Electric Music Fanatics: What's In A Name?

how you call a electric music fan

A fan of music is someone who has a strong interest in an artist, band, or genre. They are often highly involved in the subject of their interest, whether that be through attending conventions, posting online, or displaying banners outside their homes. In the context of music, the term fan is used interchangeably with groupie or fangirl to refer to women who are involved in the music community. The term stan is also used to refer to excessively avid fans of a celebrity, musical artist, or film/TV series. Some musical artists have given their fanbase a nickname, such as 'Rentheads' for fans of the musical 'Rent' and 'Phans' for fans of 'The Phantom of the Opera'. There are also companies such as Electrofans, which are electronic music blogs and promotion companies that cater to electronic music fans.

shunzap

Electric fan harp played like a guitar

The Electric Fan Harp is an innovative musical instrument created by the Open Reel Ensemble for the highly inventive band Electronicos Fantasticos, fronted by electronic artist Ei Wada. The instrument is played like a guitar or an upright bass.

The Electric Fan Harp is made from recycled electronics. By attaching a disk with holes to the fan, the blinks of light are converted into electric signals, generating sound from a bass amplifier. The number of holes in the disk can generate a musical scale, and turning the power on and off creates a roaring sound.

The band explains that their instruments are inspired by Japanese folklore, where old consumer electronics come to life as yokai, or the spirits of abandoned tools. They aim to bring new life to old electronics, uncovering the "condensed wisdom of pioneers" and the hidden scientific and physical phenomena within these objects.

The Electric Fan Harp is a unique and creative approach to music, showcasing the intersection of art and technology. It is a testament to the potential for upcycling and the creation of new sounds and instruments from recycled materials. This instrument is an exciting development in the world of music, offering a fresh and contemporary take on the traditional guitar and bass.

shunzap

Electric fan instruments made from recycled electronics

Electric fans are run by electric motors, and in the hands of inventive musicians, they become musical instruments. The Japanese band Electronicos Fantasticos, fronted by electronic artist Ei Wada, creates music using instruments made from recycled electronics. The band's goal is to create an entire orchestra of these recycled devices, presenting music not just for listening but also for audience interaction with the instruments.

One of the band's unique instruments is an electric fan harp, played by Sonosuke Yamamoto, that can be played like a guitar or an upright bass. The fan harp works by attaching a disk with holes to the fan, which converts the blinks of light into electric signals, generating sound from a bass amplifier. The number of holes in the disk can generate a musical scale, and turning the power on and off creates a roaring sound.

Other instruments in the band include a retro-monitor bass called a Telele, played by Maiko Aoyama, and TV Drums, played by Akira Ataka. The band also features a bar-coder, an emergency beller, and TV O-daiko. These instruments are made by the Open Reel Ensemble, and the band explains that they want to showcase the "condensed wisdom of pioneers and the interesting and mysterious scientific/physics phenomenon hidden inside these objects."

By converting old electronics into musical instruments, Electronicos Fantasticos gives new life to discarded items, creating a unique and interactive sound experience that blurs the lines between technology and art.

shunzap

Fan of musical artists

Being a fan of a musical artist can take many forms. In the past, fans were more like customers, buying records and merchandise and attending concerts. With the advent of social media, the relationship between artist and fan has become more complex, with fans often developing parasocial relationships with celebrities. This means that fans may view artists as close friends or even believe they know them personally, which can lead to inappropriate behaviour and stalking. Artists, particularly musicians, have to be careful about how they interact with fans to maintain healthy boundaries.

The rise of social media has also turned artists into influencers, with fans gaining insight into their personal lives through shared photos and stories. This can lead to misinterpretations and unobtainable expectations, as fans believe they know the artist beyond their public persona. It is important to remember that artists choose what to reveal and do not owe their fans anything, even their art.

Fan communities have also become more organised, with many fandoms adopting names to distinguish themselves from other fan groups. These names are often created by fans themselves or sometimes by the celebrities they admire.

