Let's dive into the fascinating world of noise music and the unexpected viral sensation that is Sam Andrews and his Merzbow marathon.
The Rise of a Viral Sensation
An Instagram Reel, reminiscent of a classic coming-of-age film, captures the attention of many. It's a glimpse into the world of four teenagers, but instead of typical teenage antics, they're embracing the extreme. The focus? Merzbow, the iconic Japanese noise artist, and his extensive discography.
Masami Akita, the man behind Merzbow, has been creating noise music since 1979, with over 400 releases to his name. It's an impressive, and some might say daunting, body of work. And here's where our story takes an intriguing turn.
Sam Andrews: The Teenager with a Mission
Sam Andrews, an 18-year-old with a passion for music and a penchant for the extreme, has embarked on a unique journey. He's listening to every single one of Merzbow's albums, and documenting his progress daily. It's a challenge that has not only gained him a substantial online following but has also sparked a deeper conversation about music consumption and engagement.
Andrews' videos, which have reached half a million views, offer a fresh perspective on how we interact with challenging music in the age of streaming and short-form content. It raises questions about our relationship with music and the value we place on it.
A Regular Teen with an Unconventional Taste
Despite his love for harsh noise and experimental bands, Andrews is a typical teenager in many ways. His messy bedroom, a blur behind him during video calls, is a familiar sight for many. He lives a balanced life, working part-time at a cinema, applying for college, and, of course, immersing himself in Merzbow's world.
His journey into music criticism began with drumming, much like Akita, but evolved with the discovery of music critics like Anthony Fantano and platforms like Rate Your Music. Andrews rates each Merzbow release, offering his insights and opinions to a growing audience.
The Power of Full Discographies
Andrews represents an older school of music lovers who appreciate full albums and discographies. It's a medal of honor, he says, to have sat through an extensive discography, a feat few would attempt. This perspective challenges the way we often consume music, favoring individual songs or playlists over the full artistic journey.
Merzbow's Relevance and Impact
Merzbow's music, while extreme, isn't alien to younger listeners. It's used as a shock factor online, but Andrews argues that it's a more engaging experience than the mind-numbing short-form content that dominates. Deep listening, he believes, improves attention spans and appreciation for longer artistic pieces.
Despite relatively low Spotify numbers, Merzbow's impact is undeniable. As Anohni suggests, the value of music isn't always measured by its popularity. Challenging music like Merzbow's forces us to think critically about quality and worth.
The Unexpected Conversations
Andrews has been surprised by the reactions and conversations his videos have sparked. From sleepovers with friends to discussions at church, people are engaging with experimental music and sharing their thoughts. Even those who don't typically listen to such genres have insightful opinions.
The age demographic of Andrews' audience is also intriguing. While a small percentage are his age, most viewers are in their 30s and 40s, a testament to Merzbow's dedicated fanbase and the longevity of his impact.
Akita's Response and the Future of Merzbow
Masami Akita himself has taken notice of Andrews' journey, interacting with him on Instagram. While the interaction was brief, it's a sign of the impact Andrews is having. Andrews admires Akita's commitment to his art, predicting that Merzbow's work will continue to be discussed for decades to come.
In conclusion, Sam Andrews' Merzbow marathon is more than just a viral sensation. It's a thought-provoking exploration of music consumption, the value of challenging art, and the power of deep listening. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most interesting conversations and insights come from the most unexpected places.
