At the end of last year, I completed my One Year Music Challenge, which I did for a goal from The List:
029. Listen to 2 new musical acts every week for 1 year
I used this goal to push my boundaries and try music from genres I don't normally listen to alongside the rock/pop styles that I usually have on my playlist!
Between suggestions from friends and googling phrases like "musicians from [random country]", I ended up with a huge list of artists to try out--far more than I actually needed, in fact!
Once the challenge was over, I used a handy tool from traveltip to generate a map of all the countries from which I'd listened to music. I thought I'd listened to a lot of music from around the world, but as it turns out, it was only just under 19% of the world's countries!
Admittedly it was harder to find music online for artists from some countries. Then again maybe I was looking in the wrong place.
Anyway, this challenge was fun, and through it I found a lot of musical acts that I really liked!
Here comes my top ten.
Those that put up with my waffle on a regular basis can probably guess who is at number one...
10. Kitaro (Japan)
Super-relaxing New Age instrumental music! I first heard this artist in week 16 of the challenge, and go back to the music every time I want something peaceful to relax and daydream to! Kitaro Official Website
It's the final week of this challenge, hooray!
For week 52, I listened to two new-to-me acts from Georgia (the country, not the US state).
LOUDspeakers
Formed in 2009, this four-member band released their first album in 2015 after several lineup changes.
Their music has a typical indie/alternative rock sound. The vocals remind me of another rock vocalist, but I can't think who! Since the songs are performed in English, it's easy to understand them.
As one of the members is a keyboardist, a keyboard/piano sound is more prominent in their songs than in bands that only use the instrument as an extra outside of what their lineup play. The music is easy to listen to, just right whether you want to relax or are feeling energetic!
Enjoyed listening to them! LOUDspeakers on Facebook
Trio Mandili
This musical trio came to fame at the end of 2014, after they posted a music video online of themselves singing a Georgian folk song. It gained over two million views in two weeks, which led to them appearing on TV and radio. By 2015, they released an album.
The music basically consist of the three members singing folk songs in harmony to the accompaniment of a some kind of long-necked lute (the internet says panduri and tschonguri), which gives the tracks a really earthy, traditional feeling.
Most the videos I watched follow the self-filmed style of their viral video (which at time of writing has over four million views), and feature the trio walking along a street. Whilst the idea sounds amateur, the outcome makes the videos fun to watch!
I liked this group, so do give them a listen. It's great to see something different to what's on the radio! Trio Mandili Official Website
With this post, I complete the challenge and can strike a goal off The List!
029. Listen to 2 new musical acts every week for 1 year
It's been really interesting to seek out and listen to so much new music, beyond the bands and solo acts I might have found in passing. There are always a few 'new discoveries' made each year, but through this challenge, the number of new-to-me acts I listened to leapt from a handful to over 100!
I didn't like all the music I found this year; sometimes the artists I heard made music too distant from the sort of thing I like. Other times, I was greatly surprised by how much I ended up liking some artists--I even ended up with some new favourites!
I'm nearing the end of this challenge. It's hard to believe it's almost a year already!
This week's new-to-me acts come from India, home of real curry, Bollywood and the Kolkata Knight Riders (who I only know of because a friend is a fan!)
Cactus
Formed in Kolkata in 1992, this Bengali rock act had been through several lineup changes and is currently made up of six members--two vocalists, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist and drummer.
Their music is clearly influenced by western rock, and they cite bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin (among others) as their inspiration. The difference being that they sing in Bengali!
Although the song embedded above has more of a hard rock sound, most of the songs I listened to were softer rock ballads. I prefer the louder stuff, though the vocals in the more balladic songs have a more prominent Bengali tone.
If you've never heard Bengali rock before, this band is worth checking out just for the experience of it! Cactus Official Website
Avial
This four-piece alternative rock band hails from Thiruvanathapuram in Kerala,and formed in 2003.
Avial's songs are performed in Malayalam (a language mainly spoken in Kerala) and their name is taken from that of a southern Indian dish made from vegetables and coconut!
Like Cactus, they are inspired by Led Zeppelin, but also bands like Incubus. Their fusion of Malayalam lyrics with the rock genre creates a really unusual, melodic sound.
I found this band engaging and pleasant to listen to, so give them a try! Avial on Facebook
That's it for this week's listening!
Next week is the final week for this challenge, though there will be a few days left of the year, and I like music, so perhaps I'll do a bonus week and write about it in the new year...!
You can read about all the acts I've listened to for this challenge by checking out my Goal 29 Tag.
