Minimal Music: City of the Sun

Minimal music is hard to define, but if there is one group that fits the bill, it's the band City of the Sun.  I first discovered them in Central Park back in September. Their music captivated me. The band consists of three guys, two guitars, a box and some bells. That's it. 

They have been together since 2010 and have made a splash in the music world. They have played everywhere from street corners to sold-out music halls.  According to their website, they describe their music as "sweeping from wide-screen post-rock dynamics to gypsy jazz syncopations." And honestly, that sounds just about right. They are completely instrumental and are redefining acoustic music.


This first video is a cover of Intro by XX.  Although it is not an original, this piece fits very well into their repertoire as a celebration of repetition and haunting, simplistic music theory.  

The next video showcases an original piece titled "W. 16th Street." This is my favorite song on their first full album (which was recently released) titled "To the Sun and all the Cities in Between" Enjoy!

Want more of their music? You can find them on Spotify, iTunes, and Soundcloud.  

My song suggestions? Everything, Second Sun, and Explosions 

Why so Minimal?

Why is a minimal lifestyle trending and turning into a cultural shift? And, why should you consider joining the movement? The trend, like all fashion/design history, has to do (in part) with our style history. I could give you an all-inclusive summary of the past 100 years of fashion and style, but I will keep it brief.

Trends are about progress and a critic of the current world. Think about the shift from the 20's to the 30's - in one decade we went from flappers and beaded headbands to docile suites and conservative dresses. If you think about it, the economic and political situation changed as well. The 1920's the United States were very prosperous and flamboyant but the 1930's were in the trows of The Great Depression followed by the beginning of the second world war.

Every trend has a similar backstory. While war and depressions may not be the reason for a change, there is always a cultural shift that coincides with moving trends. Today there are many influencing factors, but the following, I believe, are the biggest contributors.

• Environmental Awareness
1. Over the past few years, there has been a major focus on caring for our environment.
2. We emphasize recycling and producing less waste in order to responsibly use our planet's resources.
• Emphasis on Experience
1. Our culture is tired of the facade of materialism and is shifting toward being "authentic" and "adventurous."
2. We value living a full life over a "perfect" one.
• Technological Advancement
1. With the rise of personal technology and social media, there are many new ways to share interests and experiences with the world.
2. Technology is able to do more with less - the same idea minimalism is trying to replicate in all aspects of life.

No matter how much or little you agree with these forces behind minimalism, the lifestyle can reinforce quality character traits and a better way of life. It allows you to live simply and fully. Most importantly though, it allows you to truly appreciate the blessings you have.