"Shoegaze" Music and Spring Concerts

Broadcast on: 
18 April, 2023

Today's show featured "Shoegaze". Shoegaze music is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, characterized by its dreamy, ethereal sound and heavily distorted guitars. Its name comes from the musicians' tendency to stare down at their effects pedals on stage, giving the impression that they were gazing at their shoes.

Although shoegaze music never achieved mainstream success, it has developed a devoted fanbase over the years, particularly among indie music enthusiasts. The genre's atmospheric and introspective sound is often associated with the mood and aesthetic of springtime, making it a fitting choice for the season's concert circuit.

Many of the defining bands of the shoegaze movement, such as My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Ride, have reunited in recent years to perform live shows and festivals, drawing large crowds and introducing their music to a new generation of listeners.

Shoegaze's influence can also be heard in the work of contemporary artists, such as Beach House and Tame Impala, who have incorporated elements of the genre into their own music.

Overall, shoegaze's relevance to spring concert season lies in its ability to capture the dreamy, introspective spirit of the season through its lush, distorted soundscapes. Whether as a nostalgic throwback or a contemporary revival, shoegaze continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of musicians.