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Sky Shanties: A History of The Rhapsodists

The boy looked strong, his body chiseled and acclimated to labor. I wasn't sure how I felt about him calling me 'ma'am.' It was polite, but implied an age that stood well over a decade ahead of me. He looked the part, but to fly aboard The Woman in Red, you needed to prove yourself.
"Ambrose Fitzgerald Pierce?" I asked, "May I call you Fittz, or perhaps Pierce?"
"Yes, ma'am. Either, If you wish," he began, "who am I to deny a Barron?'"
"I like my crew to speak freely. If you object, I should know."
He took a breath, pondered his words carefully, and his response made me laugh, "My mother called me Rosey. Honestly, Fitz is fine."
"Well Fitz," I began, " I see no reason to say no, but I'll have to give you a little test."
He cocked his head, "Yes, ma'am. Whatever you need. Will there be heavy lifting?"
"This may sound odd," I said, smiling, "but how's your singing?"
— The Journals of Cortney Clarke
   
Before Airships came about, making the trek across vast oceans took time. Crews needed ways of staying busy, or at least maintaining sanity. They needed a way to make the work more pleasant or keep in time when rowing or working the vessel. Thus came the sea shanty.   Sea Shanties were work songs sung on seafaring vessels. When these vessels took to the skies, these songs would follow. They changed in many ways, adapting to the shorter travel time and differences in work. This work was easier and lacked the constant maintenance of seafaring ships.   Sky Shanties helped create a culture around these songs, which included folk songs and original compositions by those who performed. These men and women were pampered and revered by both captain and crew. Collectively referred to as Rhapsodists, their dedication to entertainment became essential for life aboard an airship and did more than brighten one's day. They changed lives, forming an organization that commands power and respect.
   
 
 

Shift In Focus

The first Rhapsodist is a matter of debate. The term wouldn't be used for many years, the profession already established before an organization formed. Some claim that no one was the first. The transition from sea to sky ensured this, but others say the shift from work songs to a form of entertainment, art, and skill implies there must be a first. They claim that, the first true Rhapsodist was Jenny Lind. In 1847, the famous opera singer performed in Bellini's La Sonnambula on The Parable, an American cruise ship. It stands as the first ever operatic performance aboard an airship. Lind performed on airships many times in the years that came after.   Most who knew of this event realized how profitable it could be, and sought to follow the example. Not all airships could afford such a performance, nor could they retain the same level of reputable talent. They hired many unknown musicians and singers to fill the void, entertaining both passengers and crew during a voyage.   This made taking on passengers for one way trips easier. It also paved the way for social reforms, equality between race and the sexes, and some would claim Rhapsodists had a military application as well.  

 

Digging Deeper: The Aether Man's Song

With the rise in Quantum harvesting, an adaptation of a popular work song, "Lord, save us miners," rotated between Rhapsodists in a time when workplace safety took a back seat, if it was cared about at all. The dark tone of the original depicted the horrors of working in coal mines, as well as various other similar fields.   After The Black Riots, these industries died off. The workers had to move on, eventually moving the song to the quantum fields where Aether was harvested. The lyrics changed to reflect the dangers of the profession, and the Rhapsodists took notice.   As the song circulated among them, particularly aboard ships that use Aether as fuel, members of high society began to question the ethical ramifications of such condition. Change would come when the strongly worded correspondence between a wealthy investor of The Skyway Mining Company demanded it. The letters began when the concerned investor asked about the song's origin from a performer aboard the French destroyer, The D'Artagnan
   

The Development of A New Profession

Initially, being a performer was more of a hobby than anything else. These performers pulled double-duty during this time, usually spending their nights entertaining and their days working one of the many jobs on an airship.   This changed as music did. Composers would hire musicians with airship experience when beginning a tour of the skies, filling their orchestras with those who are more accustomed to playing in the sky. The swaying of the vessel in a high wind as well as the potential for playing through a storm all contributed to this decision.   Rhapsodists feared being forced to choose between their duties on an airship, or the duties they owed to their fellow musicians. There was little time to practice and this would need to change to adapt to more complex pieces, original works, and of course, a growing reputation.  

