When We Begin to Spin Funk

When we spin Funk music, listeners may forget to consider the technical aspects of sound. Microphones, phonographs, and vinyl records share a storied musical journey. The technological aspects of sound are just as significant as the creative process that music represents. When we spin vinyl recordings, compressed history is released to the world through sound. 

In chronicling the major points of music’s history, the book, Music, Sound, and Technology in America: A Documentary History of Early Phonograph, Cinema, and Radio, by Timothy D. Taylor, Mark Katz, and Tony Grajeda, explain that, “The first working phonograph, which assistant John Kruesi built in 1877 from Edison’s sketches, was an elegantly simple device that used no electricity.”  From there, the revolution had begun, not only in terms of the eventual playing of vinyl discs, but it terms of the way sound could be delivered.  Music went from being based on live performances, to having the option of being played through a self-contained system that delivered recorded mechanical performances. 

In terms of time periods, Taylor, et al. explain that, “The years between 1877 and 1925 mark a distinctive period in the history of sound recording, known collectively as the acoustic era … In 1925 the acoustic era was effectively brought to a close with the widespread introduction of microphones, which ushered in what came to be known as the electric era. (It was not until the 1970s that the technology entered yet a new phase-the digital era.)”  Distinct time periods saw vinyl record sizes standardized (i.e. 33 1/3, 45 rpm) and saw recorded music shift to the compact disc (CD). This innovation erased the background hissing sound associated with of the cassette and 8-track tape.  Throughout the 1900s, all genres of music contributed to the phenomena of phonograph-spun  music.  When we spin Funk, we indirectly witness the innovations that led to the creation of Funk.

The technical side of music is just as important as musicianship.  In the book, Vinyl: The Art of Making Records, by Mike Evans, “The word “vinyl” is an abbreviation of polyvinyl chloride [or PV], which comes in the form of black pellets [or other shades if a colored disc is being manufactured].  These pellets are sucked into a hydraulic press and melted at high temperature before being squirted out as vinyl biscuits, which are sandwiched and flattened between two stampers representing each side of the finished record.”  When we say how the technical side of music is just as important as the musicianship involved, not everyone would agree.  Some people only care about the completed product, which is the recorded vinyl record itself.  The complete history of recorded disc production is much more extensive than what was described here.  The history of vinyl record production is interesting in its own right.

There are many theories on why vinyl records are becoming popular again. DJs’ never stopped spinning vinyl records, but we can definitely see why vinyl recordings are making a comeback.  Journalists and historians give their take on the subject. In the book, Why Vinyl Matters: A Manifesto from Musicians and Fans, by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike, she explains how, “Slowly but surely, aficionados returned to the record store, spurring a renaissance in vinyl sales. Owning a physical album allows for a display of identity and a show of commitment.  The record cover provides means for interaction with the disc itself.” The reasons why people are buying records again varies, depending on who is asked. The music tells its own story, and the listener can decide.