Consumerism, Influence of the West, and Youth Culture

This mixture of short videos is a compilation of different time periods in the soviet union that emphasize the evolution of Rock music in Russia and the influence of consumerism. Starting in the 1920's, specifically after the Bolshevik revolution, a demand for Western products emerged. With this demand ,rock & Roll music, like a wide number of western products found itself in the Streets of Moscow. By the late 60's and early 70's artists like Chuck Berry, and the Beatles had found an audience in the Soviet Union. Following the introduction of Rock music and pop culture, groups like Time Machine, Boris Grebenshchikov and Kino emerged. Although censorship and state limitations played a vital role in maintaining bands as amateurs, the Glasnost era and Perestroika ultimately had a stronger impact on the freedom of creativity that had originated in the late 60's. This combination of events heavily influenced the sound and lyrical content of Russian Rock that flourished in the 1980's. Although, still very imitative of their Western founders, in the 80's soviet Musicians verbalized soviet hypocrisy and discontent that manifested through their everyday lives.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Consumerism
• Influence of the West
• and Youth Culture