Soul (Motown and Stax)

Question 1

What is Motown and Stax?

Answer 1

soul and R&B
The Motown label was created in 1960 by Berry Gordy and exclusively used black people.
two studios met had particular success, Motown & Stax.
this style adapted high production and presentation standards of the mainstream.

Question 2

What decade?

Answer 2

60s

Question 3

Features?

Answer 3

lyrics were strictly controlled to avoid suggestive language.
lots of records used a house band called the ‘funk brothers’.
music production values were high
AABA structure
usually set at 120bpm or above
engineers would mix emphasizing the upper frequencies with tambourines and hi-hats in the forefront.
syncopation
soulful singing

Question 4

Examples of Bands/Artists

Answer 4

Stevie Wonder-Superstition
Aretha Franklin-Respect
Marvin Gaye-Let's get it on
The Supremes
The Marvelettes