Modern Musicians, Take Notes—The Past Holds the Key
Let’s be real—most musicians today focus on the latest hits, chasing trends and modern production techniques. And while there’s nothing wrong with staying current, there’s something incredibly valuable about digging into older music.
Think of music like a family tree. Just like understanding your ancestry helps you know where you come from, exploring the roots of music gives you a deeper appreciation of where your favorite sounds originated. Whether you’re a singer, songwriter, producer, or instrumentalist, listening to classic songs can help you grow in ways you never imagined.
Here are five reasons why diving into older music can take your artistry to the next level.
1. Unlocking Unique Melodies and Chord Progressions
A lot of modern music relies on familiar, repetitive chord structures (looking at you, four-chord pop songs). But older music? It’s full of surprising twists and turns that keep things fresh.
For example:
The Beatles mastered the art of simple yet unexpected chord changes.
Queen blended classical-style harmonies with rock, making their songs feel larger than life.
Stevie Wonder brought jazz-infused progressions into pop, creating timeless grooves.
By studying these classic artists, you can break out of predictable patterns and write music that stands out.
2. Leveling Up Your Lyricism
Let’s face it—lyrics today often get straight to the point. While that’s great for catchy hooks, there’s something magical about the poetic storytelling of older songs.
Some of the best examples include:
Bob Dylan, whose lyrics are packed with social and philosophical depth.
Simon & Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence, which paints a vivid picture of loneliness.
Japanese legends like Yumi Matsutoya and Yosui Inoue, who capture everyday emotions with beautiful artistry.
Studying these wordsmiths can inspire you to write more powerful, meaningful lyrics that truly connect with your audience.
3. Learning the Art of Sound Production
Before the digital age, music was recorded with analog gear, live performances, and minimal editing—giving it a warm, organic feel. Understanding these techniques can help you shape your own unique sound.
70s rock bands thrived on the raw energy of live recording.
Motown soul relied on analog warmth and natural reverb.
80s synth pioneers crafted electronic sounds that are still sampled today.
Even in today’s digital world, incorporating vintage recording techniques can add richness and depth to your music.
4. Expanding Your Musical Influences
Listening to older music exposes you to genres you might never have explored before, helping you build a more diverse musical vocabulary.
Some essential styles to check out:
🎷 Jazz (Miles Davis, Bill Evans) – Master harmonic depth and improvisation.
🎸 Blues (B.B. King, Eric Clapton) – Enhance your vocal and guitar expression.
🎤 Funk (James Brown, Prince) – Learn how groove and rhythm can transform a song.
Mixing influences from different eras will make your music more original and dynamic.
5. Understanding Where Music Comes From
Your favorite modern artists didn’t just appear out of nowhere—they were shaped by the musicians who came before them. Tracing these influences helps you understand how music evolves and how you can bring something fresh to the table.
Some cool connections:
The Beatles took inspiration from rhythm and blues pioneers.
Japanese rock evolved from folk bands like Happy End before inspiring groups like Spitz.
Hip-hop’s roots lie in jazz and soul, shaping the global genre it is today.
Knowing where music comes from doesn’t mean copying the past—it means learning from it and building something new.
Take Your Music Further
Music isn’t just about playing notes—it’s about telling a story, connecting with history, and finding your unique voice. When you study the roots of music, you’re not just learning facts—you’re discovering the tools to shape your own sound.
Let’s make music that respects the past while pushing toward the future! 🎶
If you're ready to take your skills to the next level, whether it’s through recording, mixing & mastering, music production, or just practicing in a professional space, we’ve got you covered.
Goldilocks Playroom
Visit us: www.goldilocksplayroom.com
Our music and recording studio is in Takadanobaba, Shinjuku, Tokyo.
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