August 24 is International Strange Music Day or Unusual Music Day, which was invented by American musician Patrick Grant in 1998.
The works of this composer are a synthesis of different genres and styles of — from popular and classical music to post-punk, ambient and ethnic music. At the beginning of his creative career, due to such an extraordinary approach to work, Grant was unable to find a studio that would want to release his new disc. As a result, he founded his own label and called it Strange Music («Strange music»), with the goal of recording new, unusual music. And Strange Music Day was originally conceived by him as a way to promote his new album. Grant chose the date August 24 in honor of the birthday of his girlfriend’s father, who was a kind of mentor to the musician and supported his creative endeavors. Soon, in the music community, Strange Music Day began to be perceived as a holiday, that is, it became popular in «people».
The main goal of the Day, according to Grant, is — to introduce listeners to unfamiliar musical works that they usually do not listen to, or even have never heard, with unusual music that cannot be heard on radio or television. This is a day of expanding borders and openness to everything new and unusual, so the motto «listen without prejudice» — is great for a holiday.
By the way, getting acquainted with various musical styles brings many benefits to broaden our horizons and develop the ability to take a fresh look at the world around us and at various aspects of life. In addition, according to research, different musical genres have different influences on the human mind and body. For example, it is known that smooth jazz (a type of jazz) helps you relax physically, pop music — increases your body's endurance, and metal provides a stronger sense of identity. And yet, classical music has the most positive effect on a person — it helps fight depression, awakens creativity, relieves pain and charges the mind.
For people working professionally in the music field, getting acquainted with new musical genres — is a way to get out of your comfort zone and experiment with unusual styles and melodies.
It must also be said that the concept of «strange» music includes both music unfamiliar to the listener and truly specific, strange to perceive. This is music created by unusual ethnic musical instruments (barrow, spoons, hang, yaibahar, glasses, etc.).
The holiday itself can be celebrated, of course, by listening to unusual music. If you love «pop», then try country or heavy metal music, you might want to try country music. Or maybe you've never listened to jazz, chanson or organ? Today is just the day to experiment with new musical discoveries and broaden your horizons.
Let us remind you that another interesting cultural holiday is celebrated annually — Uncommon Musical Instrument Awareness Day.
Postcard «24 August — International Day of Unusual Music» Article «Music — is a universal language that can be spoken even with vegetables»