Burial

Definition

In electronic music, burial refers to a unique style of music production characterized by its atmospheric soundscapes, heavy use of reverb, and incorporation of samples from various genres, particularly dubstep and ambient music. This term connects to influential works that reshape the sound and aesthetics of the genre, often evoking a sense of nostalgia or melancholy through sound manipulation and layering techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Burial is the alias of British producer William Bevan, who emerged as a prominent figure in the underground electronic music scene in the mid-2000s.
2. His self-titled debut album released in 2006 received critical acclaim and is often credited with influencing the sound of modern electronic music.
3. Burial's music often features chopped and manipulated vocal samples, adding an emotional depth to his tracks while maintaining an ethereal quality.
4. The use of urban field recordings in Burial's compositions creates a sense of place and time, often reflecting the mood of London streets at night.
5. Burial's innovative production techniques have inspired a wave of artists across various genres, contributing to the evolution of electronic music into more experimental and emotive territories.

Review Questions

• How does Burial's unique production style differentiate him from other electronic music producers?
  • Burial's production style stands out due to his atmospheric soundscapes that utilize extensive reverb and layered textures. Unlike many electronic producers who may focus on rhythm and beat-driven tracks, Burial emphasizes mood and emotion through his use of samples and field recordings. This creates a distinctive listening experience that evokes feelings of nostalgia and urban melancholy, setting him apart in the electronic music landscape.
• Discuss the impact of Burial's debut album on the evolution of electronic music and its reception within the genre.
  • Burial's debut album released in 2006 was pivotal in shaping the future of electronic music. Critics hailed it for its innovative approach to sound design, blending elements of dubstep with ambient influences. The album not only captured the attention of listeners but also influenced a new wave of artists to experiment with atmospheric compositions, leading to a broader acceptance of varied styles within electronic music. Its success highlighted the potential for emotional storytelling through sound, encouraging more producers to explore similar depths.
• Evaluate how Burial's integration of urban soundscapes into his music reflects broader cultural themes in contemporary electronic music.
  • Burial’s incorporation of urban soundscapes in his work is a direct reflection of contemporary cultural themes such as isolation and nostalgia in modern life. By utilizing field recordings from city environments, he creates an immersive experience that resonates with listeners who navigate similar urban landscapes. This blend of personal emotion with collective urban experiences speaks to a larger narrative within electronic music where artists strive to connect individual stories with shared societal contexts. His work illustrates how sound can evoke powerful memories and feelings linked to place and community.

Related terms

Dubstep: A genre of electronic music that originated in South London in the late 1990s, known for its heavy bass lines, syncopated rhythms, and sparse, atmospheric sound.

Lo-fi: A production style that embraces imperfections in sound quality, often incorporating background noise or distortion to create an intimate or nostalgic listening experience.

Soundscapes: A sonic environment created by combining various sounds, including natural sounds and music, to evoke a specific atmosphere or emotion.