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sounds_sound · 4669 days ago · link ·
The link here between cheap, accessible goods and its contingent cultural dissemination is really interesting. Having a single widespread and reliable source for products can really help to shape a particular movement. I remember hearing a story about Beck and how, in the beginning of his touring career, he would travel with all of his obscure guitar pedals that he used on his earlier studio albums. When those pedals broke down, there was no one in most cities that could repair them, and for certain no place to buy a new one, therefore he started touring and ultimately recording with the ubiquitous BOSS pedal. Easily found anywhere in the world, he could now guarantee a standard of sound. Predictability is what you want on the road and his genius came from how one could manipulate the convention to get a unique sound.
There is an awesome documentary about the roots of the banjo called Throw Down Your Heart. Bela Fleck (probably the most renowned banjo player in the world) travels to different parts of Africa to learn about the traditional banjo and play with some of the local musicians. Highly recommend. Its on Netflix.
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