Music & Place - Has Your Taste Changed?
At 13 years old, Grade 7 often believe they've found the pinnacle of music with whatever's trending on TikTok—usually something involving bass drops or lyrics that make you question humanity's future. But suddenly, like discovering a hidden level in a video game, Grade 8 stumble upon classic music, and everything changes. Imagine the shock when you realise The Beatles aren't just a collection of bugs, but actually a band that rocked harder than their Wi-Fi router during a Fortnite session. Then there's Queen, whose anthem "Bohemian Rhapsody" turns out to be a better roller coaster of emotions than any twist in 'Stranger Things'. And let’s not forget Led Zeppelin—because nothing screams "cool" like realising "Stairway to Heaven" is more epic than any Olivia Rodrigo track that they thought was life-changing. It's like your ears have finally upgraded to HD!
In this unit of work, you will look at the importance of geographical place and space in the visual representation of music (videos and artwork) and will design and create your own album and track listing using a place or landscape that is very familiar to you. Get ready for a whistlestop history of modern music and begin to see music from a different perspective.
In this unit of work, you will look at the importance of geographical place and space in the visual representation of music (videos and artwork) and will design and create your own album and track listing using a place or landscape that is very familiar to you. Get ready for a whistlestop history of modern music and begin to see music from a different perspective.
Let's Get Emotional!
Emotions are feelings we experience in response to different situations. They help us understand what we’re going through and how to react. There are many types of emotions, like happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and surprise.
For example, when something good happens, like getting a good grade in Geography, you might feel happy. If something bad happens, like losing a favorite toy, you might feel sad. Emotions can affect how we think and act, and they can change from moment to moment.
Personal Geographies - A Grade 8 student goes through a rollercoaster of emotions in a typical day. In the morning, there's often tiredness and maybe some stress about schoolwork or an upcoming test. As you catch up with friends during lunch, excitement or laughter kicks in, mixed with a bit of drama or gossip that might spark surprise or frustration. During classes, you may feel boredom or accomplishment depending on how challenging the subject is. By the end of the day, there could be relief as school ends, followed by a mix of relaxation and maybe a little anxiety over homework or social media pressures before bed.
Discussion starter: How would you describe the emotions of the person above, just using their eyes as a guide? Have a chat with each other and decide what is the overriding emotion being displayed by the person in each photo. Then complete a short annotation task on the worksheet below.
Music and emotions are closely connected because songs can express feelings in powerful ways. For example, a happy song might make you want to dance, while a sad song can help you process your feelings when you're down. Different types of music can evoke various emotions, like excitement, nostalgia, or even comfort. Many people listen to music to enhance their mood or to feel understood, as lyrics and melodies can capture emotions that are hard to put into words. So, whether you’re feeling joyful or reflective, music can be a great way to connect with your emotions!
Task 1 - Emotional Music!
Using this Google Search, choose up to five of the emotions listed and match them to a song that you know of where that emotion is being expressed or being triggered. Try to explain why in the space provided on the worksheet.
If you get stuck, try typing it into Google e.g. for love songs.
Task 2 - What emotions can you see being displayed of these people's first experience of the 1975 classic from Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody.
What is a Music Album?
An album is a collection of audio recordings (often music) issued on a medium such as compact disc (CD), vinyl (record), audio tape (like a cassette), or digital. Albums of recorded sound were developed in the early 20th century as individual 78 rpm (revolutions per minute) records (78s) collected in a bound book resembling a photo album; this format evolved after 1948 into single vinyl long-playing (LP) records played at 33+1⁄3 rpm.
Why do music albums have covers?
"Album art serves as a visual representation of the music contained within. It provides listeners with an initial glimpse into the style, mood and atmosphere of the music. A well-designed cover can effectively convey the essence of the artist's vision and create a strong connection between the music and the audience".
Task 3 - Can you match up the iconic album covers to the name of the band and the name of the album using the worksheet below?
Task 3 - Can you match up the iconic album covers to the name of the band and the name of the album using the worksheet below?
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It's all about the front cover!
Cover art for music albums can express emotions just like the music itself. The images, colors, and designs chosen by the artist often reflect the themes or feelings of the songs inside. For example, a bright and colorful cover might suggest a fun and upbeat album, while a dark or abstract cover could indicate deeper or more serious emotions.
