“What kind of music do you like?”
This question is tossed between people all the time, whether new friends, romantic interests, or colleagues. Standard answers include: “A little bit of everything” and “None of that trashy new stuff that’s on the radio these days.” When my response includes “geek music,” I always get a weird look. Maybe it’s because I’m probably making up this genre, or maybe it’s because it doesn’t exactly have a wide audience. I’d like to think it’s the second reason. Either way, geek music is something that deserves to be shared with all geeks of the world.
So…What is Geek Music?
Geek music is a genre of music that includes songs written about geeky things. Style does not matter here; the song can be written like a rock, pop, rap, or bluegrass song. What truly matters is the content of the lyrics. Whether about a scientific concept, Batman, or an influential painter, it qualifies as geek music. Sub-genres of geek music even exist based on the subject of the song.
Why Does Geek Music Even Exist?
Imagine walking into your favorite comic book store to hear a song about why Aquaman deserves more respect. Or step into a video game store that is playing a love ballad from Mario to Princess Peach. That would be so cool!
Most importantly, creating or listening to music written about a favorite game or TV show allows us to share our love of something in a new way. Wearing t-shirts and hanging posters are common ways that we express our enthusiasm for the things we love. Music, however, can connect people and build communities in ways that posters can’t. Music is a wonderfully universal form of expression, so what better way to show your love of something than through song?
Who Makes Geek Music?
Everyone from YouTubers to award-winning composers! Geek music can be found in the most unexpected of places and in all styles of music. Here are some recommendations of great geek music:
They Might Be Giants: These guys have been rocking since the 80’s. They have released albums solely dedicated to the alphabet, numbers, and science, but they also include geeky tracks on other albums.
Song recommendation-“Why Does The Sun Shine?”
Hank Green: Hank is YouTube royalty. Due to his scientific background, he tends to write songs about science, but also has tracks about Harry Potter, Shakespearean insults, and anglerfish.
Song recommendation-“Strange Charm”
Alexander Hamilton Rap: The creator of this brilliant rap is Lin-Manuel Miranda, a Tony Award- and Grammy Award-winning composer. It tells the story of the difficult life of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton and proves that the Founding Fathers were hardcore.
Harry and the Potters: A prime example of Wizard Rock, this band is a sub-genre of geek music that includes music written about Harry Potter.
Song Recommendation-“Dumbledore”
Chameleon Circuit: Whovians will recognize the chameleon circuit as a part of the TARDIS, but fans of Time Lord Rock recognize it as the band that invented this sub-genre. Time Lord Rock, or Trock for short, is comprised of music written about Doctor Who.
Song Recommendation-“Regenerate Exterminate”
Next time you’re throwing a party or chilling out at home, throw on some of these tracks and geek out!