9B: Talking Heads

The Talking heads were formed in New York City in 1976. Members of the band had met while in college at the Rhode Island School of Design. (Question 1 — If you were a visual artist in a band, how could you use your artistic skills? See discussion at bottom.)

Their first performance was at a legendary place in New York called CBGB – which stood for “country, bluegrass, and blues.”  Guess what kind of music CBGB was known for? That’s right: punk rock.

Talking Heads in their early days, at CBGB.

The Talking Heads were known as a “new wave” band. It was a blend of disco and punk. But their beats and rhythms were influenced by African music.

Here they are performing “Life During Wartime.” Here’s what to look and listen for: (1) visual presentation — what do you notice about the lighting, spacing, movement, and color? (2) percussion and rhythms, and (3) David Byrne’s dancing at 1:28.

David Byrne said Fela Kuti’s album “Afrodesiac” served as a template for the Talking Heads album Remain in Light. (Question 2 — What is a “template”?)

Here’s a video for “Once in a Lifetime” from Remain in Light. Remember the rhythm of Afrobeat music? You can hear it here. Also notice the visual presentation

Talking Heads' "Once in a Lifetime," from the 1980 album Remain in Light

The Talking Heads broke up in 1991. David Byrne has made several albums since then, which were inspired by music from around the world – Brazil, Cuba, and Africa.   

His 2018 tour is considered one of the most innovative shows ever. (Many big tours have a name. This one was “American Utopia.”) It was made into a Broadway play. Here’s a short video. Again, notice the visual presentation – the gray and silver color palette, the barefoot performers, the choreography. (Question 3 — What’s “choreography”?) Also, notice that the instruments are wireless – there are no chords on the stage. It’s a very clean look.

We've thrown quite the party on Broadway these past few months and we're not done yet! Thanks to everyone who has joined us, everyone who is coming to join u...

In 2018, the West African singer Angelique Kidjo re-created the Talking Heads “Remain in Light” album. She did it in her own style – including some lyrics in her native language. Here’s “Born Under Punches.” There are those Afrobeat rhythms again!

Answers:

1 — If you were an artist, there are lot of things you could do in a band. You could design album covers or create logos. You could put together stage sets and lighting. You could even direct music videos.

2 — A “template” is like a pattern used for inspiration.

3 — “Choreography” is dancing that is planned out and practiced — usually on a stage or in a performance.