Sometimes, cover art tells a story or sets a mood that prepares listeners for what they’re about to hear. It can also evoke personal feelings or memories in the viewer, making the music feel even more impactful. In this way, album covers help create a connection between the music and the emotions we experience while listening!
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Adele – 21:
Emotion: Sorrow & Reflection The cover features a close-up of Adele with a somber expression, reflecting the heartbreak and deep emotions explored in her songs about love and loss. Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon: Emotion: Intrigue & Reflection This cover uses a simple prism design to symbolize the spectrum of emotions and experiences. It connects to the album's exploration of mental health and existential themes. Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?: Emotion: Creepy & Surreal The cover features a slightly eerie image of Billie against a dark background, conveying feelings of anxiety and introspection. This matches the album’s exploration of fears and dreams. Radiohead – OK Computer: Emotion: Alienation & Futurism The abstract and somewhat unsettling cover art reflects feelings of alienation and anxiety, aligning with the album's exploration of modern life and technology. Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly: Emotion: Triumph & Resistance The cover features a group of young Black men standing in front of the White House. It reflects themes of racial identity, struggle, and empowerment, capturing the emotional weight of the album's message. Taylor Swift – Folklore: Emotion: Nostalgia & Serenity The cover has a dreamy, subdued aesthetic with Taylor in a cozy sweater surrounded by nature. It evokes feelings of nostalgia and introspection, matching the album’s storytelling style and themes of reflection. The Clash - London Calling Emotion: Anger & Power The London Calling cover captures raw anger and rebellion, with a smashing guitar symbolizing destruction, frustration, and punk defiance. |
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How do we react to different landscapes?
Human and natural landscapes evoke emotions by connecting us to different experiences and environments. Natural landscapes, like mountains, forests, or oceans, often inspire feelings of awe, peace, or insignificance in the face of nature’s grandeur. They can also stir a sense of freedom or adventure.
In contrast, human-made landscapes—cities, historical sites, or architectural spaces—evoke emotions tied to culture, memory, or belonging. Bustling urban environments might bring excitement or stress, while an ancient ruin may evoke curiosity, nostalgia, or wonder. Both types of landscapes deeply influence our emotional responses through their beauty, history, or scale.
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Task 4 - Choose any four of the landscapes above (two natural and two human) and the document below. Using your stylus, add annotations to include a brief explanation of the landscape including likely location. Then, annotate around the photo the different emotions the landscape evokes.
Iconic Landscapes in Music History
For this activity, you are not allowed to use your laptop computer and you will be seeing this page on your teachers interactive whiteboard. Take time to briefly look at the six locations below each of which have been specifically used by a very well known musical artist for one of two reasons.
Reason 1 - The location has featured as an album cover (record / CD / cassette) for a music group, or..
Reason 2 - The location was used to film a music video for a famous song by a music group.
What are your feelings about each place? What type of music group might use these locations for the artwork for an album or to film a video?
Task 5 - Use the worksheet below to see if you can match the location with the band and the reason.
Reason 1 - The location has featured as an album cover (record / CD / cassette) for a music group, or..
Reason 2 - The location was used to film a music video for a famous song by a music group.
What are your feelings about each place? What type of music group might use these locations for the artwork for an album or to film a video?
Task 5 - Use the worksheet below to see if you can match the location with the band and the reason.
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Answers can be found here.
The Assessed Task - Making Music!
So, you have had plenty of practice at looking at landscapes and matching them with emotions, but what comes next? Well, you are going to be responsible for creating your own album that represents a 'best of' compilation of a country of your choice. You must first consider what style of music you want your compilation album to be. To find about more about styles of music, you should click on the image below to be taken to a superb music origins and connections map where you can find out more about the styles of music out there.
Task 6 - The Assessed Task!
You are going to be given a plain vinyl album sleeve (cover). You are going to plan and create a new release vinyl album consisting of up to 10 tracks in total that represent life in place of your choice and it will be aimed at a target market of your choice. You will choose which currently released tracks you put on the album and you will create your own bonus track using AI.
