Trevor Horn: The Man Who Invented the ’80s Sound Who Is Trevor Horn? When people talk about the sound of the 1980s — that mix of shimmering synths, thunderous drums, and cinematic pop production — they’re really talking about Trevor Horn.Musician, producer, and sonic visionary, Horn didn’t just ride the wave of 1980s pop — he built it. How Trevor Horn Invented the 1980s Sound Trevor Horn’s rise began with The Buggles in 1979 and their global hit “Video Killed the Radio Star,” blending synths, irony, and futuristic flair unlike anything else at the time. As you may already know, when MTV launched in 1981, …

Trevor Horn: The Man Who Invented the ’80s Sound

Rush Fans Have Their Say: Do You Agree with This List of Songs Fans Want To See Live In RUSH 2026? Rush’s history is built on pushing boundaries, and a rumored Fifty Something tour for 2026 has fans buzzing about what songs could light up the stage. The lineup below is inspired by memories, milestones, and a longing for deeper cuts that showcase Rush’s adventurous spirit. Do you agree with this list? What would you add, and which songs from it must remain in the mix? The premise behind the list is to balance Rush’s time-tested crowd-pleasers with deeper cuts that highlight the band’s fearless experimentation. The anticipation isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about how the songs translate to a modern live setting—especially with a new drummer who may bring fresh interpretations.

Rush Fans Have Their Say: Do You Agree with This List of Songs Fans Want To See Live In RUSH 2026?

Is Anyone Making It as a Working Musician Today? Not long ago, I read an article in The New Yorker that introduced me to a book I hadn’t heard of before called Band People: Life and Work in Popular Music. It really made me think about how much the world of being a working musician has changed—and I think a lot of people might find it eye-opening too. The author, Franz Nicolay, makes a pretty striking point: “Musicians,” he says, “were the canaries in the coal mine of the precariat.” Basically, musicians have long been among the first to feel how fragile freelance work can be.

Is Anyone Making It as a Working Musician Today?

Niki: From Jakarta to Global Pop As an Indonesian artist achieving global reach, Niki represents a broader movement of Southeast Asian artists gaining prominence on international stages. (4 minutes read time.)

Niki: From Jakarta to Global Pop

As an Indonesian artist achieving global reach, Niki represents a broader movement of Southeast Asian artists gaining prominence on international stages. (4 minutes read time.)

Unsung Women of Music: Fanny – The Trailblazing Women Who Rocked the 1970s Rolling Stone called them “one of the most important female bands in American rock.”

Unsung Women of Music: Fanny - The Trailblazing Women Who Rocked the 1970s

Exploring the Musical Bridge: Zhang Wu and His Fusion of Chinese Heritage with Western Classical Music A student of mine recently chose, "Variations On A Northern Chinese Folksong" by Zhang Wu as her performance piece on an assessment process we are working through. I hadn't heard of this music or the composer. Once again, one of my students has taught me something new. Listening to the piece, I became curious when it was written and who this composer is. I decided to do some further research. Here's what I learned... Who is Zhang Wu? In the rich tapestry of contemporary classical music, few composers manage to seamlessly blend traditional cultural elements with Western forms as effectively as…

Exploring the Musical Bridge: Zhang Wu and His Fusion of Chinese Heritage with Western Classical Music

Germaine Tailleferre: Unearthing a Gem and Some Cool Connections For those of you who have been checking out the Our Mind on Music blog from time to time, you’ve probably realised that one of my favorite things is when the internet leads me to discover something totally new and amazing! I recently came across a fantastic post that introduced me to Germaine Tailleferre, a French composer whose music is just so lovely and engaging. The post was titled "Germaine Tailleferre: compositrice francese." It’s a great little read, and you can check it out here:

Germaine Tailleferre: Unearthing a Gem and Some Cool Connections

For those of you who have been checking out the Our Mind on Music blog from time to time, you’ve probably realised that one of my favorite things is when the internet leads me to discover something totally new and amazing! I recently…

