Rhythm Science

After reading the first few chapters of "Rhythm Science" I was extremely confused and frustrated. I felt that I would read a few pages and have no idea what points DJ Spooky was trying to make or if he was even attempting to make an argument. I think part of this was because I'm so used to reading books with a linear structure that clearly identify an argument and emphasis supporting evidence for the argument. The book seemed to jump around from point to point and it was challenging for me to remain focused on what I was reading. I also think that I had a great deal of difficulty at first with the book because I am not familiar with the art of DJing and also the science and philosophy that was incorporated in the book seemed to go over my head.

As I continued on with the book things began making a little more sense. The main points that I think DJ Spooky is trying to convey in the book is that creativity can be expanded through using things from the past and objects around us in novel ways. He emphasized that it is important to break boundaries of what is accepted as the norm. One particular quote I thought was unique is "People are so programmed to accept a media construct that if something isn't affirmed by their peers and/or mass culture, then it might as well not exist." DJ Spooky wants people to break through this and incorporate diversity and things from the past and make something innovative. There is no wrong or right way to create art and once we get past this misconception there will be a lot more creativity occurring.

Another main theme that I think was addressed throughout the book is that the art is not complete until the audience interprets it. I think that this is very true because there is no right way to interpret art. Art means something different to everyone and these different meanings contribute to the work created by the artist. It was interesting to see the different interpretations my classmates had to the book in general and to specific quotes and passages in the book.


Overall, I found reading "Rhythm Science" to be challenging, yet very interesting. I was glad to get a chance to read something that is completely different than what I am used to. I thought we had really good discussions in class that helped break apart quotes and segments from the text to determine what DJ Spooky is trying to say. It was also very comforting to me to know that my classmates also struggled with comprehending the book and that I wasn't the only one!