Feedback

Definition

Feedback in music refers to the process where sound from an amplifier or speaker is picked up by a microphone and re-amplified, creating a loop that can result in an echoing sound or a loud screech. This phenomenon has been creatively used by artists to produce distinct sonic textures and enhance live performances, particularly during the British Invasion and psychedelic rock eras.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feedback became a prominent element in live performances during the British Invasion, as bands began to experiment with amplification and guitar techniques.
2. Artists like Jimi Hendrix famously embraced feedback, using it to create innovative sounds and enhance his guitar solos.
3. Psychedelic rock bands utilized feedback to evoke a sense of chaos and otherworldliness, contributing to the genre's experimental nature.
4. The iconic 'screeching' feedback sound is often associated with the climax of songs or intense moments in live shows, capturing audience attention.
5. Some musicians have even composed entire pieces that revolve around the manipulation of feedback, showcasing its potential as a musical tool.

Review Questions

• How did the use of feedback impact the sound and performance styles of bands during the British Invasion?
  • The incorporation of feedback changed how bands approached live performances by adding a new layer of sound that was previously underutilized. This experimentation allowed musicians to create more dynamic and engaging shows, captivating audiences with unpredictable sonic elements. The British Invasion bands recognized feedback as not just a byproduct of amplification but as a powerful tool for artistic expression, influencing their overall sound and stage presence.
• Discuss how feedback is used creatively in psychedelic rock music and its significance within the genre.
  • In psychedelic rock, feedback is often employed to create an immersive listening experience that reflects the genre's focus on altered states of consciousness. By manipulating feedback, artists could produce unique textures and atmospheric sounds that complemented their lyrical themes and musical explorations. This creative use of feedback contributed to the overall aesthetic of psychedelic rock, where traditional song structures were often abandoned in favor of extended jams and experimental soundscapes.
• Evaluate the influence of feedback on contemporary music genres that have roots in the British Invasion and psychedelic rock.
  • Feedback has significantly influenced contemporary music genres like indie rock, shoegaze, and electronic music, which often draw from the innovations of the British Invasion and psychedelic rock. Artists today continue to manipulate feedback as both a compositional tool and a means to evoke emotion within their music. By building upon these foundational practices, modern musicians have expanded the possibilities of sound design, pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories while maintaining a connection to their musical predecessors.

Related terms

Reverb: An effect that simulates the natural echo and reflections of sound in an environment, enhancing the sense of space and depth in music.

Distortion: A processing effect that alters the sound wave, creating a gritty or harsh tone that is often used in electric guitar music.

Overdrive: A specific type of distortion that simulates the sound of an overdriven tube amplifier, providing a warm, rich tone commonly used in rock music.