Sunday 28 April 2013

Hilltop Hoods ~ Anthony Ryburn

Now it's time to look into one of the most notorious group artists for Australian hip hop known as the Hilltop Hoods. Hilltop Hoods have been around on the music scene for over 2 decades now, but it took some time before they gained some mainstream popularity to become the international sensation they are now. Founded in 1991 they consisted of band members Suffa (Matt Lambert) MC Pressure (Daniel Smith) and DJ Next (Ben Hare). However after deliberation with DJ Next leaving in 1999 the replacement DJ Debris (Barry Francis) managed to extend their name to fame over the years.

They're strongest rise to fame came about during 2006 when they cleaned up the Australian music Aria Awards. They were nominated for breakthrough artist and album, however ended up winning best independent release and best urban album. As a result it generated an enormous fan base into the birth of the new culture of Australian hip hop which has grown rapidly over the past 7 years and they have been the major turning point. 

The group has toured all over Australia in numerous festivals and more recently with their most recent album "Drinking From the Sun", it's seen them travel overseas to Europe, Britain and America. They're solo shows have drawn crowds of over 10,000 people as seen in the One Night Stand hosted by Triple J. In 2011 they performed alongside worldwide renowned artist Eminem.





The landmark album "The Calling" was released in 2003, which gained some minor attention, and broke into the Aria charts, with notably one of their most famous singles on it title "Nose Bleed Section". The success progressed into the next album "The Hard Road" which produced numerous hits such as "Clown prince" and "The Hard Road"; both making it onto the Triple J and Aria charts. "Drinking From The Sun" they're most recent album has also not fallen short with chart topping singles such as "I Love It".

The rise to fame has also meant they have initiated several side projects, including their own franchise of DC shoes known as the "The Hilltop Hoods Remix Shoe" being the first of any Australian artist to have their own shoe.

Overall the Hilltop Hoods can be seen as the initiation of Aussie hip hop, and the main reason for its rapid success. They have inspired almost every Australian artists battling to find mainstream in the hip hop world, and continue to do so with leaked information of a much anticipated deliberation of a new album to come out later this year.

Monday 22 April 2013

Current Mainstream Artists (American Pop Music) - Zhenye Huo



What's Happening NOW!!!!

With music becoming more and more diversified, and people are accepting many different styles of music. Artists from many different genres are now becoming mainstreamed. Some artists represent not only one style of music but multiple genres as they continue to push the boundaries and create innovative tunes to people to enjoy. Some of these innovations are for the better and some are not depending now peoples' taste of music. 

Lady Gaga - 


Lady Gaga is famous for her bizarre style of fashion and music, similarly to Madonna which always pushes the boundaries of mainstream music and continues to innovate.   

Katy Perry - 

File:Katy Perry UNICEF 2012.jpg
Katy Perry covers the genres of pop, rock and electronics. Originally her first album was with in Gospel Music, given her early association with church choir. Soon after her popularity grew, she begins to attempt different genres of music with her unique vocal

Justin Bieber - 

Justin Bieber was discovered by Usher, and rose to fame through and very first single "Baby". Which portrays himself as an innocent young male which captured the hearts of millions of young female audiences. Justin Bieber's style of music has changed drastically since his first album as now he appears to be more mature sings songs that contains more grown elements in it.  

Bruno Mars - 

Bruno Mars has a very unique high pitched voice and sings mostly about romantic love songs. Bruno Mars tends to stick with his own style of music regardless of the every changing trend of the mainstream music industry. 

Rihanna -

Rihanna is the best-selling artist of all time and the youngest solo-artist to achieve the feat. Billboard named Rihanna the Digital Songs Artist of the 2000s decade. Her genre of music covers RnB, hiphop, dance etc.  

Taylor Swift - 

Originally started off as a young innocent female country singer with a very unique vocal. Her beautiful appearance and voice quickly gained her recognition. Taylor Swift now collaborates different genres of music to create innovative tunes. 

Nicki Minaj -

Discovered by rapper Lil Wayne at an underground rap battle  competition. Nicki Minaj quick grew into fame with her ability to rap really fast and also has a very nice vocal. After Nicki Minaj stepped into mainstream, her appearance and style of music became more and more bizarre which continues to make her popularity grow.  


