As I have previously discussed, the niche I’m focusing on is classic rock, and instead of going on about why I love it, I’ll be using this time as an opportunity for me to learn more about it, while also providing a platform for others to learn about it too.

As stated in the pitch, each post I make here will focus on a release of significance and the influence it spawned. An example of that would be the release of The Velvet Underground’s debut album: 1967’s The Velvet Underground & Nico, which garnered controversy due to its unconventional performances and unusually personal lyrics. The band’s significance to the 1960s counterculture movement is explored at length in Matthew Bannister’s article – “I’m Set Free…”: The Velvet Underground, 1960s Counterculture, and Michel Foucault (1, 2010).

The Velvet Underground & Nico – 1967 (taken from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Velvet_Underground_%26_Nico)

One of my main points of focus for my DA will be on exploring this era as best I can while still maintaining my ability to narrow in on my purpose, which is to explain the most important moments. This way, I won’t get bogged down by my need to just go on about the albums I love (although that still will very much be part of it).

Another ethnographic skill I plan on keeping in mind is flexibility. I could very much see my vision for this project altering slightly as I go along. I very much want to maintain a balance between generating interesting information while also still having fun with it.

Pitch:

Reference

1, Bannister, M. (2010) “I’m Set Free…”: The Velvet Underground, 1960s Counterculture, and Michel Foucault, Popular Music and Society, Vol 33, Issue 2, Pg. 163-178