Bands that shoulda woulda coulda

I was recently listening to a CD mix I put together several years ago, comprised of songs by artists that never quite hit the big time but, in my … Bands that shoulda woulda coulda

Lenka: A Musical Journey Through Media Sync Success I recently heard a clip of Lenka’s song, “Everything at Once,” and was surprised to learn that it was originally released in 2011. I was curious why I had not heard this music before since the song felt familiar but I did not know the name of the artist. This led me to do some further research on Lenka and her career. Here’s what I learned… While many readers may not immediately recognize Lenka by name, it is highly likely they have heard her music. Her songs have graced numerous commercials, TV shows, and films, reaching millions worldwide in ways that traditional radio or album sales alone often do not.

Lenka: A Musical Journey Through Media Sync Success

I recently heard a clip of Lenka’s song, “Everything at Once,” and was surprised to learn that it was originally released in 2011. I was curious why I had not heard this music before since the song felt familiar but I did not know the name of the…

The Hidden Story Behind Rush’s “Red Barchetta”: How Neil Peart’s Inspiration Was Born from a 1973 Magazine Article For many dedicated Rush fans, the story behind the band’s classic track “Red Barchetta” is a fascinating but little-known piece of rock history. What many don’t realize is that Neil Peart, wrote this song inspired by a short story he read in a 1973 issue of Road & Track Magazine. The Origin of “Red Barchetta” Neil Peart’s lyrics were inspired by a futuristic story published in the magazine, imagining a world where automobiles as we know them had been banned. The story centered on a rebellious young man who takes his family’s vintage car—an Italian race car called a “

The Hidden Story Behind Rush’s “Red Barchetta”: How Neil Peart’s Inspiration Was Born from a 1973 Magazine Article

For many dedicated Rush fans, the story behind the band’s classic track “Red Barchetta” is a fascinating but little-known piece of rock history. What many don’t realize is that Neil…

Rush’s Return Tour and the Rising Cost of Live Music: What’s Fair? The recent announcement of Rush’s return to touring has reignited excitement among fans worldwide. I got my tickets and I’m SUPER EXCITED to be attending. Still, I’d be lying if I said the ticket price wasn’t a shock! It raised questions for me, and I believe for other Rush fans too… At what cost are fans able to experience this legendary band once again? How many fans will be “priced out” by the extremely high ticket prices? What’s fair? Learn more about the tour announcement here. During their last tour in 2015—

Rush’s Return Tour and the Rising Cost of Live Music: What’s Fair?

The recent announcement of Rush’s return to touring has reignited excitement among fans worldwide. I got my tickets and I’m SUPER EXCITED to be attending. Still, I’d be lying if I said the ticket price wasn’t a shock! It raised…

Evolution of a Song: “Misirlou” Made Famous by Dick Dale and Pulp Fiction Did You Know? Most people today recognize "Misirlou" as the classic surf rock instrumental by Dick Dale that blasts through the opening scene of Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction. But did you know the tune Dick Dale made famous was actually borrowed from a much older song with a rich and complex history? I decided to take a closer look into the evolution of "Misirlou" from its origins to pop culture stardom. Here’s what I learned… The 1927 Roots of "Misirlou" The earliest known recording of "Misirlou" dates all the way back to 1927.

Evolution of a Song: “Misirlou” Made Famous by Dick Dale and Pulp Fiction

Did You Know? Most people today recognize "Misirlou" as the classic surf rock instrumental by Dick Dale that blasts through the opening scene of Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction. But did you know the tune Dick Dale…

Rush Rocks Again – 2026 Reunion Tour Announced! RUSH will TOUR in 2026! Learn more here! (Includes the official VIDEO announcement!) #RUSH2026

Rush Rocks Again – 2026 Reunion Tour Announced!

