The word ‘avant-garde’ may be applied to the whole trend in art and architecture. There are avant-garde representatives and their masterpieces in painting, music, sculpture and architecture. Some people admire this style, the others just don’t understand the aesthetic value of it. For example, it is not an easy task to explain what avant-garde in music is, however, there are some key points to understanding.
Avant-garde music is the product of the experiments of artists who refuse to submit the rules of commercial and commonly-accepted music at the cost of estranging a number of potential listeners. It prefers art over capital and recognition, and speaks mainly to the intellect. Usually avant-garde artists are persons whose activity stands outside the conventional way of thinking. Their music challenges the commercial rules of basic record labels, TV and radio channels. As a result they frequently end up creating in the clandestine.
To continue, avant-garde artists favor experimental esthetics. Experimental in this case means anything that is not traditional practice. It might be the utilization of unusual instruments or sounds, the interlacing of unrelated music directions, the usage of minimal means or, quite the opposite, an intention to achieve sensory overload. Every music direction has its experimental peculiarity from classical to heavy rock music, from jazz to techno.
Finally, in order to estimate whether this music style is to your taste, you need to listen to the avant-garde masterpieces with special attention. After listening, ask yourself questions as for the music design, lyrics loading and sound effects. If you find avant-garde appealing to you, most probably you will reject any manifestations of commercial music.
Back on home turf for a month-long residency to mark their 20th year, “punk cabaret” trio The Tiger Lillies are as fragrant as ever - just don’t put them in a vase.