Ongoing History of New Music

The Ongoing History of New Music, Episode 726: A History of Concert Sound

When we go to a concert today, we have a right to expect reasonably good sound. But it wasn’t always this way. Back in the day, the goal was to make it LOUD and not necessarily clear. There was little science to the art of sound reinforcement at concerts. The result was often a very substandard experience for the fan.

Now, though, concert sound is big business and there’s a TON of science involved. This week’s show traces the history of concert sound systems from the days of the first rock concerts in the 1950s until today. I think you’ll be surprised at what you learn. And it gives me an excuse to play a lot of cool live tracks–kinda like these.

The Ongoing History of New Music can be heard on the following stations:

We’re still looking for more affiliates in Vancouver, Kamloops, Kelowna, Red Deer, Grand Prairie, Regina, Saskatoon, Brandon, Windsor,  Montreal, Charlottetown, Moncton, Fredericton, and St John’s and anywhere else with a transmitter. If you’re in any of those markets and you want the show, lemme know and I’ll see what I can do. Oh, and did I mention that it looks like the show will start running in Singapore in January? I have a meeting with them on Tuesday to seal the deal.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38019 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

4 thoughts on “The Ongoing History of New Music, Episode 726: A History of Concert Sound

  • Isn’t Grande Prairie all ready getting the show?

    Reply
  • Is there anywhere that a full episode podcast can be downloaded/streamed of your Ongoing History of Music?

    Reply
    • I wish. There are currently too many copyright issues to overcome. But we’re continuing to work on it.

      Reply
      • I never understood why we could for awhile and now we can’t. Why did things change?

        Reply

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