How Music Works
David Byrne
2012, 345 pages
Nonfiction
Alternative-rock legend David Byrne (of Talking Heads fame) has written a philosophical – historical – sociological – biographical treatise on music, which I found quite thought-provoking.
Most interesting to me were the chapters exploring various influences on the creation of music, such as technological constraints or advances, available performance venues, and skill level of musical partners. His explanation of various business models and analysis of how to nurture a musical “scene” are elucidating.
Byrne also presents passionate and inspiring philosophies on the importance of creativity in everyone’s lives (not just professionals), and he grieves the decline of experiential arts education.
Several of the chapters would appeal primarily to fans of Byrne’s music, being very detail-rich chronicles of his own projects, but on balance, the book has a lot to offer any music lover, or even any art lover.