Reputation and Unionization

Many refused a job on a vessel if it involved double-duty outside of combat. While most captains were accommodating, if performers lacked a reputation, they often lost their jobs. Others were never hired because the captain perceived the request as laziness.     These performers spoke frequently. They exchanged songs, swapped stories, and collaborated on performances of various types that stemmed beyond music like theater and "personality acts." (See sidebar.)   In the year 1873, Rhapsodists unified, using their reputation as ammunition. With the help of The Sky Barrons, they established an organization for representing Rhapsodists, finding yhem work, and ensureing they were compensated and respected. If one didn't comply, they would face the wrath of the Barrons. The organization was called, The Rhapsodist Society, and was the first time the term "Rhapsodist" was used.  

Personality Acts

A Personality Act doesn't need a composition worked through a dozen times to perfection. Personality Acts are performances designed to showcase the personality of the performer. Improvised Dance, Jam sessions, musical duals with other musicians, the beginnings of stand-up comedy, storytelling, and forms of public speaking are all considered personality acts. It helped those with a reputation act as a force of change, raising awareness and taking a stance on various issues of their time.

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Entry for The History Challenge

Competition Homepage
Cover image: by Stefany Andrade
  • 1824

    The First Sky Shanties
    Artistic creation

    With the rise in air travel, work songs called sky shanties would circulate among those who worked aboard airships, soon giving rise to other forms of entertainment by early performers. The first song called a sky shanty was "Don't Look Down," written by a cabin boy while aboard a Scottish vessel named The Little Mother.

  • 1835

    1849

    Rein of The Mictlantecuhtli
    Military action

    Airships in Mexico are large, commissioned to assist in the many wars they fought during the 19th century. One such vessel, Mictlantecuhtli, was feared above all. Known for its speed and brutal crew, the ship would swoop in as the entire crew would play Aztec Death Whistles. These instruments would emit the most horrific piercing scream in the hands of a skilled player, and struck fear in the hearts of any who heard it. The vessel was destroyed by The Delerium, marking its crew as pirates.

  • 1847

    Jenny Lind Performs
    Cultural event

    Jenny Lind performs the first opera on an airship, and many cite her as the first Rhapsodist because of it.

  • 1852

    Exotic Sound
    Cultural event

    Many instruments gained popularity as cultures diffused. The Chinese erhu gained popularity in American skies when workers left the railroad, the Japanese koto did as well. The African Kora and Djembe were popular as freed slaves spread their own cultures. Another strange inclusion is the Hurdy Gurdy on small, or less wealthy vessels throughout the world. The fullness and variety of its sound proved enough to entertain without hiring an ensemble of performers.

  • 1860

    The Aether Man's Song
    Artistic creation

    A song circulates among airships, performed for both the upper and lower class. The song revealed poor workplace conditions and led to massive reform surrounding workplace conditions.

  • 1860

    First African Rhapsodist performs: Joseph Carver
    Life, Achievement/ Win

    Carver was an african american trumpet player who performed on some of the most luxurious cruise ships of the day. He joined the Rhapsodist society soon after its founding.

  • 1862

    The Merry Men Perform
    Cultural event

    The Merry Men, Rhapsodists aboard The Irish Rose, performed a rendition of The Battle of Aughrim to rally their crew in a battle with 3 English Vessels. Many believe this helped win the battle, but the captain died attempting to repair the hull. The Rhapsodists performed The Parting Glass at her funeral, recorded it, and the profits repaired the vessel, allowing her daughter to take command.

  • 1865

    A Controversial Performance
    Artistic creation

    During a story about a daring train heist in the American west, Lumiere Ciéutat used a Key of Frames to conjure the image of an oncoming train. The audience jumped up and dodged away from the image in a panic, unable to determine if the train was there.

