This month I've decided to write about form verses function, especially as it relates to musical performances. Sometimes I feel inclined to advise friends and acquaintances, fellow songwriter and performers regarding this subject. But you know what you call unsolicited advice…criticism. So, instead of advice, this is just going to be commentary; a discussion of these concepts.
I'm a songwriter, a musician, singer, and bandleader, so this discussion will be from that perspective. I should add that I am also a music lover who sees many live musical performances on a regular basis, so the discussion will also be from the point of view of the listener.
What do we mean by form; by function? Simply put, form is the appearance, or in the case of music, the sound. Is it a finger-picked classical guitar or a distorted electric? Is it a solo performance or an ensemble? Genre is an element of form. Is it the lovely voice of Lana Del Rey or Muddy Waters shouting the blues?
Function means purpose. It's why the music was created and why it's being performed. The reasons for creating music are, obviously, quite varied, so I'm going to discuss purpose from my personal perspective. I think that a lot of songwriters will be able to relate.
Function for me is communication, so lyrics are very important. The lyrical content determines the sound, feel, and even the genre of my songs. For me, form serves the function.
As a listener I am the same way. I want to hear the lyrics, and if the instrumentation is too loud, ot the singer is performing in a way that obscures them, I look at it as form failing to serve the function.
Then there's the listener who just came to dance. Totally different function. Probably not too many in that crowd that cares a whole lot about hearing the lyrics. But if you're a writer of lyrics that you consider meaningful, even if you're playing for a dance crowd, I would think you would still want that meaning to be accessible. And even for the dancers, it could enhance the experience.
When I listen to a singer, one of the first things I notice is if I can hear the words. Sometimes singers with excellent voices are not good at making the words understandable. Not always sure of the exact problem, but clearly this is something that can be mastered if one wants to, since some singers do it without a problem. Perhaps just a matter of intent.
With an ensemble, the problem can be more complex. Especially with certain styles that tend to be loud and aggressive. Even in those styles of music I think it is possible to give the vocalist the spotlight. And I think when that is done it enhances the performance.
Just my opinion. Form should serve function.
A reminder: Your last chance to hear the present lineup of Barbed Wire Valentine is August 29th at Banshee Wines, 5110 Highway 128, Geyserville from 4 till 7. There's a $30.00 door charge, good food, good wine, and good music. After that our drummer, Herb Gura is leaving the area and we'll be reforming. Hope to see you there.
Thanks for reading.
Richard