These are just the few on the endless list of American artists which have profound influence on the spread of modern mainstream American Pop Culture. Some say mainstream music now days are not what it use to be, music is no longer about talent and how to change people for the better but more about the wrap up or how it is presented. But despite these ongoing criticisms and complains about current mainstream music, it appears as though this new tread of bizarre styled genre of electric pop with relation to sex, drug and money continues to gain its popularity. This is probably the innovation of music, who knows what styles of music our next generation will listen to. 






Influential People in American Pop Culture - Zhenye Huo




    

Influential People 

Music has the power to change, to motivate, to move, or in some cases contaminate people in many ways. Not only are the meaningful lyrics in a song that has the capability to influence a person, often, it is the singer or the presenter of music that has the power to influence people. Each music artist have their own background story as to how to become successful, often artists would convey their hardships, ups and downs through music and to give their fans a better understanding of them. It is by understanding these artists' backgrounds, hardships which is what creates these influential factors on people. As mentioned earlier in  previous blogs, the spread of the American Pop Culture is very contagious and dominant across world and people may wonder how did it become this way? Its not just because they're really nice tunes, in most occasions the artist themselves plays a big part in contributing to the success of American Pop Culture. 

King and Queen of Pop

Michael Jackson -

A global figure which dominated the music industry for over 40 years, the most successful entertainer according to the Guinness World Records. Michael was born in a working-class family with an abusive father who often criticized him of his looks. Michael's fame grew from the age of eight when he joined his brothers in a band call the "Jackson 5". His solo career completely flourished during the release of the "Thriller" album, this album was 1983's best selling album world-wide. From then Michael's popularity continued to grow, this was due to his innovative style of pop music and his infamous dance the "Moon Walk". Apart from his contribution to the music industry, behind his songs there are deep and meaningful messages which have had great influences on society. Take his single "Black or White" for example, which strongly promotes the importance of racial equality. In 1985, Michael utilized his popularity and gathered many well-known artists to create the song called "We Are The World" to raise awareness for famine in Africa. Michael also founded the "Heal the World" foundation in 1992, a charity origination which fund-raised millions of dollars to aid under-privileged children on the global scale. 

Madonna - 

Madonna was born in a decent upper-class family, with her father working as a design engineer. However her mother died at the age of 30 due to breast cancer and she would often turn to her grand-mother for reassurance. After graduating from school, Madonna received a dance scholarship and was encouraged by her ballet teacher to pursue a career in dancing. Madonna raised into fame after her debut single "Everybody", which became a sensational dance hit in the 80's. Madonnas' popularity continued to grow through her determination to continuously reinventing both her music and image and pushing boundaries in popular mainstreamed music which in other words the drive force of the innovating the styles of mainstream music. According to CNN Madonna is "arguably the most influential female artist of all times". During the 80's and 90's era when Madonna the Queen of Pop dominated the mainstream music industry, many young female copied her style of fashion and thus, the trends started due to her influences.  

This is a Youtube link to the music video "Everybody" by Madonna which revolutionized the "Dance" hit during the 80's. 

Both the King and Queen of Pop have sold record-breaking amount of albums world-wide have profound influence on people around the world. They have worked so hard to own their title both on the stage and behind the stage with their outstanding music and their contrition to society. They are the true representation of the success of American Pop culture and have great contributions to the domination of American Pop. 




                         














Wednesday 17 April 2013

Introduction To Australian Hip Hop ~ Anthony Ryburn



"It's Not Where Were At, Its How We Made Our Way Here."

Introduction To Australian Hip Hop

Although there is no specific date to define the origins of Australian hip hop, it became a founding culture from  America around the 1980's. However in the years following from the 90's until now, it began to divert to form its unique sound and form, distinct from any other genre. Most of it is far from commercial and can be seen as 'underground'' needless to say there is still a substantial audience who support their local home brewed Aussie hip hop artists.

To gain exposure, many alternatives how been used such as radio, television, film and with the growing use of modern technology, the most popular use online (Youtube). Support bases are highly driven through multimedia sources, where people stumble across them either through other Australian hip hop artists or through popular networking sites such as Facebook. As it diverts from the mainstream, most artists are independently signed or create their own labels to release upon.

