The World's Playlist

 Well, it's that time of the month when we have to say goodbye to our blogs, but fear not I plan on still using this blog as an album review outlet because why waste a blog right? Below is going to be a curated "playlist" of music from different cultures I've either studied or wanted to study during my Jan term class. 

First and foremost, Brazilian music, specifically modern Brazilian music called Funk Carioca. First, what is Funk Carioca? It is basically a style of hip-hop originating from the 1970s until now, where it has become more commercialized. "Funk" music and "Funk Carioca" music are two separate styles of music. Funk music focuses on syncopated rhythms and groovy baselines while Funk Carioca features characteristics of dance music. When listening to different styles of this dance music which you can also find labeled as "Baile Funk," I've discovered that it has a lot of similarities to American dance/club music. Below is the best example I could find of a compilation of Funk Carioca music.

New Zealand features the traditional music of the Maori people. The Maori are the traditional indigenous people of New Zealand, who create music inspired by various folk music styles. These songs are often paired with poetry or dance. There are four traditional forms of New Zealand music. 

1. Waiata - which are single sung songs or at least songs sung in unison or in octaves to give the impression of one collective voice. These songs are usually used as lullabies or love songs. 

2. Moteatea - Microtonal music, often used for chants. It was said that if anyone interrupted said chants then it was a bad omen.

3. Karanga - Formal ceremonial call and response songs traditionally sung by women. The women who sing Karanga songs are called Kaikaranga. 

4. Taonga puoro - Percussion and wind-based music.

Take yourself through an audio journey of different styles of traditional Maori songs with the video below. 

Madagascar music, and no it's not King Jullian singing I like to move it move it. Madagascar music also known as Malagasy music is a lively style of music using traditional instruments such as the Valiha which is a plucked chordophone made up of bamboo. The Valiha is often tuned to a diatonic mode. Other instruments include the marovany, kabosy, korintsana, and the sodina. Hiragasy is usually the style of dancing that is accompanied by traditional Malagasy music. 

Last but certainly not least, the blues is my personal favorite way to relay my sorrows and tell my stories. Typically relayed within a 12-bar structure. My favorite modern take on the blues is the works by scary pockets. A wonderful, funky, bluesy band that covers popular songs and turns them into a musical masterpiece. This is their version of Tainted Love by Soft Cell. 

Thank you for reading and putting up with my blogs, I hope you have enjoyed :)