"It was a really interesting time in New York in the late 70s and early 80s, and the music scene was really, really interesting because you didn't have to be a virtuoso to make music, it was more about your desire to express things"

Jim Jarmusch's reflection on New York in the late 70s and early 80s paints a brilliant photo of a dynamic and transformative period in the city's cultural history, particularly within its music scene. The period was marked by a spirit of imagination and experimentation, where conventional barriers to artistic expression were being challenged and often taken apart. This date was significantly inclusive, triggering an environment where enthusiasm and expressiveness took precedence over technical efficiency.

Jarmusch's quote emphasizes the democratization of music at the time. In contrast to previous durations where musical expertise and virtuosity were extremely valued, this era moved focus towards raw emotion and the urge to interact special point of views. This openness generated varied musical genres and movements, such as punk, new age, and hip-hop, which all flourished in New York during this time.

The punk scene, focused around iconic locations like CBGB, accepted a DIY ethos, encouraging self-taught musicians to perform with authenticity. It was music with an edge, identified by uncomplicated, loud, and typically politically charged messages. Notably, bands like The Ramones and the Talking Heads emerged, leaving an enduring impact on the music market.

All at once, in the Bronx, hip-hop was settling. This genre, too, defied the conventional musical standards, as DJs and MCs revealed socio-political concerns and cultural pride amidst marginalized communities. It was an effective tool of expression and connection, emphasizing rhythm, spoken word, and improvisation.

Jarmusch's articulation of this period underscores New York's role as a melting pot of innovation and defiance versus the status quo. It was a time when anybody with a message and the will to share it could find a platform. Eventually, this democratization of music not only promoted a vibrant underground music scene however likewise left a long lasting influence on global music culture.