NirvanaKurt CobainDave Grohl Krist Novoselic

Genre Metal/Punk/Pop = Grunge

• Singing style (elements of shouting and screaming)• Instruments and effects used• Simple musical structures (verse chorus verse,

mostly containing a bridge)• Some elements but not as purist as punk on Anti-

establishment ideology• Smashing instruments • Sloppy musicianship• Use of bar chords

Punk musical Characteristics present within Nirvana

Genre Metal/Punk/Pop = Grunge

• Singing style (elements of shouting and screaming)

• Instruments and effects used (distortion/overdrive)

However• Very anti metal ideology

Metal musical Characteristics present within Nirvana

Genre Metal/Punk/Pop = Grunge

• Grunge was born in the 1990’s• Sludgy guitar sound that uses a high level

of distortion, fuzz and feedback effects.• Lyrics are typically angst-filled, often

addressing themes such as social alienation, apathy, confinement, and a desire for freedom

• Many grunge musicians displayed a general disenchantment with the state of society, as well as a discomfort with social prejudices

• Live shows are energy filled and crowds are very active/moshing/crowd surfing, stage diving)

Grunge ideology and characteristics present in Nirvana

V.S

Indie Label Major Label

Global Strategy

Genre Grunge/Punk

• Clothing commonly worn by grunge musicians and fans consisted of clothes that was purchased from or looked like they were from charity shops

• Most common was checked/flannel shirts• A look that appeared un-kept (ripped jeans,

baggy T-shirts, longish hair)• Grunge fashion was very anti “Flash/show off”• Appearance isnt everything philosophy

Grunge Fashion

• Nevermind was released on September 24, 1991. American record stores received an initial shipment of 46,251 copies,while 35,000 copies were shipped in the United Kingdom, where Bleach had been successful.

• The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at number 144.

• Nevermind was already selling well but, over the next few months, the momentum increased significantly as "Smells Like Teen Spirit" unexpectedly became more and more popular. The song's video had received a world premiere on MTV's late night alternative show 120 Minutes but it soon proved so popular that the channel began playing it during the day.

• As the band set out for their European tour at the start of November 1991, Nevermind entered the Billboard Top 40 for the first time at number 35. By this point, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" had become a genuine hit and the album was selling so fast none of Geffen's marketing strategies aimed at different sales levels could be enacted.

• Nevermind became Nirvana's first number one album on January 11, 1992, replacing Michael Jackson at the top of the Billboard charts.

• Nevermind was certified Gold and Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in November 1991, and was certified Diamond in March 1999.

As of 2007, the certification criteria for these recordings are as follows: Silver: 100,000 copies Gold: 500,000 copies Platinum: 1,000,000 copies Multi-Platinum: 2,000,000 copies Diamond: 10,000,000 copies

• CD’s are the main culprit in the death of vinyl. Introduced in 1984, the new technology swept the industry faster than predicted. According to a 1988 Billboard story, most record companies didn't expect the CD to overtake vinyl until the mid-1990s. But the superiority of CD in sound reproduction, its longevity and ease of use could not be denied and consumers enthusiastically embraced the new sensation. Record companies had a hard time keeping up.

Geffen's press promotion for Nevermind was lower than that typical of a major record label. The label's publicist primarily targeted music publications with long lead times for publication as well as magazines in the Seattle area. The unexpectedly positive feedback from critics who had received the album convinced the label to consider increasing the album's original print run.

At first, Nevermind did not receive many reviews, and many publications ignored the album. Months after its release and after "Smells Like Teen Spirit" garnered airplay, print media organisations were "scrambling" to cover the phenomenon the album had become. However, by that point much of the attention fell on Cobain rather than the album itself.

1989 1991 19931992

1994 1996 2004

20042005

New Versions of songs

Re-mixes

Previously unreleased songs

Live versions

Continuing The Appeal? The Legacy

What was used to promote Nevermind?

• Interviews?• Tours?• Live Television Appearances?• Posters?• Music Videos?• Awards?• ‘Word of Mouth’?• Reviews?

CRASH/Uses & Grats

Label/Internet/CD or Vinyl?

Artists/Genre/Style/

AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge & understanding of media concepts, contexts and critical debates

= 20 marks

Audience

Social/Cultural/Political

= 10 marks

AO2 – Apply knowledge & understanding of how meanings and responses are created

Audience

Exam Guidance & Questions

POINT: Make points that directly answer the question (regarding key music industry issues).

EXAMPLE: Refer in detail to examples of: releases/chart positions/videos/marketing strategies/ways the audience access releases etc, that support your points(be specific & detailed).

EXPLAIN: Discuss/debate the key issues raised and reflect upon the implications for the music industry & the audience (give your own views also).

B3. How successful have your chosen texts been for their industry? (30)

Responses may be dependent on how the candidate defines success. Please be open-minded here and engage with candidates' definitions – success does not necessarily imply commercial success. Some candidates may suggest that (some of) their chosen texts were not successful - this is acceptable but please look for coherence in the argument. Points covered may make reference to such general points as:

• commercial/financial success • awards • critical reviews • audience appreciation – e.g. niche, fans etc

Continued over:

Responses to this question are likely to be heavily dependent on the texts selected – and need to be linked closely to them. The following are some generic points candidates might make for each of the industries.

The lists are not intended to be prescriptive.

MUSIC:• sales• downloads • concert sales • awards • critical reviews • influence

Total = 30 marks

‘A’ Grade Exam

Response

CONTENT