If you’ve spent any time on social media in the past few years, chances are you’ve come across the recorder instrument meme. It’s hard to miss: a video or image of someone playing “Hot Cross Buns” or another basic tune on the plastic instrument, usually accompanied by a caption such as “when you finally learn an instrument” or “my new quarantine hobby.” But how did this meme come to be? And why has it captured the attention of so many people?
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The Origins of the Recorder Instrument Meme
The recorder itself is not a new instrument – it has been around for centuries and is often used in elementary school music classes. However, the rise of the recorder instrument meme can be traced back to a few specific moments in pop culture.
The first major instance was in 2012, when a video of a woman playing “Careless Whisper” on the recorder went viral. The video, which now has over 11 million views on YouTube, features the woman playing the iconic saxophone riff on the recorder with surprising accuracy.
Then, in 2017, the YouTube channel “SquidPhysics” uploaded a video called “Recorder: The Marionette” that featured a group of people playing the recorder in unison. The video, which now has over 4 million views, was a hit on social media and inspired many copycats.
The Rise of the Recorder Instrument Meme
But it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 that the recorder instrument meme truly took off. With people spending more time at home and looking for new hobbies to occupy their time, the recorder became a popular choice.
It started with people posting videos of themselves playing the recorder on social media, usually with a self-deprecating caption about their lack of musical talent. But as more and more people joined in, the recorder instrument meme evolved into something more.
The Recorder Instrument Meme Goes Mainstream
Soon, celebrities and influencers were getting in on the trend. In April 2020, actress and comedian Anna Kendrick posted a video of herself playing “My Heart Will Go On” on the recorder. The video, which has over 3 million views on Instagram, inspired many others to try their hand at the instrument.
Other celebrities who have posted recorder videos include actress Zoey Deutch, comedian Chelsea Peretti, and even musician Lizzo. The trend also spread to TikTok, where users created videos of themselves playing recorder covers of popular songs.
The Recorder Instrument Meme Today
Now, in 2023, the recorder instrument meme shows no signs of slowing down. While some may argue that the trend has overstayed its welcome, others see it as a harmless and fun way to bring people together during difficult times.
We spoke to a few people who have participated in the recorder instrument meme to get their thoughts on the trend:
“I never thought I’d be playing the recorder in my 30s, but here we are,” says Sarah, a graphic designer from New York. “It’s honestly been a great stress-reliever during the pandemic.”
“I’m a music teacher, so I’ve been playing the recorder for years,” says Mark. “It’s funny to see so many people discovering it now, but if it gets more people interested in music, I’m all for it.”
“I think the recorder instrument meme is hilarious,” says Kelly, a college student. “It’s just a silly thing that brings people joy, and we could all use more of that right now.”
The Future of the Recorder Instrument Meme
It’s hard to say what the future holds for the recorder instrument meme. Will it continue to be a popular trend, or will it eventually fade away? Only time will tell.
One thing is for sure, though – the recorder has proven itself to be a versatile and enduring instrument that can bring people together in unexpected ways. And in a world that can often feel divided, that’s a pretty powerful thing.
