On our first day of class, we introduced the concept of “Loudness Wars” –the phenomenon in which many newer songs are produced with little dynamic range, regardless of how that would actually translate into human voice. Part of me wonders if this is an adaptation to modern technology; does music remain the same volume for the comfort of somebody perhaps wearing headphones? The need for consistent volume is much more necessary if one has earphones in, taking public transit to work and trying to be conscience of people around them, rather than for someone listening to an album in their own living room. Perhaps because the first scenario is much more common, music production has adapted. Or perhaps younger generations need music to be exciting and loud at all times. This could again be because of their environment, or because of a perceived need for constant stimulation.

The conversation also makes me wonder what concerts of the same music are like on a production level. I would like to know more about variations between studio and live sound on the basis of dynamics.