So I should probably start by saying that I don’t typically write articles nor am I a blogger, however, lately I have seen two different articles written about steampunk music and for once I felt a need for a more formal response. So here is my opinion on the Rush vs Bieber and what is steampunk music topics.
First lets tackle the differing reactions on Bieber doing a steampunk themed music video vs Rush creating an entire concept album with a novel tie in and a stage design to complete the experience. I actually don’t have a problem with either, publicity is publicity. However it should be pretty obvious just from the description of the two that there are major differences. So, why the negative reaction to Bieber? Well as I see it, one reason is simple elitist silliness. The other reason that I haven’t seen anyone mention is age. Think about it, what age group does Bieber appeal to, teenyboppers. What is the average age of the steampunk crowd? Probably 20’s on up with the largest portion probably 30’s and up. So there is a generational difference which partially accounts for the difference in reactions. In reality, potentially exposing a younger generation to a style they might not otherwise see is not a bad thing so yes the melodramatic response to a music video was very silly and never should have happened.
Now on to the positive reaction to Rush. They didn’t buy a few props and costumes for a music video. They created an entire experience that was steampunk themed. Also think about what age their average fan is and ask yourself how many people into steampunk also happen to like Rush. I’ve heard the argument that they’re not a steampunk band so there should be the same outrage as there was to Bieber, well that’s just silly.
Here is where this all ties together. Steampunk is not a music based scene, it never has been and it never will be, so get over it. Is there a comic book, Star Trek, Star Wars, Football or baseball based music scene? No those things aren’t music based either. Are there bands with a steampunk style at least visually? Sure, but does that make the music they play steampunk ? Not really, if you stop and think about it, if music were to stylistically reflect a steampunk aesthetic then it would be by nature eclectic and encompass a broad range of styles. It would also probably be complex and incorporate classical instruments or be highly tech driven or a bit of both. However, that means that steampunk music could technically be anywhere from classical to heavy metal. Which also means you won’t get people to agree or like everything that labels itself steampunk. This once again comes right back to my basic point steampunk is not a music based culture and people trying to shoehorn it into one are not doing anyone any favors. Enjoy steampunk for what it is. Enjoy seeing it pop up in the strangest places. Most importantly don’t take all of this too seriously. After all, we are all playing dress up in imaginary alternate history worlds that are similar but not necessarily the same so it’s rather important to keep all this in the proper perspective.
First lets tackle the differing reactions on Bieber doing a steampunk themed music video vs Rush creating an entire concept album with a novel tie in and a stage design to complete the experience. I actually don’t have a problem with either, publicity is publicity. However it should be pretty obvious just from the description of the two that there are major differences. So, why the negative reaction to Bieber? Well as I see it, one reason is simple elitist silliness. The other reason that I haven’t seen anyone mention is age. Think about it, what age group does Bieber appeal to, teenyboppers. What is the average age of the steampunk crowd? Probably 20’s on up with the largest portion probably 30’s and up. So there is a generational difference which partially accounts for the difference in reactions. In reality, potentially exposing a younger generation to a style they might not otherwise see is not a bad thing so yes the melodramatic response to a music video was very silly and never should have happened.
Now on to the positive reaction to Rush. They didn’t buy a few props and costumes for a music video. They created an entire experience that was steampunk themed. Also think about what age their average fan is and ask yourself how many people into steampunk also happen to like Rush. I’ve heard the argument that they’re not a steampunk band so there should be the same outrage as there was to Bieber, well that’s just silly.
Here is where this all ties together. Steampunk is not a music based scene, it never has been and it never will be, so get over it. Is there a comic book, Star Trek, Star Wars, Football or baseball based music scene? No those things aren’t music based either. Are there bands with a steampunk style at least visually? Sure, but does that make the music they play steampunk ? Not really, if you stop and think about it, if music were to stylistically reflect a steampunk aesthetic then it would be by nature eclectic and encompass a broad range of styles. It would also probably be complex and incorporate classical instruments or be highly tech driven or a bit of both. However, that means that steampunk music could technically be anywhere from classical to heavy metal. Which also means you won’t get people to agree or like everything that labels itself steampunk. This once again comes right back to my basic point steampunk is not a music based culture and people trying to shoehorn it into one are not doing anyone any favors. Enjoy steampunk for what it is. Enjoy seeing it pop up in the strangest places. Most importantly don’t take all of this too seriously. After all, we are all playing dress up in imaginary alternate history worlds that are similar but not necessarily the same so it’s rather important to keep all this in the proper perspective.
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