RUSH will TOUR in 2026! Learn more here! (Includes the official VIDEO announcement!) #RUSH2026

Legendary Jazz Guitarist John Scofield and Bassist Dave Holland Announce First Duo Album, “Memories of Home,” Set for November 21, 2025 Release on ECM Records Legendary Jazz Guitarist John Scofield and Bassist Dave Holland Announce First Duo Album, "Memories of Home," Set for November 21, 2025 Release on ECM Records

Legendary Jazz Guitarist John Scofield and Bassist Dave Holland Announce First Duo Album, “Memories of Home,” Set for November 21, 2025 Release on ECM Records

Legendary Jazz Guitarist John Scofield and Bassist Dave Holland Announce First Duo Album, "Memories of Home," Set for November 21, 2025…

Celebrating 43 Years of the Sony CDP-101: The World’s First Commercial CD Player Do you remember seeing your first CD player? What was YOUR first CD? This post celebrates the release of the world’s first commercially available CD player, Sony CDP – 101 celebrating its 43rd anniversary this week!

Celebrating 43 Years of the Sony CDP-101: The World’s First Commercial CD Player

Do you remember seeing your first CD player? What was YOUR first CD? This post celebrates the release of the world’s first commercially available CD player, Sony CDP – 101 celebrating its 43rd anniversary this week!

Rush: The Long Road to Becoming a Progressive Rock Legend Today, Rush is celebrated as one of the most groundbreaking progressive rock bands in history. While many fans know Neil Peart was not the original drummer, fewer realize that Geddy Lee was not the first singer or bassist, and that the band’s early years saw several lineup changes and even name changes.

Rush: The Long Road to Becoming a Progressive Rock Legend

Today, Rush is celebrated as one of the most groundbreaking progressive rock bands in history. While many fans know Neil Peart was not the original drummer, fewer realize that Geddy Lee was not the first singer or bassist, and that the…

Discovering The Low End Theory: My Journey into Hip Hop I have to admit, I’m not very knowledgeable about hip hop. But my curiosity was sparked when I learned that legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter had played on The Low End Theory—an album by A Tribe Called Quest. That unexpected connection between jazz and hip hop made me want to learn more about the album, its history, and its legacy. Here’s what I learned…

Discovering The Low End Theory: My Journey into Hip Hop

I have to admit, I’m not very knowledgeable about hip hop. But my curiosity was sparked when I learned that legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter had played on The Low End Theory—an album by A Tribe Called Quest. That unexpected connection…

Exploring Santana’s Caravanserai: A Jazz-Rock Fusion Journey This past week, I was introduced to Santana’s album Caravanserai by a viewer on the “Our Mind on Music” YouTube channel. This came up in a discussion comparing the guitar playing of Carlos Santana and Masayoshi Takanaka. I had not previously heard of this album, which made me curious enough to spend part of my day listening to it. I also became curious why Santana decided to make such a departure from the style of music they had previously released and decided to look into it further. This is what I learned…

Exploring Santana’s Caravanserai: A Jazz-Rock Fusion Journey

This past week, I was introduced to Santana’s album Caravanserai by a viewer on the “Our Mind on Music” YouTube channel. This came up in a discussion comparing the guitar playing of Carlos Santana and Masayoshi Takanaka. I had not…

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ray Charles Ray Charles (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an extraordinary musician whose influence reshaped American music and culture. Born in Albany, Georgia, Charles overcame blindness caused by glaucoma in childhood to become a pioneering force in soul music. Known as "The Genius" and the "Father of Soul," he fused blues, gospel, jazz, country, and R&B into a groundbreaking sound that transcended race and genre. Remembering Ray Charles His early struggles with hardship, including the tragic loss of his brother and battles with heroin addiction, never dimmed his indomitable spirit or drive.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ray Charles

Ray Charles (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004) was an extraordinary musician whose influence reshaped American music and culture. Born in Albany, Georgia, Charles overcame blindness caused by glaucoma in childhood to become a pioneering force in…

Santana’s Keyboard Legacy: Spotlight on Gregg Rolie Gregg Rolie is a pioneering musician who co-founded both Santana and Journey. As Santana’s original keyboardist and lead vocalist, he played on iconic tracks like “Black Magic Woman” and “Evil Ways.” After leaving Santana in 1972, he helped create Journey, where he contributed as keyboardist and lead singer on their early albums before sharing vocals with Steve Perry. Rolie’s versatility and talent have earned him recognition as a rock legend and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