  • 1873

    The First Official Rhapsodist
    Cultural event

    The first person to be accepted into the society, and therefore the first person to officially be called a Rhapsodist, was Ramsey Lowery of Pennsylvenia. Lowery played viola in a string quartet abord The Alamo for most of his career.

  • 1873

    The Creation of The Rhapsodist Society
    Founding

    The RS created security for performers who worked on airships. It helped them find work, and established the title of Rhapsodist as a profession.

  • 1877

    The Round Table, and military Rhapsodists
    Life, Organisation Association

    The Round Table forms aboard The Galahad, starting a surge in military units comprised exclusively of Rhapsodists.

Article template
Organization
World
Flight of the Delirium
Author
Dylonishere123
Publication Date
5 May, 2020
Creation Date
5 May, 2020
Last Update Date
1 Jun, 2020
Visibility
Public
Views
2535
Favorites
28
Comments
7
Work In Progress

Comments

Author's Notes

Before you ask... Yes. Barron is an intentional spelling.

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Incaseofgrace
May 6, 2020 17:47 by Grace Gittel Lewis

Yet again starting off with a good quote! I like the concept here, full time shanty singers that also can utilize this as an actual power? Nice.  

Women were not only a common sight on Airships, but we're encouraged to join airship crews.
...and racism it's a common truth for those...
...the same time The Locksmith and The Watchmaker we're making their mark on the world...
Caught a few typos squirming around below deck. Also going to take an opportunity to note something I've been seeing a lot in your recent articles— "you're" and "we're" as typos.   Some quick CSS feedback— that dark blue you use for links is hard on the eyes against the grey background. I'd recommend a darker but less saturated color, perhaps?   Quantum keys are a fun extra detail in here, gets me curious to know a bit more about them! You hit upon the history here pretty well. Bonus points for the hurdy gurdy.

Dylonishere123
May 6, 2020 18:44 by R. Dylon Elder

Woah, yes. If I write on my phone, it autocorrects you're abd we're for some stupid reason and the spell check won't find it. I'll hunt those down. Thank you very much! I'll swap the link color too.   I love the quantum keys so much. they are the magic system of the setting. One key= one spell or one set of similar spells. Plus. the spells can be cast on larger scales by one ship against another.   Thanks man! Happy you enjoyed the article!

Councilor of the Inner Sanctum SableAradia
May 6, 2020 18:10 by Diane Morrison

I love this! I also have a setting where sailing on the ocean evolved into sailing in the sky (for me it's space, but similar concept) and the importance of sea shanties cannot be underestimated. I love that a trade union developed for the performers. It seems the divergence of your alternate history happened at about the time trade unions were gaining power elsewhere too. This is excellent worldbuilding.

Author of the Wyrd West Chronicles and the Toy Soldier Saga. Mother of Bunnies, Eater of Pickles, Friend of Nerds, First of her Name.
Dylonishere123
May 6, 2020 18:49 by R. Dylon Elder

I've had to do more research for this article than any other I've written, from the career of jenny Lind to trade unions. I'm glad someone noticed! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Dylonishere123
May 6, 2020 18:49 by R. Dylon Elder

Sorry, hit reply too soon lol. thank you very much

Master hughpierre
May 7, 2020 22:06

I like how your timeline adds bits of more information and expands on the history included in the main article. It's more a history of an occupation or way of life.   Would there be some transitionary period between a being apart of a civilian trade union and being apart of a military? There may not be: there may two separate entities that specialize in servicing these two disciplines. I would recommend distinguishing the services that the Sky Shanties give to the rhapsodists; if there is only one, since some militaries do not typically want a civilian organisation apart of their structure.

