What is Stadium/Arena Rock? Let’s define Stadium Rock, talk about its history, identify what it sounds like, and talk about some popular bands that made it iconic.

Let’s see. How many of these bands' names ring a bell… Journey, KISS, Styx, Kansas, Rush, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Boston, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Guns n’ Roses. One or two? If you’ve even turned on classic rock radio, even for just a second, you’ve probably heard some Stadium Rock. Stadium rock is made up of just what it sounds like - bands that are popular enough to fill up a stadium, put on a hell of a show, and songs that are produced for mass appeal.

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episode Links:

Stadium Rock Spotify Playlist

How to Play Power Chords

Mötley Crüe co-founder Mick Mars takes band to court: Here’s what we know so far

PSources:

Arena Rock

Arena Rock Music Guide

What is Stadium Rock

Arena Rock Music Overview

The birth of arena rock - The Guardian

The Rolling Stones 1969 Tour

When pop music got big: 1968 and the birth of arena rock

Journey Biography

KISS Biography

Van Halen Biography

Bio - Motley Crue

AC/DC

What on earth is Wizard Rock??? We’ve got an interesting one for you on the podcast this week. This magical genre is a niche form of rock that came from the Harry Potter fandom making music based on and inspired by the books & movies. Literally. Bands are named things like Harry and the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys, and the Parselmouths.

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episode Links:

Wizard Rock Spotify playlist

Band Listings

We are Wizards: Wizard Rock Documentary

Rolling Stone Interview with Harry and the Potters

Current Wizard Rock Scene - Bandcamp page

Wizrocklopedia Facebook Page

Sources:

Wizard Rock

The wonderful, weird world of wizard rock

Wizard rock

Witch House: Harry Potter and the Wizard Rock Phenomenon

Wizard Rock Forerunners Harry and the Potters Reflect on J.K. Rowling’s 20-Year Legacy

Label - Harry and the Potters

Draco and the Malfoys

Wizard rockers The Whomping Willows confront current issues with 'Revisionist History'

A child, or should I say… division of progressive rock, Math Rock sounds incredible. But what is Math Rock, exactly? Let’s define it, talk about its history, identify some stylistic characterizations, and tell some stories about notable people in the genre.

Math Rock is a genre of rock characterized by complex rhythms and irregular and angular instrumental patterns that change constantly first made popular by hardcore groups like Shellac and Slint, cemented as a genre by groups like Don Caballero and Hella, and branched into softer, melodic subsets by groups like Toe and American Football.

To learn more about the many, many, many different genres of rock music, subscribe to Break Rock Down on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episode Links:

Introduction to music theory

Explaining time signature

Explaining Syncopation

Math Rock Spotify Playlist

Sources:

What is Math Rock?

An Introduction to Math Rock

The History of Math Rock

Math Rock

Shellac Biography

Slint Biography

Music Preview: Instrumental monsters Don Caballero return with revamped lineup

Hella biography

The history and influence of Polvo

toe biography

Join Kate as she breaks down various subgenres of rock music. If you're looking to expand your rock horizons or want to learn about rock history, you've come to the right place.