Extreme Music

More about the book

Expand your aural and sensory experiences with an exploration of tomorrow's sounds (and silences) today. Michael Tau has dedicated years to the extremes of musical expression, culminating in a comprehensive study of the sounds and silences that challenge conventional definitions of music. He categorizes these recorded sounds into sections, inviting both fans and newcomers to delve into the intriguing world of musicians who defy norms. Covering a wide array of extremes—volume, speed, vulgarity, packaging, recording methods, unplayable media, outdated technologies, and digital innovations—Tau poses thought-provoking questions: Are all sounds music? Is silence music? Can a plate of rotting food, once cataloged and sold, be considered music? The work features over 100 interviews with creators and musicians, utilizing Tau's background in psychiatry to explore the motivations behind non-mainstream music. As a fan of avant-garde genres, he reveals the joys, pains, and frustrations found at the fringes of music. This guide is perfect for curious seekers, die-hard fans, and cultural investigators, complete with images and curated links to music samples.