Backmasking (also known as backward masking) is a recording technique in which a sound or message is recorded backward onto a track that is meant to be played forward. Backmasking is a deliberate process, whereas a message found through phonetic reversal may be unintentional.
Backmasking was popularized by The Beatles, who used backward vocals and instrumentation in recording their 1966 album Revolver. Artists have since used backmasking for artistic, comedic, and satiric effect, on both analog and digital recordings. The technique has also been used to censor words or phrases for "clean" releases of songs.
Backmasking has been a controversial topic in the United States since the 1980s, when allegations from Christian groups of its use for Satanic purposes were made against prominent rock musicians, leading to record-burning protests and proposed anti-backmasking legislation by state and federal governments. Whether backmasking can be used subliminally to affect listeners is in debate by both sides.
Backmasking was popularized by The Beatles, who used backward vocals and instrumentation in recording their 1966 album Revolver. Artists have since used backmasking for artistic, comedic, and satiric effect, on both analog and digital recordings. The technique has also been used to censor words or phrases for "clean" releases of songs.
Backmasking has been a controversial topic in the United States since the 1980s, when allegations from Christian groups of its use for Satanic purposes were made against prominent rock musicians, leading to record-burning protests and proposed anti-backmasking legislation by state and federal governments. Whether backmasking can be used subliminally to affect listeners is in debate by both sides.
When discussing subliminal perception, many also bring up backmasking, recording a message within a song backwards. Jeff Milner has developed a collection of 14 popular songs which reportedly have hidden backward messages. The song clips can be played from the site forward, backward and include the lyrics. Jeff's backmasking site can be found at http://jeffmilner.com/backmasking/
Here are some examples of back masking. The tracks play forward once, and then backwards twice at different speeds. Remember, these messages were not superimposed into the tracks, they occurred naturally.
Backmasking Assignment
In this assignment, you will:
1. Download a copy of "Stairway To Heaven."
2. Locate the section of music that has the "secret" message.
3. "Cut" that section out.
4. "Paste" the "hidden message" in a new track.
5. Reverse the section to hear it backwards.
1. Download a copy of "Stairway To Heaven."
2. Locate the section of music that has the "secret" message.
3. "Cut" that section out.
4. "Paste" the "hidden message" in a new track.
5. Reverse the section to hear it backwards.
| Backmasking Instructions.pdf |
| Stairway To Heaven - Led Zeppelin.mp3 |
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Pink Floyd - EMPTY SPACES
Pink Floyd used backmasking to hide a message on their song “Empty Spaces” from the album The Wall. Gibberish is heard when listening to the song normally. When played in reverse a secret message is found: “-Hello, Luka… Congratulations. You have just discovered the secret message. Please send your answer to Old Pink, care of the Funny Farm, Chalfont… -Roger! Carolyn’s on the phone! -Okay” The message is supposedly Roger Waters addressing people who look for hidden messages. Waters congratulates them and asks them to send a response to “Old Pink” at the “Funny Farm”. Before Waters can give the full address he is notified by someone that his wife, Carolyn, is on the phone. Many think “Old Pink” is a reference to former member Syd Barrett who had mental problems and was in a psychiatric hospital (“Funny Farm”). |
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Led Zeppelin - STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
In January, 1982, Paul Crouch accused many rock artists of hiding messages in their songs through backmasking. One example he pointed out was the Led Zeppelin song “Stairway to Heaven”. When played normally one hears: “If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow, don’t be alarmed now It’s just a spring clean for the May queen Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run There’s still time to change the road you’re on” When played in reverse Crouch said a satanic message could be heard: “Oh here’s to my sweet Satan. The one whose little path would make me sad, whose power is Satan. He will give those with him 666. There was a little tool shed where he made us suffer, sad Satan.” The band ignored these claims, however Swan Song Records issued a statement saying “Our turntables only play in one direction…forwards”. The alleged satanic message has become, arguably, the most famous instance of backmasking, adding to the mystery and legacy of Led Zeppelin. Many however, say it’s merely a coincidence, and is simply another case of phonetic reversal. |
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