The History Of Grunge

Topic : Music

General Purpose : To inform

Specific Purpose : To inform the audience about the history of grunge.

Central Idea : Grunge is the combination of punk rock, metal and a little bit element of country tune which is originated from Seattle, Washington and its lyrics are more to dig up self-emotion in a gloomy way.

Do you guys listen to rock music? I believe even if you hate it, you all still know how rock music sounds like. What is the main musical instrument that will come across into your mind when you hear the word ' rock music'? Do you know that there are many genres of rock music nowadays? Have you ever heard about one of its subgenres which is known as Grunge? By the way, Nirvana is the most famous Grunge band with their evergreen hit single “ Smells Like Teen Spirit”.

I have been really into this genre since I was 10 years old. It was introduced informally in 1991 by my third brother when he played “Smells Like Teen Spirit” cassette in our bedroom over and over again. At the early age of 7, I just loved the melody without knowing what Kurt Cobain's song was all about. During the journey by car to Singapore for my aunt's wedding, my sister played Nirvana's MTV Unplugged in New York album. It was 2 months before Kurt Cobain's suicidal in April 1994.

Because of my great interest in grunge as known as Seattle Sound, I would like to inform you its history, characteristics, theme, fashion and influences.

It is a sub-genres of alternative rock that was started in the mid 80's in Seattle, Washington, USA. Sup Pop record producer, Jack Endino, The Melvins and Mother Loves Bone bands are individuals associated with the early development of grunge. The word 'grunge' itself means dirt or filth because of the heavily distorted guitar sound and the unkempt appearance by grunge musicians. Before the release of Nirvana's Nevermind, Pearl Jam's Ten, Alice in Chains' Facelift albums to the mainstream, grunge was an underground music that represented Seattle's identity.

It is the combination of hardcore punk, heavy metal and a little bit element of country tune. Generally characterized by dirty guitar sound, strong riffs and heavy drumming. It's known by their punk and indie attitudes. It shares with punk, a raw sound, fast tempo and often vocal delivery ; however it also involves slower tempos, dissonant harmonies and more complex guitar riffs of heavy metal. Lyrics are all about social alienation, apathy, entrapment and a desire for freedom, it explores anger, frustration, fear and depression.

Grunge concerts or gigs were known for being straightforward and energetic performances because their primary objective was not to be entertainers but simply to ' rock out'. Fans and musicians interact each other while participating in stage diving, crowd surfing, head banging, pogoing and moshing. T- shirt, torn jeans, messy hair, hairy chin, in other words it must be simple and cheap outfits are the most remarkable of grunge rockers appearance. The slow, heavy and sludgy sounds of The Melvins was the most significant on the grunge sound.

Now, we all know the history of grunge, its characteristics, theme, fashion and influences basically. Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam are the big four bands associated with Seattle Sound. Although they have different main influences, which are Nirvana's punk rock, Alice in Chains' death rock, Soundgarden's heavy metal and Pearl Jam's country rock ; they share the same elements of grunge, which are dirty guitar sound and apathetic or angst-filled lyrics.

After this, i hope you will open your eyes to appreciate the art values of rock music especially grunge. For me, grunge really suits me when I'm feeling blue, angry, depressed, frustrated or happy with its melody and lyrics. It always describes my inner feelings and the way i feel. If you hear me mumbling during this presentation, that is how grunge vocalists throw their voices.

Rock on!

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