Odd Time Signatures, Social Media and Musical Surprise with Josh Zimmer
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert)
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Topics discussed
Host note
Josh Zimmer (Project Atlantic) blew up on Instagram and TikTok by doing something deceptively simple: pointing at odd bars hiding in plain sight, a sneaky 3/4 measure in the *Dragon Tales* theme song, micro-surprises in radio edits, the kind of left turn that makes your ears perk up for half a second.
We trace his arc from a 13-year-old Pink Floyd / Wizard of Oz sync-up summer, through bass-led voice-leading, to why he makes those videos: pop is often simpler than it looks, and the people behind radio hits are not amateurs. Then Project Atlantic, social media as discovery (not replacement) for an indie career, and why rhythmic surprise hits hardest in the songs you least expect.
Selected moments
- Josh's initial encounter with music 0:13 Pink Floyd at 13, how his whole perception of what music could be turned around.
- Explaining music theory basics 4:09 How learning music theory opened up the whole world of music for Josh.
- Contrasting music theory perceptions 6:42 Theory made Josh a much stronger musician, rules vs. tools.
- The role of emotion in music 9:27 The emotional connection music brings to both creators and listeners.
- Little surprises in pop songs 19:22 Odd bars as micro left-turns, especially when you least expect them.
- Dragon Tales theme, sneaky 3/4 bar 19:48 Josh's first viral odd-meter video: a measure of 3/4 in a PBS kids' show theme.
- Pop is simpler than it looks 21:15 Breaking the stereotype that commercial music is made by amateurs.
- Legacy of personal music 29:24 The timeless nature of music and its personal meaning over the years.
- The universal appeal of music 34:46 Music is absolutely everywhere, being able to partake in that is very special.
Selected excerpts
When I was 13, he put on Dark Side of the Moon with it, and after that opening song, my whole perception of what music could be was absolutely turned around.
Little surprises — sometimes they're in some of the songs that you least expect it.
The PBS show Dragon Tales — the theme song has a measure of three four.
There's this feeling that pop music is actually simpler than it actually is — and anytime you're able to point out a moment like nah, there's stuff going on here, it gives people some chills.
The people behind songs that get radio airplay — whether you like them or not — the people behind them are extremely talented.
The only thing I'm comfortable with on any of my Project Atlantic stuff is the bass playing — everything else is such a struggle for me.
FAQ
Who is Josh Zimmer?
Josh Zimmer is a musician and the creator of Project Atlantic, known for his engaging music theory videos on social media.
What are odd time signatures in music?
Odd time signatures are rhythmic structures that differ from common time, creating unique patterns and surprises in music.
How does social media impact music marketing?
Social media provides a platform for musicians to reach wider audiences, engage fans, and promote their music creatively.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.