Check out some of my other stuff: Valley of Man|Four Quadrants |Cold Crown|Pearl Directive
Dylonishere123
May 7, 2020 22:21 by R. Dylon Elder

Right! It began as a simple way of life, a cultural movement and eventually became this union that, while still new (I need to specify that) has already gained alot of influence. The the sky Shanties were songs, and Rhapsodists sang them. I'll fix that too lol. as far as trasitionary period, it really depends on where you are. Enlisting in the british air corps offers Rhapsodist training and positions but you have to be a member of the military. The union itself has little control there, but you can join the union and operate within it once you transition back to civilian life. If already a member of The RS before enlisted, the military is gonna take precedent but that's the British. Most military groups in this world contract these positions out, particularly among the Sky Barrons and Pauper Kings. Ill dig into this as in my revision. Thanks so much! I'll spot you back soon!

Eternal Grandmaster hcraven
May 19, 2020 15:17

I love this. This is such a great approach to this challenge, and I like the way you outline ways in which the sky shanties influenced society

- Hello from Valayo! Featured work: Tips and Tricks for Using Icons
Dylonishere123
May 19, 2020 15:26 by R. Dylon Elder

Thank ya! I appreciate it an dim glad you enjoyed it. I struggled to find an idea for it. I'm glad it turned out so well!

Exalted Councilor of the Inner Sanctum Vazdimet
Jun 1, 2020 01:54 by Morgan Biscup

This is such a cool idea! I am especially fascinated by your keys, and also by the historical events in your timeline. You have clearly put a lot of thought into this topic and it shows!   I am curious about the illusion key. Has anyone used it in battle to create illusions in an effort to influence the opposing ships? Seems it would be useful to trick opponents into thinking they were facing a much larger force, to get them to flee or split their attention with non-existent airships.   You do have a sentence fragment under your section about military rhapsodists: "After aquiring a Key Of Chorus."

Lead Author of Vazdimet.
Necromancy is a Wholesome Science.
Dylonishere123
Jun 1, 2020 14:37 by R. Dylon Elder

Oooo thanks for that! Nice eye. The keys can work in a variety of ways, and your example is one of many ways the illusory keys can be used.   I did put alot of research into this one and I'm glad it shows! Thank you very much!

Grandmaster yeslittlehummingbird
Aug 31, 2020 17:25 by Anna Katherina

Bless you! I absolutely love this <3 As someone hailing from a family with naval traditions, I grew up with shanties from my dad. Shanties and false shanties are easily some of my absolute favorite pieces of music. Its always chuffed me a bit when no one includes them in their air ship culture when their seafaring culture had them. It just seems like such a logical progression- and I adore how you've tackled this here.

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Dylonishere123
Sep 1, 2020 20:45 by R. Dylon Elder

Thanks so much! Long time no see! Hope all is well. I agree completely. Having a musical culture among the air ships was one of the first decisions I made for this world, but never got to writing it. it was fun playing with real world musicians as well. I grew up listening to shanties and old Irish folk songs! My aunt and uncle had an irish band that played all over Oklahoma. So glad it was well received thanks so much!

Grandmaster yeslittlehummingbird
Sep 1, 2020 21:30 by Anna Katherina

I always forget you had history in Oklahoma! Always makes me so happy to find other Oki's and Oki-Adjacents lol.

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Ariel Purkeypile
Sep 1, 2020 13:16 by Ariel Purkeypile

This is gorgeous! I love how much of your world shows in this single article. What a delight to come across bits of unexpected parallel and shared terminology, from unionization to stand up comedy! It's one of my favorite things to come across, although I am absolutely biased by my attempts to do the same in my universe, a WIP that will be glorious but is currently in its ugly ducking phase. You made good use of a variety of WA tools, too. You're in my reading list, and I look forward to further exploration!

Dylonishere123
Sep 1, 2020 20:48 by R. Dylon Elder

This world is in its ugly phase as well. I completely understand lol thanks so much! I'm glad it was well received. I'll take a look. It's nice to see what others are doing and I'm always looking for new worlds to read! Thanks so much, once again!

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