Friday, October 25, 2013

Music As Art

I believe art is something that moves people; it can range from drawn art like paintings to physical forms of art such as dancing or even music. Art can display feelings that cannot be expressed through words, and it makes people think. It’s not limited, nor should it be.  Arrogance is art’s bane. When a person decides that he or she has the power to decide what art is, or rather what art is to someone else, this is what kills art.
The song “Young” by Hollywood Undead is the piece of art I chose.

The song possesses meaning, and I believe the video supports this. Many people today feel a lack of belonging and hopelessness and this is expressed through the chorus “We are strong, but we don’t belong”. Hollywood Undead’s first album “Swan Songs” hit platinum sales in January 18th 2013. The band itself is focused on incorporating art in to their music and their band, which is the reason they wear the masks. Each mask was made by the member and came from their own artistic style. While the music genre may or may not be your cup of tea, you can’t deny that the song has touched people.
The start of the video is something very familiar, maybe not to you personally, but the man standing giving the speech can almost be compared to Hitler giving oppressive speeches in front of a Swastika. What does this suggest? It couldn’t possibly be talking about our government… or could it?
However “young” isn’t the rap-rock-band’s only song or album, many would argue that their other music: Songs such as “Everywhere I go” and “No. 5” aren’t art and therefore the argument is invalid. Yet doesn’t the music still express feelings? Even if some of the lyrics are explicit, doesn’t it portray meaning, a message? 
In the end, if a piece can move someone and display a message whether it's good or bad. Towards the end of the video, it shows at least a hundred fan sent in pictures and their own homemade "Hollwood Undead masks" which means their music has impacted each and every one of those people.

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