After spending time posting about different styles of music the Musical Diversity team has decided (required to by Uni) to post a video. In this video you can see all our members talking about their varying tastes in music.
ENJOY!!!
Friday, 31 October 2014
Saturday, 11 October 2014
Review - Blue Planet Eyes
The album starts with the soothing, enchanting vocals of Isabella Mandredi in 'Blue Planet Eyes' and a distinguisably groovy bass. The song builds up for 'Somebody's Talking' which was definitely one of the highlights of the album, because of its excellent control of dynamics, from the lively basslines which build up to an explosive and catchy chorus. The single 'Is This How You Feel?' is still an incredibly addictive song, which induces happy rhythms ideal for parties.
The songs 'Rock and Roll Rave' and 'It Gets Better' are rock gems with bombastic guitars and vocals, These songs clearly demonstrated the influence of 80s rock in the Preatures sound.
The melancholy songs 'Two Tone Melody' and 'Business, Yeah' are a wonderful display of the vocal and lyrical prowess of Mandredi. She effectively manages to convey heartache with simple and straightforward lyrics, with her ethereal voice. The guitarwork is also quite remarkable in creating both energy-driven hooks to slow pensive music.
A fantastic album from a rising band which are set to open for The Rolling Stones this very month. Blue Planet Eyes demonstrates that the Preatures are capable of a variety of sounds, without appearing to lack a unique sound. While the guitarwork and basslines are quite neat, it is the vocals of Isabella Mandredi which distinguish this alternative rock band amongst the thousands of new contemporary records.
Orchestral Music in Movies
What comes to mind when you hear the word orchestra?
Do you think of a large room where many instruments are played? Do you imagine what type of music is played at an orchestra.
Some people imagine orchestra's old music which they would never listen to, a style that seems unappealing in today's musical environment. Yet many people do not realise just how common orchestras are in many of the films that we watch today.
For example in the links below it shows popular movies which use orchestras showing just how often we hear and enjoy orchestral music.
Superman
Star Wars
Rocky
Pirates of the Caribean
So next time you think of orchestras and orchestral music try to think about just how common they are, after all the very next movie you watch may have orchestral music in it.
5 strange, bizarre and wicked music genres you did not know existed
5. Pirate Metal
Metal genres are known to be so diverse, specific and utterly weird at times, and here pirate metal shines. Swashbuckle are a trash metal band which are known for its colourful pirate image (as seen in the photograph to the left) as well as their humorous lyrics and performances. Not only do they sing about pirates, but their stage performances entail pirate ships, stuffed parrots, and not to mention ridiculously awesome pirate consumes.
Swashbuckle's decision to be a pirate metal band emerged from the realisation that band members loved thrash metal and pirates. So the logical thing being to do was combine the both into an pirate metal band.
Here's a link to their song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53A4GyB96RI
4. Wizard Rock
Wizard rock is what happens when a bunch of Harry Potter fans decide to praise their favourite wizard, by picking up instruments, most likely for the first time, and create music in their honor. As you can expect, it sounds like amost every other ordinary indie/alternative (slightly worse than most actually), except there's one exception to it. It has hilariously clever lyrics which revolve around the Harry Potter universe. There's also something really remarkable and admirable about their do-it-yourself attitude towards music.
As the band The Boyz Who Lived (kudos to the name by the way) sing in their song Wizard Rock, 'wizard rock is like Christian rock except it involves witches and wizards'.
3. Drone Metal
I was recommended drone metal by a friend of mine and quite frankly, it is simulanteously one of the most atmospheric and yet ridiculously slow music genres to exist. Drone metal is characterised by extreme heaviness, slow tempos and distortion, which all meld together to create a uniquely morose and haunting atmosphere. Listening to drone metal is akin to wandering through the darkest forests. As expected, drone metal is not for everyone particularly as it is incredibly slow and has long durations of sustained notes (drones), which can be incredibly tedious.
However, before you dismiss it, try this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9FP68xXnXw, and prepared to be immersed into a scary and dark world.