Being a fan can also be about more than just consumption and can involve sustained attention and care for the artist. For example, fans may support an artist through difficult times by giving them their attention and respect. This can be seen as a patron-like relationship, where the fan supports the artist not only with money but also through their dedication and commitment.

In conclusion, being a fan of a musical artist can take many forms, from the simple appreciation of their art to more complex parasocial relationships. While social media has intensified fan culture, it is important to remember the boundaries between artist and admirer and to respect the artist's chosen level of separation.

shunzap

Fan of a genre of music

Music is a diverse art form, and people have varying tastes and preferences. Some people like a specific genre of music, while others enjoy a wide range of genres. Being a fan of a particular genre of music can be a significant part of one's identity, influencing the way one dresses, speaks, and socialises. It can also help one feel involved in something bigger than oneself.

Music genres are categories that help identify a specific piece of music. They are essential in the music industry, informing artists' branding and marketing strategies. For instance, a heavy metal artist will likely have a different image than a classical musician. Genres also help listeners organise and make sense of the vast array of music available. They allow listeners to find and connect with others who share their interests, facilitating shared experiences and a sense of community.

While some people have a strong preference for a single genre, others enjoy a diverse range of music styles. Some individuals feel that liking a specific genre can be challenging because it can be hard to connect with others who have different musical tastes. They may struggle to find others who share their eclectic taste or feel that their playlists are challenging to categorise and sort. However, liking a wide range of genres can also be advantageous, as it allows one to explore and appreciate a broader spectrum of music.

Music genres are not static; they evolve and change over time. Technological advancements, such as the development of synthesizers and apps like TikTok, have played a significant role in shaping new genres and driving their popularity. Social and political movements have also influenced music genres, such as the Civil Rights movement giving rise to soul and hip-hop. As a result, genres like hip-hop, pop, and reggaeton have gained immense popularity, propelled by social media and viral trends.

Overall, being a fan of a particular genre of music can be a significant aspect of one's identity and social life. It can shape one's interests, connections, and experiences. At the same time, the diversity of music genres ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether they are a fan of a specific genre or appreciate a wide range of musical styles.

shunzap

Fan of a music community

Fan communities are an integral part of the music industry, offering numerous benefits to artists, including increased sales and a dedicated customer base. These communities can take many forms, from physical gatherings to online platforms, and they are constantly evolving. For instance, the recent rise of K-pop groups such as BTS has been accompanied by a massive global fan community known as the ARMY, with over 40 million members worldwide.

Fan communities can be a powerful force for artists, as seen in the case of Andrew Weatherall, a UK dance music legend. Following his passing in 2020, a devoted community of fans came together to celebrate his music and legacy, creating an open-source archive of his work and hosting annual events.

Another example is Yungblud, an artist who has cultivated a dedicated fan base, the Black Hearts Club, by being upfront about his alternative energy, outsider status, and fluid sexuality. He actively engages with his community through social media, sharing his thoughts and creating a close connection with his fans.

The relationship between artists and their fans is not a one-way street. An ethic of fandom involves fans educating themselves about the exploitative economics of the music industry and advocating for artists as workers and citizens. This can lead to the formation of organisations such as the Fan Alliance, which strives to connect fandom to artist advocacy in economic and political realms.

Today's fan communities are increasingly turning to digital tools and virtual spaces, such as Discord, to foster cooperation and subvert the transactional nature of conventional social media. These online communities provide opportunities for networking, music discovery, co-creation, and monetisation. Platforms like Echio, for example, allow fans to send demos to artists for feedback and enable artists to build engaged communities.

Frequently asked questions

A fan of electronic music, specifically electronic dance music (EDM), is sometimes referred to as an "electrichead".

Avicii is an example of a famous electronic musician.

Fans of electronic music often interact with each other through social media platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Reddit.

Fans of electronic music often attend conventions, post online, and display their interest through material objects such as merchandise.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment