Audiophilism is a hobby


This post grew out of another discussion on music vs. sound. According to a poll taken in that discussion, it is clear most A’goners claim they listen to their rigs primarily for the music. Although I don’t doubt the truth of that, I maintain that much of the listening is as a hobby, with music being a very important component. I’m not saying we can’t be profoundly moved by the music but rather that a lot of our enjoyment comes from the sheer sound emitted from our speakers. Great music is of course a vital part of the experience, but with all the manipulations we do with our systems, we  are fascinated by the idea of sound in itself as a hobby.

rvpiano

Showing 5 responses by mashif

@bdp24 

I'm deep into that whole scene of artists, and fortunately live in Nashville. I've seen Buddy several times, including with Emmylou. Do you know WMOT radio? If not, there's an App. Roots Radio. 

Enjoy Sarah. Gonna see her next month. Steve Earle in October.

Another dimension to this discussion is appreciating some music or artists because of how good their music sounds. Not my gear, but the recording quality.

In 2017 I came across a local news article about a young female recording engineer who was up for a Grammy. So I listened to the album mostly out of curiosity.

I immediately fell in love with the sound of the record and by the end of the album I was in love with the music and artist.

The album was Undercurrent by Sarah Jarosz. After listening to it obsessively, I found it was not her debut album but her fourth. As I went back through her earlier records, there was that same beautiful soundscape and voice. She's now my favorite artist,and just released her 7th album. 

I also discovered that Sarah's recording engineer cut his teeth working with Allison Krause, so it all made musical sense. 

All of this musical joy just from curiosity about sound. It's happened before (Buddy Miller) and will likely again. So in that sense sometimes I listen just for sound and discover music I love. 

I also routinely listen to records that win Engineering Grammys as potential music I might like. 

Julie is the writer. Buddy is the producer. Neither could do it alone.

I love all Sarah’s albums but Build Me Up From Bones probably tops the list. The new one is infectious and brilliant, but more commercial. Not the free flowing sound of the others, but I think she deserves to have some hits and make a living.