Santana’s Keyboard Legacy: Spotlight on Gregg Rolie

Gregg Rolie is a pioneering musician who co-founded both Santana and Journey. As Santana’s original keyboardist and lead vocalist, he played on iconic tracks like “Black Magic Woman” and “Evil Ways.” After leaving Santana in 1972, he helped…

Remembering Jaco Pastorius: The Legendary “Bass of Doom” Who Revolutionized Jazz Fusion On September 21, 1987, the music world lost a true innovator—Jaco Pastorius—at the young age of 35, known affectionately as the “bass of doom.” Jaco transformed the electric bass guitar, pushing its boundaries and revolutionizing the way the instrument was played and perceived. Jaco Pastorius’ remarkable career included both groundbreaking solo work and iconic performances as a key member of the jazz fusion band Weather Report. His virtuosity, infectious groove, and melodic mastery made him a driving force in jazz and its crossover into rock and funk. Legendary tracks like…

Remembering Jaco Pastorius: The Legendary “Bass of Doom” Who Revolutionized Jazz Fusion

On September 21, 1987, the music world lost a true innovator—Jaco Pastorius—at the young age of 35, known affectionately as the “bass of doom.” Jaco transformed the electric bass guitar, pushing its boundaries…

Celebrating 100 Years of B. B. King: The King of the Blues Lives On Today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of blues guitar legend B.B. King, a monumental figure in the history of music. Born Riley B. King on a cotton plantation in the Mississippi Delta a century ago, B. B. King rose from humble roots to become one of the most influential blues musicians ever. His early exposure to gospel music in church laid the foundation for a unique guitar style characterized by expressive single-note runs, soulful bends, and a signature vibrato. This made his guitar, "Lucille," almost a singing partner.

Celebrating 100 Years of B. B. King: The King of the Blues Lives On

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of blues guitar legend B.B. King, a monumental figure in the history of music. Born Riley B. King on a cotton plantation in the Mississippi Delta a century ago, B. B. King rose from…

Belter Radio, Radio Wigwam and Other Indie Radio Services Helping to Promote Indie Music and Podcasts Independent radio services are vital platforms for promoting diverse, non-mainstream music and podcasts. They provide unique spaces where emerging and underground artists can share their work and connect with engaged listeners. If you are an independent radio station owner or DJ, feel free to mention your service in the comments — while I highlight a few indie radio services I’m aware of in this post, I’m happy to help spread awareness of others too.

Belter Radio, Radio Wigwam and Other Indie Radio Services Helping to Promote Indie Music and Podcasts

Independent radio services are vital platforms for promoting diverse, non-mainstream music and podcasts. They provide unique spaces where emerging and underground artists can share their work and…

Vicente Fernández: The Legendary Voice of Mexican Music Vicente Fernández is a key artist for Mexicans, especially those of a certain age—roughly my mother’s age. While I have been familiar with his music for years, I realized I didn’t know much about his rise to fame or how he became such an iconic performer. I decided to look further into his career. Here’s what I learned…

Vicente Fernández: The Legendary Voice of Mexican Music

Vicente Fernández is a key artist for Mexicans, especially those of a certain age—roughly my mother’s age. While I have been familiar with his music for years, I realized I didn’t know much about his rise to fame or how he became such an…

The Kim Sisters: K-Pop Trailblazers Who Took America by Storm in the 1960s! Long before K-pop became a global sensation, three young women from South Korea carved out an extraordinary path as The Kim Sisters, one of the first Korean groups to achieve success in the United States. The trio—siblings Sue and Ai-ja Kim, and their cousin/adopted sister Mia—formed in 1953 and began their musical journey singing American pop hits for U.S. soldiers during the Korean War. Their mother, Lee Nan-young, a famous Korean singer herself, trained them with records bought on the black market, coaching them to perform American songs phonetically.

The Kim Sisters: K-Pop Trailblazers Who Took America by Storm in the 1960s!

