A song that reflects the use of technology to achieve its composition is “Happier” by Marshmello ft. Bastille. In this case, the technology being used are instruments that go back to years of the 20’s. In the book we read, “Electric pianos were developed in the 1920s. These instruments initially had strings, like a regular piano, but the strings (sometimes replaced by metal tines) were amplified not by a soundboard but by electronic pickups, like those on an electric guitar” (pg 299).
The purpose of both electronic instruments is to produce sounds, appealing or not, with the help of ‘electronic pickups’. In this version of the song we can appreciate the use of an electric organ and also electric guitar that accompanies the song’s melody. Personally, I have limited experience with either instrument, but I can play a few chords with the guitar. In terms of this song, we can agree that the pitches created with both technologies, and the culmination with Bastille’s voice timbre concluded in a appealing, sad toned version of the song.
I have never heard this version of the song before. I agree that this version really emphasizes the electronic instruments. I liked how they used many instruments instead of just a guitar, which is normally used in an acoustic version of a song. They were able to combine each instrument to create a relaxing, calming version of the song. One part I really liked was that when a certain instrument was being played the camera zoomed in on it, which made me really listen to how the instrument was being used. A lot of the sounds they were able to produce was not the sound I would normally associate with that instrument, showing how making an instrument electric can help musicians discover completely new sounds.