Sam Andrews, an 18-year-old from Georgia, has taken the internet by storm with his Instagram Reels documenting his journey through Merzbow's extensive discography. With over 400 albums to his name, Merzbow, or Masami Akita, is a Japanese noise artist renowned for his avant-garde and often harsh soundscapes. Andrews, a regular teenager with a passion for experimental music, has embarked on a mission to listen to every single one of Merzbow's albums, and his videos have garnered half a million views and even caught the attention of Akita himself.
What makes Andrews' endeavor particularly fascinating is his approach to music consumption. In an era dominated by streaming services and short-form content, Andrews values the full album experience. He sees listening to an entire album as a medal of honor, a testament to one's dedication and attention span. This perspective is a refreshing contrast to the culture of instant gratification and constant stimulation that many young people are accustomed to.
Andrews' journey with Merzbow began with drumming and a critical eye for music, influenced by YouTube critics like Anthony Fantano. He rates each album on Instagram and Rate Your Music, with his favorite being 'Rainbow Electronics' and his least favorite being 'Merzbow Loves Emil Beaulieau'. Andrews' videos are a playful nod to Akita's unpredictable ethos, and his commitment to full albums is a refreshing reminder of the value of immersive, unfiltered music experiences.
However, Andrews' approach to music is not without its challenges. He finds short-form content mind-numbing and believes that deep listening can do wonders for one's attention span. He argues that Merzbow's popularity on streaming platforms does not accurately reflect his relevance, as challenging music forces listeners to think outside the confines of an economy where quality is often conflated with popularity.
Andrews' videos have sparked conversations about how listeners engage with challenging music, and his audience is a diverse mix of younger and older fans. He has even convinced his friends to sit through Merzbow's harsh soundscapes, and their reactions have been eye-opening. Despite the initial shock, many have found a deeper appreciation for the music, and Andrews enjoys explaining his feelings about the albums to his friends and their parents.
Akita himself has taken notice of Andrews' dedication, and the two have even collaborated. While the collaboration was short-lived, it is a testament to the power of Andrews' content and the impact it can have on artists. As Andrews continues his journey through Merzbow's discography, he remains in awe of Akita's commitment to experimentation and the enduring appeal of his music. In my opinion, Andrews' approach to music is a refreshing reminder of the value of immersive, unfiltered experiences in a world of instant gratification.
