In 'How Music Works', David Byrne invites readers on an exhilarating journey through the intricate world of music, blending personal anecdotes with insightful analysis. He explores how music is not just an art form but a response to social, cultural, and technological contexts. Byrne delves into the evolutionary significance of music, revealing how it shapes our experiences and emotions. With a unique perspective from a renowned musician, he challenges conventional understanding and uncovers the hidden mechanics behind the craft. This engaging exploration will leave you rethinking not only how music is created but also how it profoundly influences our lives.
By David Byrne
Published: 2017
""Music is a way of organizing time and space, a blend of emotion and intelligence that connects us all, transcending culture and language.""
Updated with a new chapter on digital curation How Music Works is David Byrne’s incisive and enthusiastic look at the musical art form, from its very inceptions to the influences that shape it, whether acoustical, economic, social or technological. Utilizing his incomparable career and inspired collaborations with Talking Heads, Brian Eno, and many others, Byrne taps deeply into his lifetime of knowledge to explore the panoptic elements of music, how it shapes the human experience, and reveals the impetus behind how we create, consume, distribute, and enjoy the songs, symphonies, and rhythms that provide the backbeat of life. Byrne’s magnum opus uncovers ever-new and thrilling realizations about the redemptive liberation that music brings us all.
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“"Music is a way of organizing time and space, a blend of emotion and intelligence that connects us all, transcending culture and language."”
How Music Works
By David Byrne
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
David Byrne is a renowned musician, producer, and author, best known as the lead vocalist and founding member of the critically acclaimed band Talking Heads. With a career that spans several decades, Byrne has also authored notable works, including 'How Music Works', 'Bicycle Diaries', and 'American Utopia'. His writing often reflects his unconventional approach to art and culture, featuring a blend of personal narrative, insightful commentary, and a deep exploration of the connections between music, environment, and community. Byrne's distinctive style combines wit and a keen observational eye, making his works accessible yet thought-provoking.
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