National Drone Music Day

Close-up of a person playing a drone instrument, surrounded by ethereal lights and a serene outdoor setting with trees.. — National drone music day illustration

Welcome to the fascinating world of National Drone Music Day! Prepare to take flight on a melodic adventure as we explore the hypnotic sounds and history of this unique national day.

When is Drone Music Day?

It's national drone music day on the 8th April.

The Soaring Origins of National Drone Music Day

Step into a world where the boundaries of music are pushed to new heights...literally. National Drone Music Day celebrates the ethereal and mesmerizing genre of drone music, characterized by long, sustained tones and minimalistic compositions. But where did this sonic journey begin?

The roots of drone music can be traced back to the 1960s, when pioneering musicians like La Monte Young and Terry Riley began experimenting with prolonged tones and subtle variations. With the advent of new technologies, musicians gained the ability to create extended soundscapes that transport listeners to otherworldly realms.

So, What's the Deal with Drones?

Now, you might be wondering, what do aerial gadgets have to do with music? Well, it turns out that drones—both the musical genre and the flying machines—share a common thread: a sense of endless exploration.

In music, drone refers to a sustained sound or tone that forms the foundation of a composition. It acts as an anchor, while other musical elements weave in and out, creating a mesmerizing tapestry. Similarly, drones—those buzzing, whirring aircraft—provide a unique perspective, opening up new vistas and allowing us to see the world from above.

Join the Sonic Soiree and Celebrate National Drone Music Day

Ready to embark on a sonic adventure? Here are some fun ways to celebrate National Drone Music Day:

Create Your Own Drone Music: Grab your instrument(s) of choice, or experiment with everyday objects, and explore the magical world of sustained tones. Channel your inner drone maestro!
Listen to Drone Music: Discover the rich soundscape of drone music by tuning in to the works of influential artists like Éliane Radigue, Stars of the Lid, or even delve into the works of pioneers like La Monte Young and Terry Riley.
Attend a Drone Music Event: Check your local music scene for concerts or events dedicated to drone music. Immerse yourself in a live performance and let the hypnotic sounds wash over you.
Share the Drone Love: Spread the word about National Drone Music Day with your friends and fellow music enthusiasts. You never know who might be in need of some sonic inspiration!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the longest-ever performance of drone music lasted a mind-boggling 14 years? From 2001 to 2015, an organ at a church in Germany produced a continuous drone, captivating visitors near and far. Now that's some serious dedication to the art of sustained tones!

History behind the term 'Drone Music'

1940s

Emergence of musique concrète

In the 1940s, the foundations for drone music were laid with the emergence of musique concrète. This experimental music genre involved using recorded natural sounds and manipulating them through various techniques such as tape manipulation and editing. Musique concrète laid the groundwork for the use of repetitive, sustained sounds that would later be a defining characteristic of drone music.

1960s

Minimalism and the influence of La Monte Young

In the 1960s, the minimalist movement began to take shape, greatly influencing the development of drone music. One of the key figures in this movement was La Monte Young, an American composer known for his long, sustained tones and his exploration of just intonation. Young's compositions emphasized static sounds and extended durations, which served as a precursor to the drone music that would emerge in the following decades.

1970s

Influence of Indian classical music and Terry Riley

During the 1970s, the influence of Indian classical music on drone music became more prominent. Indian classical music incorporates the use of tambura drones to create a sonic backdrop for melodic improvisations. This influence, combined with the minimalist approach, led to the development of the repetitive and hypnotic qualities found in drone music. Terry Riley, an American composer, further expanded the genre with his seminal 1964 composition 'In C', which consisted of a series of repetitive patterns that could be performed by any number of musicians.

1990s

Emergence of 'drone' as a genre term

In the 1990s, the term 'drone' began to be used more explicitly as a genre term to describe music characterized by sustained, continuous sounds. This was particularly evident in the experimental and ambient music scenes. Artists such as Brian Eno, who coined the term 'ambient music,' and the band Earth, known for their heavy, slow-paced compositions, further popularized the use of the term 'drone' to describe the sonic qualities of this style of music.

2000s

Expansion of drone music and its subgenres

In the 2000s, drone music continued to evolve and expand, giving rise to various subgenres. Artists experimented with different instruments, techniques, and styles to push the boundaries of the genre. Subgenres like dark ambient, drone metal, and ritual ambient emerged, each adding their own unique characteristics to the world of drone music. This diversification showcased the versatility and adaptability of the genre, appealing to a wide range of listeners and cementing its place in contemporary music.