2. Tuvan Throat Singing
Tuvan throat singing is by far one of the most unsual and yet awesome forms of singing I've heard. It is a form of overtone singing practiced by the Mongol people, which involves simulatenously singing multiple notes. The result of this is some of the weirdest yet amazing sounds that can be produced from the human mouth.
Try this amazing throat singer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVyyhHFKI8E
1. Bubblegum Dance
This is a fantastically amusing music genre which involves over-the-top happy lyrics and pop sounds. It is cheerful, with highly exaggerated high-pitched voices and feels like the theme songs of a children's show - on ectasy.
You guys HAVE TO watch this music video by Dr. Bombay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kIXY-bBClE
Friday, 10 October 2014
Screaming vocals in Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-tpf7OFN0I
Above is a link to a short video about screaming vocal techniques, which are often found within heavier forms of music.
These forms of vocals in music are probably an acquired taste as they often accompany genres under the umbrella of heavy metal. A lot of people may not understand why someone may choose to employ screaming vocals, as they think it might not be a sonically pleasing sound to listen to; or that it might always hurt the voice.
Although it may seem quite a strange niche to some within the vast array of music available, the techniques of screaming that usually accompany such genres are quite different to the screams that, say, a small girl might make if she was having a tantrum, or a shout that someone might use if they were yelling in an argument.
Screaming that takes place within these genres of music often makes use of either the false vocal cords and/or the vocal fry register, as well as the diaphragm. The techniques usually take time to learn and use 'correctly' without hurting the voice.
I think that screaming is often even more unique from person to person than singing is. There are multiple techniques that can be used with metal vocals, just as there is with regular singing itself.
Any form of singing can be detrimental to the voice if proper vocal health techniques are not used and precautions are not taken.
Music is quite diverse, and so are vocal techniques.
"I pursue rock music because of the raw emotion I can put behind it, and that's exactly what music is to me in the first place."
- Ben
Heavy Rock Music and Social Activism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh3WkHumu-U
'Rage Against The Machine - The Art Of Protest'
The above link is a snippet of a documentary about Rage Against The Machine, and the impact that they had upon society at the time. As mentioned previously on our blog, music can be a "powerful tool to provoke and challenge societal norms."
Rage Against The Machine were a hard rock band that implemented hip-hop elements within their music, and also used their band as a tool to encourage people to stand up for what they believe in, as well as promote protests and social activism.
These, in essence, were the main motivations for the creation of the music, and the band helped to bring back the sentiment of 'protest' back into mainstream music.
The member's experiences of racist, imperialist politics, as well as the personal experiences of racism they had growing up, fuelled them to express themselves through Rage Against The Machine, and this had a large influence on many people, especially due to the amount of people the band reached, and the amount of records that they sold.
Music can definitely give people a voice, and induce emotions and perspectives within people that can lead to social change.
It should never be doubted that music is a powerful platform.
-Ben
Persian Music
I personally like Persian Songs very much because of the soft language and soft accent like Spanish. Though my mother tongue is not Persian but I still like Persian Songs.
The history of Persian Music dates back to Sassanian Period ( 3rd to 7th century AD). Barbad was one of the most famous musician of that era. He used to sing for King Khosros II. He had astonishing command over composition of musics. He invented Seven Dastgah (Persian Musical System).
In the Medieval Period, Persian and Arabian music came close to each other in Iran. The Iranian musicians claimed that Persian Musics influenced Arabian musics because the Arab Royals liked Persian Music.
Moreover, in 12th century, music works of Farabi and Avicenna were taught in European Universities. Grand Book on Music by Farabi covered every point of music.
During 16th to 18th century, it was a dark age in Persian Music. There was no esteem for musicians and they were called Laborers of Pleasure. Later on, during the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the musicians had respect. However, Persian music has not flourished in Iran since the Islamic Revolution of Iran has taken place in 1979. However, you may enjoy Googoosh, a famous Persian singer's song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbN2bUgg1ws
References:
http://persianmusic.8k.com/History.htm
Australian Artists
There are many Australian musicians who rose to fame within the Australian music scene.
