What is Stadium/Arena Rock? Let’s define Stadium Rock, talk about its history, identify what it sounds like, and talk about some popular bands that made it iconic.

Let’s see. How many of these bands' names ring a bell… Journey, KISS, Styx, Kansas, Rush, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Boston, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Guns n’ Roses. One or two? If you’ve even turned on classic rock radio, even for just a second, you’ve probably heard some Stadium Rock. Stadium rock is made up of just what it sounds like - bands that are popular enough to fill up a stadium, put on a hell of a show, and songs that are produced for mass appeal.

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Episode Links:

Stadium Rock Spotify Playlist

How to Play Power Chords

Mötley Crüe co-founder Mick Mars takes band to court: Here’s what we know so far

PSources:

Arena Rock

Arena Rock Music Guide

What is Stadium Rock

Arena Rock Music Overview

The birth of arena rock - The Guardian

The Rolling Stones 1969 Tour

When pop music got big: 1968 and the birth of arena rock

Journey Biography

KISS Biography

Van Halen Biography

Bio - Motley Crue

AC/DC

What is shoegaze? Well it’s gazing at your shoes… This dreamy subgenre of rock was named for artists who liked to stare at the effect pedals at their feet, rather than at the adoring fans. The result is big, ethereal, wall of sound songs that make your ears melt (in a good way). Let’s define shoegaze, talk about its history, and identify what it sounds like.

Inspired by the punk movement, the Cocteau Twins, and The Jesus and Mary Chain - solidified by My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive, Shoegaze was a huge step forward in sonic production. Although it was quickly snuffed out by grunge and Britpop, its influence on modern day music is felt. We now have acts like M83, Beach House, and Tame Impala who aren’t afraid to go overboard with effects, creating an unforgettable soundscape.

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Episode Links:

Shoegaze Playlist

The 50 Best Shoegaze Albums of All Time

Tame Impala Interview

How to sound SHOEGAZE with Guitar Pedals

Tame Impala's Kevin Parker Breaks Down His Favorite Drum Sounds

Sources:

What is Shoegazing Music?

Shoegaze

AllMusic Shoegaze

A Brief History of Shoegaze

What is Shoegaze Music?

Cocteau Twins Biography

Jesus and Mary Chain, Biography

My Bloody Valentine Biography

Slowdive

Beach House

Tame Impala

What on earth is Wizard Rock??? We’ve got an interesting one for you on the podcast this week. This magical genre is a niche form of rock that came from the Harry Potter fandom making music based on and inspired by the books & movies. Literally. Bands are named things like Harry and the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys, and the Parselmouths. 

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Episode Links:

Wizard Rock Spotify playlist

Band Listings

We are Wizards: Wizard Rock Documentary

Rolling Stone Interview with Harry and the Potters

Current Wizard Rock Scene - Bandcamp page

Wizrocklopedia Facebook Page

Sources:

Wizard Rock

The wonderful, weird world of wizard rock

Wizard rock

Witch House: Harry Potter and the Wizard Rock Phenomenon

Wizard Rock Forerunners Harry and the Potters Reflect on J.K. Rowling’s 20-Year Legacy

Label - Harry and the Potters

Draco and the Malfoys

Wizard rockers The Whomping Willows confront current issues with 'Revisionist History'

What is noise rock exactly? Join us as we break down one of the most abrasive, ear-bleeding, and limitless genres in existence. It's a breeding ground for creativity and variety. In fact, many bands and albums in this genre follow their own instincts and influences to produce music that defies strict categorization. 

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Episode Links:

Noise Rock Playlist

Steve Albini Explains Why He Hates Steely Dan

Sources:

Noise Rock

Noise Rock Guide

Noise Rock - TV Tropes

Distortion: The Sound of Rock and Roll's Menacing Spirit

Sonic Youth Biography

Big Black

Melt Banana Wiki

Swans Biography

Folk music, also known as traditional music, has been around for ages. But what happens when you combine a tale as old as time with new, British-invasion-esque rock and roll? Folk Rock. But what is Folk Rock exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, and identify what it sounds like. Let’s also talk about some of the fantastic bands that defined Folk Rock.

Folk rock is just that - a hybrid music style that combines elements of the folk genre with popular rock and roll styles. It gained popularity in the early 60s following a folk music revival, and was made popular by The Byrds and, much to the chagrin of his folk purist fanbase, Bob Dylan.

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episode Links:

Folk Rock Spotify Playlist

Sources:

Dylan Goes Electric at the Newport Folk Festival

Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize

Folk Rock

Folk Rock Music Guide

What is Diatonic Harmony?

