Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 208 | Rick Beato on the Theory of Popular Music
Aug 22, 2022
Rick Beato, a renowned music producer and educator, dives deep into the theory of popular music. He unpacks how specific chord changes and structures create emotional responses, illustrating music's relationship with mathematics. The conversation touches on the evolution of music production and the tension between technological accessibility and artistic depth. Beato also critiques conventional songwriting, urging new artists to innovate beyond familiar patterns. His insights illuminate how understanding theory amplifies our enjoyment and appreciation of music.
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First Viral Video
- Rick Beato's first viral video featured his son, Dylan, demonstrating perfect pitch.
- The video unexpectedly gained millions of views on Facebook, prompting Rhett Shull to suggest Beato start a YouTube channel.
Perfect Pitch Prodigy
- Dylan Beato's perfect pitch was evident at a young age, surpassing typical perfect pitch abilities.
- He could identify complex chords and their theoretical structure instantly.
Native Music Fluency
- Rick Beato theorizes that perfect pitch develops alongside language acquisition in early childhood.
- He calls it "native music fluency," suggesting it's like a native language learned as a baby.