Artists such as ACDC and more recently Five Seconds of Summer (5SOS) have also climbed the charts in the international music market.
Watch 5SOS performing at the VMA's here
Each artist has their own style as Australian music encompasses virtually all genres of music, from the country styles of Keith Urban to the unforgettable, albeit unusual, rock style of Midnight Oil (pictured above) led by now politician Peter Garrett.
There are also many internationally born artists that are considered Australian music icons and these artists include John Farnham and Jimmy Barnes. And with songs like Your the Voice (Farnham) and Working Class Man (Barnes) it is no wonder why these artists are so popular in the Australian charts.
The Australian music industry, while not as prominent as the American or influx of overseas DJ's, has a lot to offer. So next time you chooses to listen to any of these artists as well as the many more Australian artists, you can be sure that you are contributing to the Australian music industry, helping it to survive and thrive in a very difficult industry.
Thursday, 9 October 2014
Can music be a vehicle for social change?
Can music be a vehicle for social change?
Music can be a powerful conduit for raw emotion when words just do not seem to be enough. The melodies of a guitar, the beating of a drum, the gentle hum of a violin and vocal harmonies, all possess the power to sweep us with emotion. However, combine music with great lyrics, and suddenly there emerges a vessel, with the unique ability to move souls to a river of emotion and social change.
Music can be a powerful vehicle steering towards social
change which can be most significantly exemplified in the 1960s counterculture
movement which shook the world. Music and the lyrics within them, became more
politically charged and played a substantial role in the anti-establishment and
anti-Vietnam movement.
Apart from the Vietnam War, a number of contemporary musicians
continue to awaken souls to the prevalent issues plaguing the world. Remarkable
musicians include Midnight Oil, Michael Jackson, Queen, R.E.M.
Music not only as the power to convey emotion and unite
others, but it is a powerful tool to provoke and challenge societal norms. Wednesday, 8 October 2014
Electric Guitars
Electric guitars have been around since the early 20th century and are one of the most common and popular instruments used to create music.
The electric guitar became so popular due to its use by many extremely popular artists throughout the 20th century. Artists such as The Beatles, Elvis, and Michael Jackson all used electric guitars in many of their greatest hits and as such it is no wonder that this instrument has become as popular as it is
There are many guitarists who fight for the title of the greatest electric guitarist and depending who you talk to the answer is different.
Time magazines top 10:
The Top 10's greatest:
Who is your favourite?
Click below to watch the performance of SLASH a man featured on both these lists (and virtually any list you will find about this topic)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWNRBufHBT8
Why are some people attracted to heavier music?
Heavier and more aggressive forms of music have been around since the late 1960's, and heavy metal itself has seen the genesis of many different subgenres, from metalcore (a mixture of hardcore and metal) to Viking metal . I have even heard of a technical death metal band which jokingly self labels their genre 'Aliencore' due to the extra terrestrial themes they explore within their music.
Regardless of how many dismayed older folk and worried parents there are who dislike 'the screamo' or, 'the satan music,' one thing is for sure. Heavier music is here to stay, and many different bands under the umbrella of heavy metal have an established following. But why are people attracted to heavier music?
Personally, I like a few forms of metal for the raw emotion that can be found behind it. That's exactly what music should be about in the first place, regardless of subjective tastes. Music should make you feel something, and that can be anything from anger or passion, to sadness.
A lot of bands that I have spent my time listening to write about real experiences from an honest or genuine perspective, and I feel as though a lot more of that is needed for people to make lasting connections to music, even if others may not understand the appeal of some techniques that may be used within forms of heavy metal.
What do you like about music?
-Ben
Music in Afghanistan
The famous Afghan singers are Dawood Sarkhosh, Safdar Tawakuli, Farhad Darya, Ahmad Sham Sufi Qawwaali Group, Sakhizada, Ustad Rahim Khushnawaz, Mahwash, Setara Hussainzada, Laili, etc. Afghanistan's popular musics are classical music and folk music.
