Ethan Teaches You Music Podcast

Dive into the rich tapestry of Paul Simon's 'You Can Call Me Al,' exploring its harmonic complexity and the cultural echoes it raises. Discover the unique interplay of Western and South African musical traditions. Hear about the vibrant compositions and live performance challenges from the 1980s. Reflect on the songwriting process in 'Graceland' while acknowledging the essential contributions of various artists. Unpack the impact of apartheid on music, celebrating the vital role of South African musicians in the global landscape.

Dive into the rich tapestry of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' as the podcast unpacks the legendary recordings by Simon & Garfunkel and Aretha Franklin. Explore Franklin's transformative live performance, showcasing her emotional depth and innovative vocal techniques. Discover the intricate musical influences behind the song, including its gospel roots. The discussion sheds light on the delicate dance of musical appropriation, examining how artists can honor and reclaim diverse traditions in their work.

Dive into the soulful world of Otis Redding and his timeless hit, exploring its unique chord progressions that redefine blues. Discover the challenges of sampling iconic musicians within the realm of music theory. The discussion critiques traditional music education, advocating for a more inclusive approach that celebrates diversity. Join an engaging dialogue on innovation in songwriting and the balance between creativity and technical skill in music.

Dive into the groundbreaking world of Herbie Hancock's 'Rockit' and its fusion of jazz with early hip-hop. Discover the innovative sounds of the 80s, where electronic elements and collaborations reshaped music. Learn about the avant-garde techniques like turntable scratching that sparked excitement and debate. Explore a fresh perspective on categorizing music, moving beyond strict genres to embrace interconnectedness. Plus, uncover the song's lasting influence on dance and pop culture while navigating the mixed responses from the jazz community.

Dive into the fascinating world of sampling with an analysis of De La Soul's 'I Know.' Discover how innovative techniques bring classic tracks to life, challenging the notion that hip-hop is simplistic. Explore the intricate processes behind beat reconstruction and the differences between modern and vintage sampling technology. Learn about digital audio representation and its impact on sound quality. Finally, reflect on the profound influence of classic artists in shaping the complexity of hip-hop beats.

Dive into the captivating history of 'When the Levee Breaks,' tracing its origins from the blues of the 1920s to its transformation into a rock anthem. Discover the innovative drumming techniques that give it a unique sound, thanks in part to John Bonham’s masterful style. The discussion also covers iconic tracks from the late '80s and early '90s, showcasing clever sampling methods. Explore the complexities of music theory and cultural appropriation, analyzing Björk's innovative use of the Locrian mode alongside Led Zeppelin's blues influences.

Dive into the intriguing world of chord progressions as the host explores innovative movements through the circle of fifths. Discover how rock and pop classics, like The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, challenge traditional music theory. Learn about atypical clockwise transitions that breathe new life into familiar songs. Plus, get insights on plagal cadences and notable covers, including the Talking Heads' take on 'Take Me To The River'. This lively discussion invites music enthusiasts to rethink their understanding of chord use in popular music.

Dive into the fascinating world of chord progressions with a focus on the circle of fifths. Discover how this concept shapes both popular and classical music. Tune into musical demonstrations featuring iconic tracks and timeless classics, showcasing the magic of major and minor sequences. Plus, enjoy some eye-opening insights into the often-misunderstood nature of the circle itself. It's a fun exploration of creativity and structure in music!

Discover the intriguing identity of F-sharp and G-flat, notes that sound the same but hold different names in music theory. The podcast dives into historical contexts and tuning methods that shape musical performance. An excerpt from Miles Okazaki's video offers insights into guitar tuning using harmonics. Additionally, enjoy synthesized segments of Bach's masterpieces and a variety of other captivating musical pieces. Explore how the harmonic series connects with just intonation and blues harmony for a complete auditory experience.

Delve into the fascinating worlds of historical tuning systems as they relate to Bach's music. Experience Glenn Gould's groundbreaking interpretation of the Prelude No. 1 in C Major and how it transforms in various well temperaments. Explore the contrast between just intonation and the standard 12-tone equal temperament, revealing how these differences enrich musical expression. Listen to performances that showcase the emotional depth of these tuning systems, igniting a passion for music that transcends traditional boundaries.