More recent exposure has been due to popular music festivals and events such as Big Day Out and Groovin The Moo, where head-liners are starting to shift from pop and one hit wonders to Australian hip hop. The style has grown vastly since its American roots, with plenty more Artists being revealed with a large fan base expanding.

A few notable artists: Bliss N Eso, 360, Drapht, Hilltop Hoods, Seth Sentry, Horrorshow, Thundamentals, Urthboy, Illy.

Here's one of my favourite songs!

Chase That Feeling - Hilltop Hoods


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq8PyyMbrYQ


Remember to follow us on Twitter to stay updated on the latest blog posts about Australian hip hop! - Anthony

https://twitter.com/isys100blogDJA

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Songs that has been influenced by other cultures - Diva Shinwari

These are a list of songs from one country, that has been influenced by another country's music.

Just click on the link, and view the video.


Indian Song 'Baheli' influenced by American Music- This Indian Song 'Baheli', has been influenced by the famous American song 'A kiss to build a dream on', by Louis Armstrong. The influence is obvious, as the Indian song has a more Jazz tune to it, and uses a trumpet instead of the usual Indian musical instruments. Even the setting of the song, is a giveaway, that it's been influenced by Western settings.

Australian Song 'Shelter Your Heart' influenced by Arabic Music- This popular Australian Song, 'Shelter your heart' by Faydee, is mixed with the Arabic and English language. Also, the song has a bit of Arabic tune added to the song.

Indian Song 'Pehli Nazar Main' influenced by Korean Song- The Indian Song 'Pehil Nazar Main', has a soft tune too it, which uses musical instruments that are used in Korean songs. The Indian Song has been inspired by the Korean song 'Sarang Hae Yo'.

American Song 'Livin La Vida Loca' influenced by Latin Music- The famous American song 'Livin La Vida Loca', by Ricky Martin, uses a range of different Latin tunes and musical instruments. Also the lyrics in the song, are a mix of English and Spanish words.

Indian Song 'Mehboob Mere' influenced by Arabic Music- This Indian song, 'Mehboob Mere', has been inspired by Arabic tunes and beats. In the video clip of the song, the clothing of the Indian actress and background dancers are mainly Arab clothing. Also, the dancing in the video is influenced by Middle Eastern dancing, e.g. Belly dancing. 

American Song '99 red balloons' influenced by German Music- This American Song '99 red balloons' was inspired by the famous German song '99 Luftballons', which the song was based on a real event that took place in Germany.


Indian Song 'Mehbooba Mehbooba' influenced by Middle Eastern MusicThe title of the Indian Song 'Mehbooba Mehbooba' is an Arabic word, meaning 'A friend'. The song has been strongly influenced by Middle Eastern Music. This is obvious, as the song uses musical instruments and beats that are used in Middle Eastern songs, as well as the dancing and outfit of the female dancer in the video clip. Although, this song is originally taken from a Greek song 'Ta Rialia', by Michalis Violaris, and also influenced an American singer, who sang it in English, 'Say You Love Me', Demis Roussos.


Korean Song 'I Don't Care' influenced by American Music- A popular Korean Song, 'I Don't Care', by the Female Korean band, Girl's Generation, is influenced by American music. This is known, through the title of the song, and the English lyrics used in the Korean song. 

Indian Song 'Kali Nagin Ke Jaisi' influenced by Algerian Music- This Indian Song 'Kali Nagin Ke Jaisi', is inspired by the famous Algerian song, 'Ya Rayah', by Rachid Taha. It use the tune and the lyrics of the Algerian song, in order to give the same vibe to the audience, when listening to the Indian Version. 


American Song 'Yalli Naseeni' by Arabic Music- This American Song 'Yalli Naseeni', by the popular singer, Akon, has been inspired by Arabic music. This is obvious, since Akon pairs up with a Lebanese singer named Melissa, and use the Arabic and English language to create the lyrics. Also, the American song uses Arabic beats and tunes too show that this song has been inspired by Arabic music.

Indian Song 'Ya Habibi' influenced by Arabic Music- An Indian Song, 'Ya Habibi', has been inspired by Arabic music. This is clearly recognizable, as the title of the song, is an Arabic word, meaning 'My love'. Also, the musical instruments, the tune and the beats used in the song, are the same as what would be used in Arabic songs. At the beginning of the Indian song, a singer starts singing in Arabic, and the Arab drums continue on being played. The dancing and the clothing in the video clip, are influenced by Middle Eastern clothing and dancing.