Long before K-pop became a global sensation, three young women from South Korea carved out an extraordinary path as The Kim Sisters, one of the first Korean groups to achieve success in the United States. The trio—siblings…

Jeff Porcaro: The King of Shuffle A band I recently joined is starting work on developing a cover version of Led Zeppelin’s “Fool in the Rain.” Our drummer and singer, who is also a drummer, were discussing the challenges of the drum parts for that song. One particularly tricky aspect is the shuffle beats that occur throughout much of the track. This conversation sparked my curiosity about the use of shuffle beats in 70s and 80s pop music. As I dug deeper, one name that came up repeatedly was Jeff Porcaro—an iconic drummer whose influence on the music of that era is nothing short of legendary.

Jeff Porcaro: The King of Shuffle

A band I recently joined is starting work on developing a cover version of Led Zeppelin’s “Fool in the Rain.” Our drummer and singer, who is also a drummer, were discussing the challenges of the drum parts for that song. One particularly tricky aspect is the…

Unsung Women of Music: Clare Torry, Helen Terry, and The Great Gig in the Sky — Untangling Voices, Honoring Legends Many years ago, I first learned that Clare Torry was the incredible voice behind Pink Floyd’s iconic song "The Great Gig in the Sky." Sometime after that, I came across the liner notes of Culture Club’s album Colour by Numbers and noticed the name Helen Terry credited for backing vocals. In those pre-internet days, my mind confused the two similar-sounding names into one person. It wasn’t until fairly recently that I finally researched to clarify—they are definitely different artists. Incidentally, Culture Club’s "Victims," featuring Helen Terry, remains my favorite song from the band.

Unsung Women of Music: Clare Torry, Helen Terry, and The Great Gig in the Sky — Untangling Voices, Honoring Legends

Many years ago, I first learned that Clare Torry was the incredible voice behind Pink Floyd’s iconic song "The Great Gig in the Sky." Sometime after that, I came across the liner…

Remembering Stevie Ray Vaughan on the Anniversary of His Passing August 27th marked the anniversary of the passing of the legendary blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. On this day in 1990, the music world lost one of its most electrifying and soulful talents when Vaughan tragically died in a helicopter crash in East Troy, Wisconsin. Stevie Ray Vaughan’s influence on blues and rock guitar is immeasurable. Known for his fiery playing style and heartfelt emotion, Vaughan brought blues music back to mainstream audiences with albums like Texas Flood and Couldn’t Stand the Weather. His mastery of tone and technique, combined with his passion and dedication, continues to inspire guitarists and music lovers around the world.

Remembering Stevie Ray Vaughan on the Anniversary of His Passing

August 27th marked the anniversary of the passing of the legendary blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. On this day in 1990, the music world lost one of its most electrifying and soulful talents when Vaughan tragically died in a…

Exploring the Blues Learning about blues music is not just about appreciating its sound; it’s about understanding its cultural context, the stories it tells, and the human spirit it represents. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or just a curious music lover, exploring blues music means stepping into a vital chapter of North American history and a continuous source of artistic inspiration.

Exploring the Blues

Learning about blues music is not just about appreciating its sound; it’s about understanding its cultural context, the stories it tells, and the human spirit it represents. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or just a curious music lover, exploring blues music means stepping…

An Introduction to the Biwa: Japan’s Iconic Storytelling Lute This week, a Grade 6 student in one of my classes introduced me to an intriguing traditional Japanese instrument called the biwa. Having never heard of it before, I decided to look into this unique lute further, curious about its history and cultural significance in Japan. This is what I learned… The biwa is a traditional Japanese plucked string instrument with a pear-shaped body and typically four or five strings, played with a large wooden plectrum known as a bachi. Its sound is deep and resonant, produced by plucking or striking the strings with the bachi, which also creates a distinctive buzzing tone called "

An Introduction to the Biwa: Japan’s Iconic Storytelling Lute

This week, a Grade 6 student in one of my classes introduced me to an intriguing traditional Japanese instrument called the biwa. Having never heard of it before, I decided to look into this unique lute further, curious about its…