Music

Music in the 20th Century was largely affected by the popularity of the radio, which along with other advances such as new recording studios made music more accessible. As a result musicians were able to spread their message worldwide and not just in concert halls. Since then concerts have also stepping up and become a much more visual affair, with video screen aiding the music. As transportation improved, musicians were able to travel further so new fans could enjoy the concerts themselves.

Amplification of sound meant those far away from the stage could still hear, and the reproduction and transmission or broadcast of music meant that people at home could enjoy the show without ever having to be there. This also opened up the door to experimentation, where artists could mix up and break existing rules that governed music. As a result of new musical instruments new forms of music could evolve such as Eastern, Middle-Eastern, Latin and Western and all sorts of mixing between them. An important form of musical expression in the 20th Century was the development of folk music. This was music by and of the people, arising in places where commercialisation of culture was yet to emerge. Word was spread by mouth and the music was shared via performances by the entire communities of people, rather than one expert individual performer.

As time progressed, however, the term folk music took on a new meaning. It became associated with a form of music that was actually spawned from what was actually folk music. Performers included Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, The Byrds, Neil Young, The Brothers Four, The Mamas and The Papas and so on. The music itself was notable for its simplicity and the socially conscious lyrics that would often be written. As a result it was often compared to country music and bluegrass.

Today the most popular form of music is known simply as pop (itself short for popular, meaning its form can be quite ambiguous). Various different style can be attributed to pop, but its most common form is the music of performers such as Britney Spears. Pop music is usually popular due to its ease of commercial distribution and the ease upon which it fits into popular culture. All of the factors associated would not be possible without the developments of the 20th Century.