Australian Song 'Kiss Kiss' influenced by Turkish Song- One of the most popular Australian songs, 'Kiss Kiss', by Holly Valance, became a massive hit, all thanks to the catchy tune and lyrics. The Australian song was influenced by the very famous Turkish song, 'Simarik', by Tarkan. The 'Kiss Kiss' song has been inspired by the Turkish beat and tune, as well as the lyrics from the 'Simarik' song. Also Holly Valance's dancing in the video clip, had shown viewers that the song has been strongly influenced by the Turkish culture.

American Song 'Hips Don't Lie' influenced by South American Music- This Number 1 hit, 'Hips Don't Lie', became famous internationally. The singer of the song, Shakira, had been influenced from her half Colombian ethnicity. She chose to use the popular South American musical instruments, as well as the catchy South American tunes, in order to show how strongly she's been influenced by South American music.  

Indian Song 'Laila O Laila' influenced by African Music- An Indian song, 'Laila O Laila', which has chosen to recreate the catchy African song 'Chicano', by the male band, Black Blood. The Indian song has used musical instruments to give the same catchy African beat, as well as adding Arabic beat to the song.

American Song 'We Speak No Americano' Influenced by Italian Music- An American band, had shown their admiration for Italian music, through this very popular song. They had chosen to use Italian beats and tunes, as well as use the Italian language for the lyrics.


Indian Song 'Dard e Disco influenced by Arabic Music- This Indian song, has been influenced by Arabic music. The influence is clear, through the tune of the song, as well as the background singing.

American Song 'Jai Ho' influenced by Indian Music- Another popular American song, that has clearly been influenced by Indian music. The influence is recognizable through the title of the song, as well as some of the words in the lyrics. Also, the tune at the beginning of the song is a typical Indian tune.

American Song 'Eyes Like Yours' influenced by Arabic Music- This American song, 'Eyes Like Yours', by Shakira, has very clearly being influenced by Arabic music. The extremely catchy and exotic Arabic beat is created through the musical instruments that are generally used in Arabic music. Also, the background singers, are singing in Arabic, which shows how the singer, Shakira, has being inspired by Arabic music.


Indian Song 'Tu Na Ja Mer Badshah' influenced by Afghan music- An Indian song that has been inspired by a very popular Afghan song, called 'Bacha jan Logari'. The beat and tune of the song are generally used in Afghan music. As well as the musical instruments that are usually used in Afghan music.

American Song 'Whenever Wherever' Influenced by Arabic Music-This number 1 hit song, that will always remain popular, is by Shakira. Shakira's half Lebanese background, had influenced her music choice. The beat and tune of this song is influenced by Arabic 










American Music By Zhenye Huo




American Music
The United States of America is a very multicultural country. It can be assumed that it is this sort of multiculturalism which contributed greatly to the uniqueness of the USA culture. American pop music in particular, it is common to hear different styles of music from different cultures collaborated with each other to create a diverse array of styles. This innovative collaboration is what shaped the success of the dominant, contagious spread of American music which people all around the world can relate to and enjoy.   

Diversity of Styles 

Jazz - 

 Jazz played a really important role in shaping the American pop culture. Even till today jazz is widely used by producers and DJs. Originated from within the African-Americans community in Southern USA in the beginning of the 20th century. It was believed that tracing back to the slavery eras of American history, African slaves brought along many of their instrumental/musical ideological along from African. Together with the collaboration with European styled taste of music i.e. harmonizing, Jazz music was created and still widely enjoyed today.  


Gospel Music - 

Gospel music instrumentally consists of piano, drums and base guitar and utilizes a strong vocal group (choir), usually contains loads of repetition. This genre of music is widely used for religious purposes, as it is catchy and easy to sing along to. Given that USA is a highly populated christian country, Gospel styled has become very popular. Even modern day, mainstreamed music adapted some elements of this so called Gospel styled music due to how catchy this style of music can be. 

Here's a Youtube link to give you a taste of Gospel Music. 


Rock and Roll - 

Rock and roll originated from USA around the 1940s. It mainly consist of African-American Blues, jazz, country and gospel music. 