Owing to the long period of war in Afghanistan, many singers/artists began to live in overseas. When Taliban began to rule Afghanistan in 1996, they banned singing and shut TV and Radio Stations which a giant setback for the music. Nonetheless, many big singer stars have returned to Afghanistan and sing in the concerts after the overthrow of Taliban government in Afghanistan.
Moreover, Afghan music consists of Persian, Indian and Central Asian elements yet it has its own unique identity which is nonidentical to the three cultural. TV Channels like Tolo promote music by initiating Afghan Star like Australian Idol. The singers actively participate in this program and this show also has huge number of viewers.
Furthermore, the famous instruments are Dumbura, Rubab, Tabla and Dutar. Music is sung in different regional and ethnic languages like Hazaragi, Dari, Uzbeki and Pashtu yet Dari is the most famous language in which the music is sung in Afghanistan. You may watch one song of Farhad Darya:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pMA48PGeeM
References:
http://www.worldmusic.net/store/item/rgnet1237/ viewed on 8/10/2014.
Saturday, 4 October 2014
Pakistani Pop Music
Pakistani Music
Nazia Hassan Pakistani Music
Pakistani music has 5000 years of history. It evolved with the passage of time. This photo belongs to Nazia Hassan. She was among the first pop singers in Pakistan. She started her career 1980 when she was at the age of 15 only. She was God gifted singer. She was not only a fabulous singer but she was very beautiful too. She had fans not only in Pakistan but in India as well. She has passed away from cancer. Aap Jaisa Koi is one her most famous songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9daw-Ed3gPE
She sang the aforementioned song for an Indian film Qurbani. This song became very famous in the sub-continent and in United Kingdom as well. Indian singers namely: Alisha Chinai, Shveyta and Lucky Ali followed Nazia Hassan's pop music style. Thenceforward, pop music began to flourish in India. If you want to further study about Pakistani Music, you may visit the following links:
http://www.pakium.com/2010/08/19/the-history-of-pakistani-pop-music and
http://www.travel-culture.com/pakistan/music/
Nazia Hassan Pakistani Music
Pakistani music has 5000 years of history. It evolved with the passage of time. This photo belongs to Nazia Hassan. She was among the first pop singers in Pakistan. She started her career 1980 when she was at the age of 15 only. She was God gifted singer. She was not only a fabulous singer but she was very beautiful too. She had fans not only in Pakistan but in India as well. She has passed away from cancer. Aap Jaisa Koi is one her most famous songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9daw-Ed3gPE
She sang the aforementioned song for an Indian film Qurbani. This song became very famous in the sub-continent and in United Kingdom as well. Indian singers namely: Alisha Chinai, Shveyta and Lucky Ali followed Nazia Hassan's pop music style. Thenceforward, pop music began to flourish in India. If you want to further study about Pakistani Music, you may visit the following links:
http://www.pakium.com/2010/08/19/the-history-of-pakistani-pop-music and
http://www.travel-culture.com/pakistan/music/
Wednesday, 1 October 2014
Music Makes You Feel Good!
There are many people out there who turn to music whenever they feel a little depressed. So why do so many people choose to listen to music when they are in such a state?
The answer is the brain.
When listening to soothing music the brain produces serotonin, a chemical that can create happiness and well being, and dopamine, a chemical produced by the brain considered to be a 'feel good' chemical.As such it is no wonder that people listen to music whenever they feel that they need a little (or a large) pick me up.Listening to different types of music can also have other effects. Music can motivate you, it can help you to lower stress, and it can even change your perception of the world around you.So next time you feel depressed, stressed, or have any other type of negative feelings that leaves you 'down-in-the-dumps' listen to music. It may be just what is needed to bring you out of the 'dumps'.
For further understanding of the benefits of music read
http://examinedexistence.com/how-music-changes-your-mood/
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