Discography Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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discography

[dษชsหˆkษ’ษกrษ™fi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

music collection

A discography is a comprehensive list of recordings by a particular musician, band, or composer, including their albums, singles, and other releases. It serves as a catalog of an artist's work, detailing the year of release, track listings, and associated labels. Discographies can also include contributions to compilations, soundtracks, and collaborations with other artists. This term is commonly used in the music industry to track an artist's evolution and the progression of their musical style over time.

Synonyms

album collection, music catalog, record list.

Examples of usage

  • Her discography includes several chart-topping albums.
  • Fans are eager to explore his entire discography.
  • The band's discography showcases their growth as musicians.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Music Industry

  • A detailed discography can enhance an artist's reputation and attract new fans by showcasing their body of work.
  • Collectible vinyl records often prompt collectors to seek out an artist's complete discography, sometimes leading to high sales at auctions.
  • Many discographies now include covers, collaborations, and remixes, adding depth to an artist's portfolio.

Cultural Impact

  • Discographies often include milestones of an artistโ€™s career, signifying cultural movements and shifts in music tastes.
  • Online platforms allow fans to explore discographies interactively, leading to increased engagement with artists' music and history.
  • Fan communities frequently contribute to discographies by documenting live performances and unreleased tracks.

Historical Significance

  • In the early days of recording, discographies were much simpler, focusing predominantly on singles and albums released.
  • The advent of the internet has transformed how discographies are compiled and accessed, allowing for immediate updates and inclusivity.
  • Notable discographies include works from legendary figures like The Beatles and Bob Dylan, reflecting major shifts in music history.

Digital Era

  • Today, discographies can be found on streaming services, giving instant access to an entire catalog with just a click.
  • Digital discographies often include additional features, like lyrics, album art, and links to videos.
  • The ease of streaming has changed the way artists present their discographies, encouraging experimentation and frequent releases.

Origin of 'discography'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'disco' from 'disk', referring to phonograph records, and 'graphy', meaning writing or recording.
  • The word has been in use since the late 1960s, when music became popular on vinyl records.
  • It has evolved to include all forms of music recordings, including digital formats.

The word 'discography' originates from the combination of 'disco-' which is derived from 'disc' referring to phonograph records, and '-graphy' from the Greek 'graphia' meaning writing or representation. The term began to be used in the mid-20th century, particularly with the rise of the recording industry and as music became more widely distributed and accessible to the public. As vinyl records, tapes, and later CDs became prevalent, the need for a systematic way to catalog the work of artists emerged. Discographies not only honor the contributions of musicians but also serve as an important resource for fans, historians, and researchers interested in the numeric and artistic progress of music over the decades. Each entry can reflect the cultural and artistic landscape of its time, making discographies a crucial component of music history.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,206 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.