The list goes on, with all the different genres of music which have been originated from USA. RnB, folk, country, hip-hop etc.  





American Pop History Background - Zhenye Huo



USA Pop Culture
America! The United States of America. The land of freedom and also the birthplace of some of the most influential figures ever existed on this planet. USA is the main dominance of culture across the world. From Hollywood movies to Top 100 billboard music charts. It appears as though there is this circulation a specific domain or style around the world where USA is the center of this solar system of culture. 






















Communism vs Capitalism

It appears as if this highly influential, almost contagious spread of culture begun after World War 2. When USA stepped into the spotlight in the world stage as a dominant power. Initially the US utilized the spread of culture as a mean of propaganda during the cold war to steer the world from Communism, in other words stop the Domino Effect. After the cold war however, US continued its influence on the world through media and music. 







Influences


If we were to trace back to a couple of centuries ago. All the way back to the days of inequality, slavery, social imbalance etc. We can discover that in terms of music, the dominant so called "American Pop music" were heavily influenced by and consisted elements from African music. Undoubtedly there are also some components of European style of music, surprisingly the indigenous Indians also has a contribution to shape the sort of music in which Americans have created.   

 











Cultural Influence - Diva Shinwari



The influence of music in one culture on another culture.


A music from one country has most likely being influenced by another country's music. Whether the influence has occurred centuries ago, or recently, that influence is very likely to remain. When it comes to the influence of music from one culture on another culture, that influence is things like the beat, the lyrics, musical instruments, genre, the setting of the songs, and also an individual singer or a band's music from one country can greatly influence another country's music.




It hasn't just been recently, in the 20th century, that music from different countries has influenced music from other countries. This process has occurred throughout history, and is still continuing on. For instance, Arabic and Persian music has majorly influenced Indian music, by introducing   musical instruments, such as the Sitar, used in Indian music, which literally means "three strings" in Persian, as well as the Tabla, a set of drums, which was also introduced by Pagan Arabia in the 12th century. Also, different genres of music have been introduced by Arabic and Persian music, such as the music genre, ghazal, which is a poetic form, that consists of rhyming  Ghazal music had originated in the 6th century in Arabia, and was introduced to India in the 12th century, and has become a strong part of Indian music. Even today, Middle Eastern music continues to influence Indian music. Indian music uses a lot of exotic Arabic, Turkish and Afghan beats, as well as the lyrics from different Arab and Afghan singers. For example, one of the most famous Indian singers, A. R. Rahman, is inspired and influenced by Arabic and Turkish music.

        
Tabla                                                       Sitar







                                         


The infamous American singers like Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, had majorly influenced music all across the world. People from different parts of the world, including America, had began following the music style of these two famous icons. For instance, in France, Elvis had  a great influence on one of the country’s musicians, Johnny Hallyday, who mimicked Elvis's songs in the French language, leading to his own rock star status. Also, in Afghanistan, one of the most all time famous singers, Ahmad Zahir, had been inspired by Elvis's music, which had led the Afghan singer to singing Elvis's songs in Persian, as well as in English. 








Latin America has majorly influenced North American music. Very few North American music genres can claim to be free of Latin influence, and Latin American music still continues to shape the North American Music. Latin singers who sing North American music, always mix Latin and North American music, as well as the Latin languages and English, and furthermore use Latin musical instruments, such as the Congo, Maraca and Bongo. North American singers, such as Frank "Machito" Grillo, used to use Latin American instruments when creating music. 
                                           





The music of Thailand calms the mind and satiates the soul. Thailand music owes its origins to its Asian neighbors  China and India. The influence of the two countries are distinct in every aspect of traditional Thai music, from instruments to the melody. 

 


Vietnamese Music - Diva Shinwari

Vietnamese Music


Vietnamese Music is highly diverse and combined with native and foreign influences. Vietnam has being greatly impacted by the Chinese musical tradition, as an essential part, along with Korea, Mongolia and Japan.  The ancient Indochinese kingdom of Champa also had an effect upon Vietnamese music, because the Vietnamese court found it fascinating. Even though with these foreign influences, Vietnam has a unique musical tradition stemming from its native roots.

