if you try dressing up as one of the guys from Green Day or The Ramones, it defeats the purpose. Make your own style, have your own ideas.
2) Influences: Here are a list of bands or people who have defined the genre and a must-listen for Punk Rock wannabes. The Ramones, The Clash, Sex Pistols, Patti Smith, Green Day, Sonic Youth, The Velvet Underground.
3) History: Punk rock came out from the excesses of rock music in the 70s with all the fancy lights and 20 minute guitar solos. Punk Rock allowed people who were not musically inclined to express themselves too. This also let them sing about social and political issues of the day while having an authentic sound.
4) The Band: So, now you need a Electric guitarist, a bassist and a drummer to complete the triumvirate of a Punk rock band. Power Chords are the key here, usually simple chord progressions using the top 3 strings for a heavy sound. Basslines are uncomplicated, needed for repetitive rhythms to accompany while the Drummer tends to go as fast as possible.
5) The Music: So now go write some songs, the melody need not be complicated usually 3 chords are enough for a song, but 4 usually makes a song more complete. Write about the social injustices in your country, about political idiots, about wanting to sniff some glue. Anything that makes you angry or appeals to your baser instinct is fair game. Writing about bunny rabbits and rainbows are a big no-no, unless you are writing about the time you were high and tripping.
So, that's all folks. Go start your band.
Welcome to the first part of a mini series where we will explore what it takes to become a rock musician and how to get there. So let's start off with one of the more popular and easier to get started of the Rock trades, the Punk Rocker.
1) Philosophy: Punk rock is about attitude, about Anarchy, about being different from the rest. In terms of fashion, ideals, rebelling against the norm. This is what being a Punk Rocker is about. Punk rock dressing simply means you wear what you want, make your own clothes, however, if you try dressing up as one of the guys from Green Day or The Ramones, it defeats the purpose. Make your own style, have your own ideas.
2) Influences: Here are a list of bands or people who have defined the genre and a must-listen for Punk Rock wannabes. The Ramones, The Clash, Sex Pistols, Patti Smith, Green Day, Sonic Youth, The Velvet Underground.
3) History: Punk rock came out from the excesses of rock music in the 70s with all the fancy lights and 20 minute guitar solos. Punk Rock allowed people who were not musically inclined to express themselves too. This also let them sing about social and political issues of the day while having an authentic sound.
4) The Band: So, now you need a Electric guitarist, a bassist and a drummer to complete the triumvirate of a Punk rock band. Power Chords are the key here, usually simple chord progressions using the top 3 strings for a heavy sound. Basslines are uncomplicated, needed for repetitive rhythms to accompany while the Drummer tends to go as fast as possible.
5) The Music: So now go write some songs, the melody need not be complicated usually 3 chords are enough for a song, but 4 usually makes a song more complete. Write about the social injustices in your country, about political idiots, about wanting to sniff some glue. Anything that makes you angry or appeals to your baser instinct is fair game. Writing about bunny rabbits and rainbows are a big no-no, unless you are writing about the time you were high and tripping.
So, that's all folks. Go start your band.