We celebrate International Strange Music Day on August 24. This is a day for all the music lovers who have a soft corner for the unique and bizarre, especially when it comes to music and songs. International Strange Music Day also encourages the rest of us to switch up our regular playlist for something eccentric and unusual. Of course, ‘strange’ doesn’t mean that you have to listen to something that doesn’t please you — you could also listen to new genres of music, artists, and even music in different languages. The choice is entirely yours! The ultimate aim of International Strange Music Day is to expand our taste in music.
History of International Strange Music Day
International Strange Music Day was created by Patrick Grant, a New York City musician and composer. The aim of the celebration was to get people to play and listen to types of music that they had not before. Grant believed that something as simple as broadening our musical taste can also make us broadminded and more accepting of others. He follows the mantra ‘listening without prejudice.’ Grant also picked the day to promote his new album “Fields Amaze” in 1997, as a way to honor his girlfriend’s father (and his artistic mentor) on his birthday. By 2002, the day became an international phenomenon with various artists and venues. This growing movement is now attached to concerts, hosts a record label, and gains popular support from summer schools. The day is also appreciated as a great way to stimulate young minds.In 2012 the celebrations took a new direction when Grant challenged the musicians of New York City to participate in an International Strange Music Day Performance Soiree. A number of strange bands and musicians such as Jolly Ramey, The Dreamscape Floppies, Da Groove Commanders, Micro-tons o’ Fun, and many more participated in the soiree and it turned out to be a huge success! Since then other events have been hosted in honor of the day in New York City along with other towns and cities all around the country. The University of London also has grand celebrations of the day with events, competitions, sing-alongs, and band performances.
International Strange Music Day timeline
Wesley Willis releases his cult album featuring this hit song.
Strange Music, Inc, the number one independent record label in the world, starts in 2000.
Patrick Grant brings to public spaces the music of specially composed electric guitars.
Part of the L.A. dance and rap music movement of the early 1980s, this band features frontman Gregory Broussard.
International Strange Music Day FAQs
Who is the owner of Strange Music?
Strange Music is an American independent record label specializing in hip-hop music. It was founded by Tech N9ne and Travis O’Guin in 2000.
How many artists are under Strange Music?
Strange Music is now the number one independent label in the world with a roster boasting 15 artists ranging in genres from rap to pop music.
When is International Strange Music Day celebrated?
International Strange Music Day is celebrated on August 24. The day was started By Patrick Grant to encourage people to listen to different kinds of music.
International Strange Music Day Activities
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Create some strange music
Celebrate International Strange Music Day by creating some strange music of your own. Play with a different instrument or try composing lyrics in a foreign language.
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Listen to some strange music
Why not celebrate International Strange Music Day by listening to music that you have never heard before? Put your playlist on shuffle and sample a brand new genre.
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Attend a strange music soiree
Find out if your town is hosting a strange music soiree. Attend with friends, family, and other music lovers. Who knows if you might find your next favorite brand here!
5 Facts About Music That Will Blow Your Mind
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Mozart is still a bestselling artist
In 2016, Mozart sold more C.D.s than Beyonce.
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Metallica has performed on every continent
They are the first and only band to have performed on all seven continents.
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Prince was supremely talented
In his debut album, Prince played 27 different musical instruments.
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Music helps plants grow
Classical music is especially beneficial to plant growth.
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Silence can be music too
In 1952, John Cage created a song titled ‘4’44’ — it is completely silent.
Why We Love International Strange Music Day
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It expands our music taste
Most of us are unlikely to listen to different music without a little nudge from others. International Strange Music Day encourages us to expand our music taste and go beyond the regular.
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It makes us broadminded
Patrick Grant wanted the day to encourage people to experiment with the music that they listen to. This in turn makes us willing to try new things and be broadminded about it.
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It gives a platform to underground artists
International Strange Music Day is the perfect day for indie and underground artists to showcase their talents and interact with their listeners.
International Strange Music Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 24 | Thursday |
| 2024 | August 24 | Saturday |
| 2025 | August 24 | Sunday |
| 2026 | August 24 | Monday |
| 2027 | August 24 | Tuesday |
