The beat generation and its influence on psychedelic rock (or acid rock)

Authors

  • Alfredo Stornaiolo
  • Kira Quiñonez

Keywords:

Beat generation, psychedelic rock, acid rock, counterculture, literary influence, music history

Abstract

The Beat Generation was a literary and cultural movement that arose in the 1950s in the United States, characterized mainly by its rejection of the dominant culture and the adoption of a countercultural lifestyle that emphasized individual freedom and experimentation. Considering the influence of this movement on various art forms, including music, this article aims to acknowledge the intersection between the Beat Generation and the development of psychedelic rock. The analysis focuses on identifying thematic parallels, shared ideologies, as well as aesthetic sensibilities that link the Beat Generation to the psychedelic rock movement. The research methodology employed in this study involves a thorough review and analysis of primary and secondary sources, including original Beat literature, interviews, historical records, and musical compositions. The findings of this article reveal that the Beats' exploration of spirituality, drug use, and nonconformity ideals directly and indirectly influenced the psychedelic movement, providing fertile ground for artistic expression and experimentation. In conclusion, this study highlights the profound influence of the Beat Generation on the development of psychedelic rock and considers that lyrical themes, poetic sensibilities, and experimentation with sound and structure in psychedelic rock owe a significant debt to artistic production of the Beat Generation.

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Published

2024-12-31 — Updated on 2025-01-02

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