The Future of Music/ Steve Reich and DJ Spooky

After reading these two articles I seemed to ascertain a parallel between how they seem to be calling for the same thing. A liberation from the "ideal" sound. What is this "ideal" sound? It seems to be years of the same 18th - 19th century instruments that have conditioned the average listener into being mere consumers of organized sound rather than a true listener of art.

In my opinion I find that this analysis is spot on. Sound isn't the only thing that we have allowed to condition us, as we are living in an Iron age that values a media which pumps us with over-sexuality and generally touts indulgence as acceptable. But focusing more directly on sound, there are infinite possibilities that we can expose ourselves too yet for some reason we tend to limit ourselves based on what society deems to be the most acceptable.

Although there is a certain level of cohesion in sound required to listen to what we typically claim as music, the individual sounds themselves need not be limited by what we have considered to be correct. For example, in hip hop we find that artists such as Run the Jewels have pushed the boundaries in not only what is acceptable to say but also acceptable to hear utilizing a wide array of distorted sounds to percolate into a aggressive symphony. Some may find their sound displeasing as it breaks the conventional definition of music, but it is this bravado that makes them so recognizable and unique.

In DJ spooky's article we find that he touches upon this concept of swimming with the current. We have made a religion out of going with the grain, where in fact if we are to truly experience sound as it is we have to do the opposite. I believe the same goes for every sense perception we experience in life. Who says what is accepted as beauty is actual beauty? Who says what is pleasant to smell or taste is actually that? These opinions are given value only when we accept them as fact. But I submit to you not all that is defined as sweet is sweet. What if I told you it is sour?

I found it refreshing to see how Cage touched upon how when we generally ignore sound it disturbs us, but we ignore it because we are seeking peace. We rarely ask ourselves what is it that is allowing us to hear in the first place, what is that fundamental principle sound from which all other sound generates and to which it merges back? That fundamental sound is a peaceful infinity, an eloquent silence. Why is it that we condition what fundamentally cannot be conditioned? If we have the courage to ourselves to ask these questions I guarantee we will experience sound unbound.