Folk Rock

Folk Rock 101

Bob Dylan - Biography

The Byrds Biography

Buffalo Springfield

Joni Mitchell

The Mamas and the Papas

How did the U.S. respond to the British Invasion? Garage Rock. But what is garage rock, exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, and identify what it sounds like. Let’s also talk about some of the fantastic bands that defined Garage Rock.

Made up of individuals who perform with immense raw energy, these guys are often called the first wave of do-it-yourself punk rockers. These may have been amateur musicians, but these guys were inspired by the same 50s Rhythm and Blues acts that the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and the Kinks started their careers covering. They did it rawer, heavier, and wilder. Garage Rock is still going strong today, with acts like Ty Segall, and Thee Oh Sees making music with those 60s garage rock sounds.

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episode Links:

Garage Rock Spotify Playlist

Nuggets

Goldie and the Gingerbreads

Sources:

Garage Rock

Garage Rock Music Guide

Garage Rock AllMusic

The Best Garage Rock Albums of 1966

Nuggets

The Kingsmen Biography

The Sonics

The Beau Bremmels

Goldie and the Gingerbreads

Ty Segall

How Thee Oh Sees Became Cult Garage Rock Icons

Deliberately nasty, dirty, anti-glam and, consequently, pre-punk, Pub Rock groups in valued the simple, back to basics sounds of the early 60s. Ignored by the big wig record companies, these guys opted for inexpensive records put out on their own terms. Picture ordering a $4 draught instead of a $17 martini. The result was a raw, live-performance-driven scene hosted primarily in London and Essex that lasted a mere six or so years.

I invite you to pull up a cushy barstool, pour yourself a Guinness, and lean in while I tell you everything you need to know about who raised the bar with the creation of Pub Rock.

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episode Links:

Pub Rock Spotify Playlist

Sources:

Pub Rock Encyclopedia Britannica

Raising the bar: the chaotic story of Pub Rock

Pub Rock

Pub Rock' was more than a label

Pub rock (United Kingdom)

Eggs Over Easy

Nick Lowe Biography

Ducks Deluxe Biography

Ducks Deluxe

Dr. Feelgood biography

Two Rock Bands at the Bottom Line

A child, or should I say… division of progressive rock, Math Rock sounds incredible. But what is Math Rock, exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, identify some stylistic characterizations, and tell some stories about notable people in the genre.

Math Rock is a genre of rock characterized by complex rhythms and irregular and angular instrumental patterns that change constantly first made popular by hardcore groups like Shellac and Slint, cemented as a genre by groups like Don Caballero and Hella, and branched into softer, melodic subsets by groups like Toe and American Football.

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episode Links:

Introduction to music theory

Explaining time signature

Explaining Syncopation

Math Rock Spotify Playlist

Sources:

What is Math Rock?

An Introduction to Math Rock

The History of Math Rock

Math Rock

Shellac Biography

Slint Biography

Music Preview: Instrumental monsters Don Caballero return with revamped lineup

Hella biography

The history and influence of Polvo

toe biography

A genre that changed the face (literally) of the music industry forever, Glam Rock was pioneered by big name superstars like David Bowie, Queen, and Alice Cooper. But what is Glam Rock exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, identify some stylistic characterizations, and tell some stories about notable artists of the genre.

Glam Rock is a genre that came about in the early 70s as a response to the drab, square, and mature authenticity of late 60s rock. Glam rock was about fashion, image, androgyny, and - of course - glitter! It was all about the live performances, which often featured ostentatious costumes, make-up, props, and dramatic theatricality. The music itself, inspired by bubblegum pop and 50s rock-and-roll, was upbeat and danceable.

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episode Links

T.Rex Hot Love 1971 Top of the Pops Performance 

Glam Rock Spotify Playlist

Sources:

Glam Rock

The History of Glam Rock

Children Of The Revolution: How Glam Rock Changed The World

From Bowie to Gaga: How Glam Rock Lives On

T. Rex Biography, Songs, & Albums

About David Bowie

Slade Biography

Sweet Biography, Songs, & Albums

Alice Cooper Biography, Songs, & Albums

Queen History

To the moon! It’s a genre that swept the nation alongside the space race. But what is Space Rock, exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, identify some stylistic characterizations, and tell some stories about notable people in the genre.

Coined in the 70s to describe the emerging psychedelic-type rock groups like Pink Floyd and Hawkwind, Space Rock sounds slow, hypnotic, otherworldly, and is characterized by reverb or distortion on guitar, shimmery textures and sound effects. It’s all meant to sound very… cosmic. It’s also characterized by space-themed lyrics and concepts. Duh. But did you know these sounds date as far back as the 50s and a certain British audio engineer?

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episode Links:

Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii

Space Rock Playlist

Sources:

The History of Space Exploration

A Brief History of Space Rock

Space Rock Overview

Space Rock

Pink Floyd Biography

Hawkwind Biography

Gong biography