The most notable feature of Traditional Vietnamese music is that it is based on the Five Notes Scale, which is called "Ngũ Cung", meaning of Pentatonic. Instead of the scale of 7 notes: Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Si Do, its 5 notes include: Hò Xự Xang Cống Liu.


Imperial Court Music

Nhã nhạc is the most popular type of imperial court music, mainly referring to the court music played from the Trần Dynasty to the very last Nguyễn Dynasty of Vietnam. 


Classical music is also performed in honour of gods and scholars such as Confucius in temples.

These categories are defined as Nhã Nhạc ("elegant music", ritual and ceremonial music), Đại nhạc ("great music"), and Tiểu nhạc ("small music") that was chamber music for the entertainment of the king.


Chèo

Chèo is a form of generally satirical musical theatre. It is usually performed outdoors by semi-amateur touring groups, in a village square or the courtyard of a public building, although it is today increasingly also performed indoors and by professional performers.

Xẩm

Xẩm or Hát xẩm (Xẩm singing) is a type of Vietnamese folk music which was popular in the Northern region of Vietnam but is considered nowadays an endangered form of traditional music in Vietnam. In the dynastic time, xẩm was generally performed by blind artists who wandered from town to town and earned their living by singing in common place.

Hát chầu văn

Hát chầu văn or hát văn is a spiritual form of music used to invoke spirits during ceremonies. It is highly rhythmic and trance-oriented. Before 1986, the Vietnamese government repressed hát chầu văn and other forms of religious expression. It has since been revived by musicians.


Ca trù

Ca trù (also hát ả đào) is a popular folk music which is said to have begun with Ả Đào, a female singer who charmed the enemy with her voice. Most singers remain female, and the genre has been revived since the Communist government loosened its repression in the 1980s, when it was associated with prostitution.


Ca trù, which itself has many forms, is thought to have originated in the imperial palace, eventually moving predominantly into performances at communal houses for scholars and other members of the elite. It can be referred to as a geisha-type of entertainment where women, trained in music and poetry, entertained rich and powerful men.

Monday 15 April 2013

Music around the World - Diva Shinwari

Music Around The World


No matter which country you live in, or visit, it will have its own music. Every country, has its own style of music, as well as being influenced by different cultures, or having an influence other cultures. In every part of the world, music plays an important part to the country's culture. 


Croatian Music


In Croatia, both Pop and Rock is popular, and in the mid-20th century onwards, schlager music (highly sentimental ballads with a simple, catchy melody or light pop tunes) and chanson music (any lyric-driven French song) have formed the backbone of the Croatian music. 

Early in the 15th century the ideas of Humanism in Croatia brought changes to the world of music. Interest in music began to spread outside of monastic and church walls. Humanists and philosophers promoted new musical theories and aesthetic ideas. The writing down of folk and popular music began in mid-sixteenth century.




The traditional folk music of Croatia is mostly associated with the following:


Ganga

Ganga is a type of singing which is formed by one singer singing one line of lyrics and then others joining in for what can be best described as a wail.


Tamburica

Tamburica (diminutive of tambura) music is a form of folk music that involves related string instruments. It became more popular in the 1800s, and small bands began to form.


Gusle



The gusle music is played on a traditional string instrument. Gulse music is mainly rooted in epic poetry with emphasis on important historical or patriotic events in Croatian history.

Croatian Pop Music
The pop music of Croatia, includes elements of the native traditional music. In more recent times, younger performers  have captured the attention of the pop audience. Each of them have successfully blended various influences into their distinct music style. Croatian pop music is fairly often listened to in Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and the Republic of Macedonia due to the union of Yugoslavia that existed until the 1990s.

Croatian Rock Music
Croatian rock music had become popular in the 1970s and 1980s, and in the late 1980s,  folk-rock groups also sprouted across Croatia.




Monday 8 April 2013

Introduction to ISYS100 music blog

                                         INTRODUCTION 

Music allows us to express our emotions, it is the universal language that anyone of all ages, nationality can enjoy. 
There are probably over 20 trillion different genre of music and every single song composes its own message and meaning. 
The singer can be recognized as the presenter of a masterpiece, however, behind the scenes, there are also lyric artists, music composer which has greatly contributed to the creation of a masterpiece. 
Music across cultures are interrelated, through the progression of the world becoming more and more like a global village; music from different cultures have some degrees of influence on each other.