The album front cover
The album front cover should feature the following:
1. The album front cover should be one photo of a landscape. The landscape can be rural or urban but should be representative of the country / region / the style of music and the mood of the music. The image may be one you have taken yourself or one from the web. You may alter the photo in any way you want to.
2. There should be an album title (your choice, but try to do a little better than 'Sounds of Switzerland'!!
3. The font of the album should be based on the emotions of the songs. See this link for some ideas.
The album back cover
The album back cover should feature the following:
4. The track listing (see examples of LP's in the classroom)
5. An image of a famous politician from this place
6. An image of an iconic building in this place
7. An image of a famous natural feature in this place
8. An image of an invention from this place
9. An image of a famous human landmark in this place
10. A 100-word explanation of the significance of this album.
AI Extra - Create your own song.
Use this AI tool to write a brand new song about your place or an issue affecting your place, and add it to your album as a bonus track.
You are going to be given a plain vinyl album sleeve (cover). You are going to plan and create a new release vinyl album consisting of up to 10 tracks in total that represent life in place of your choice and it will be aimed at a target market of your choice. You will choose which currently released tracks you put on the album and you will create your own bonus track using AI.
The album front cover
The album front cover should feature the following:
1. The album front cover should be one photo of a landscape. The landscape can be rural or urban but should be representative of the country / region / the style of music and the mood of the music. The image may be one you have taken yourself or one from the web. You may alter the photo in any way you want to.
2. There should be an album title (your choice, but try to do a little better than 'Sounds of Switzerland'!!
3. The font of the album should be based on the emotions of the songs. See this link for some ideas.
The album back cover
The album back cover should feature the following:
4. The track listing (see examples of LP's in the classroom)
5. An image of a famous politician from this place
6. An image of an iconic building in this place
7. An image of a famous natural feature in this place
8. An image of an invention from this place
9. An image of a famous human landmark in this place
10. A 100-word explanation of the significance of this album.
AI Extra - Create your own song.
Use this AI tool to write a brand new song about your place or an issue affecting your place, and add it to your album as a bonus track.
When Two Tribes Go To War - Place Rivalry
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In this final piece of work in the unit, let's talk about how geography can stir up rivalry—not just between countries or cities but between musicians! Imagine bands or artists sparring with each other, not with fists, but with lyrics and places. It’s like musical geography smackdown!
Take Neil Young and Lynyrd Skynyrd, for example. Neil wrote a song called “Southern Man,” criticizing racism in the American South. But Lynyrd Skynyrd wasn’t about to take that lying down! They shot back in “Sweet Home Alabama,” singing, “Well, I hope Neil Young will remember / A Southern man don’t need him around, anyhow!” Alabama became their rallying cry, defending their home turf. Then there’s the East Coast versus West Coast hip-hop feud. New York and California weren’t just separated by geography; they had competing styles, attitudes, and stars like Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. They’d drop place names in their verses, turning cities into battlefields. For a while, it seemed like rap was one huge map with rival capitals! But rivalry over places isn’t just an American thing! Across the Atlantic, we’ve got Blur and Oasis, who had their own North vs. South feud in the UK. Blur, hailing from the South of England, and Oasis, repping the North, were two of Britain’s biggest bands in the 1990s. Blur sang about middle-class English life in the South in songs like Parklife, while Oasis brought gritty Northern pride with anthems like Wonderwall. Their rivalry was so intense that fans and tabloids ate it up, making it feel like every chart-topping hit was part of a musical tug-of-war between North and South! And here in France, there was a legendary battle in the hip-hop scene between NTM from Paris and IAM from Marseille. These two groups put their cities on the map with their powerful lyrics and beats. NTM shouted out Paris, bringing the capital’s urban grit and swagger, while IAM held it down for Marseille, rapping about life and culture in the South. Their songs became anthems for their cities, turning the rivalry into a full-blown North vs. South showdown in French rap. So next time you hear a song, listen closely—there might be more drama between places than you realize. Your Task - Researching Music Rivalry |
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Conduct some research into any of the above place rivalries that have developed through place rivalry. The rivalry MUST be over place, and not over "he said / she said" or someone said something bad about someone's mother" etc. Use one of the templates in the PowerPoint file below to display your research. See the second tab below for further guidance...