We all know a lot of products are Made in China these days, but what about Chinese music?
This week, it was China that I looked to for my two new-to-me musical acts!
Hedgehog
Formed in Beijing in 2005, this indie rock band have become well-known in their home country.
Their songs are performed in a mixture of Mandarin and English, with an often aggressive, sometimes much softer tone to the vocals. It's interesting to hear songs sung in Mandarin, what with it being a tonal language.
The band clearly have a lot of musical influences, since their sound leaps between that of 80s alternative rock, 60s pop-rock and 00s indie!
The music is pretty catchy and is the sort of thing that has to be played loud to get the full effect.
Give them a try! Hedgehog Official Website
Carsick Cars
Another indie rock group, Carsick Cars formed in the same city and year as Hedgehog, with their first album released two years later.
They have been through several lineup changes, and the band currently stands at three members.
Another band that performs both in Chinese and in English, Carsick Cars have a lot more of a laid-back sound. The tracks I heard seemed a little repetitive, though they are definitely the kind of band to chill out and relax to. Carsick Cars Official Website
That's my new-to-me listening for this week! You can see all the acts I've listened to for this challenge by looking at my music challenge tag!
Continuing from last week's americas theme, this time around I'm looking to South America, with two new-to-me musical acts from Venezuela!
Los Amigos Invisibles
Active since 1991 with their first album released in 1995, four-piece band Los Amigos Invisibles have been active worldwide, having performed in almost 60 countries.
Their musical style is something of a combination of acid jazz and disco, though there's definitely something of a Latin twist in their sound.
Though I couldn't understand 99% of the lyrics (they're in Spanish, and my knowledge of the language is severely limited!) once again the internet provides translations, and even without them, the songs are enjoyable and catchy!
With a lighthearted, smooth sound to their music, this band is really easy to listen to. Los Amigos Invisibles Official Website
Desorden Público
Formed in 1985, Desorden Público is a ska band that mixes rock, reggae and Latin into their sound.
Some of their songs are said to comment on politics and society within Venezuela and Latin America, though as before, I can't understand them without looking up a translation due to my non-existent Spanish skills!
Desorden Público's music is interesting to listen to, because some of their songs sound a lot more ska-like, whilst others have more of a Latin rock sound. Their music is lively and sounds fun! Desorden Público Official Website (Spanish)
Were I learning Spanish, I'd probably listen to bands like these two for practise! Though listening in itself seems like a good reason to learn more Spanish. I started through various self-study means, but can't roll my R's and kept hitting the proverbial wall. Maybe I should think about learning some more (...alongside everything else I have languishing unstudied on Duolingo...)
Until then, I'll just listen to some more music! Onward to next week!
Despite listening to so much music from around the world for this challenge, it's come to my attention that I've completely neglected Central and South America!
Therefore this week, I'll be looking at two new-to-me acts from Honduras!
Aurelio Martinez
This singer-songwriter is a well-known Garifuna musician, guitarist and percussionist who picked up drumming, singing and Garifuna rhythms through his family members, becoming - by the age of 14 - a well-respected musician. Active for over 30 years, he's been involved in a number of musical groups and projects.
Being that Garifuna is unique to the Central America, being part of the culture of Garifuna people, Aurelio's music instantly transports you to sunny Central American shores, with fast beats and very prominent percussion.
I'd never listened to Garifuna music (or even heard of it) before now, and though it isn't the kind of thing I'd listen to frequently, I still liked it. Aurelio's music is very lively and upbeat, and listening to it made this chilly winter's day feel a little warmer! Aurelio Martinez Official Website
Guillermo Anderson
After graduating from University of California in 1986, Guillermo Anderson's first album, released the same year, was for children. He returned to his native Honduras the next year, and formed an artist movement called La Ceiba COLECTIVARTES. Based in the port of La Ceiba, Guillermo made around twenty musical releases during his career, which was cut short by his death earlier this year.
Some of Guillermo's music has more of a Latin sound, whilst other tracks mix in Afro-Carribean percussion and make use of Garifuna rhythms alongside more widely-known musical styles such as salsa.
His music is really melodic and full of life, whether it's an upbeat song or something slower. Once again it isn't the kind of music I would listen to frequently, but I enjoyed listening! Guillermo Anderson Official Website
Well, this week's listening turned out to be a bit of a lesson in culture, as well as a discovery of new-to-me music!
Previously I'd never heard of the Garifuna people, who are "mixed-race descendants of West African, Central African, Island Carib and Arawak people." (thanks, Wikipedia). They have a deep-rooted history, and in 2001 their language, dance and music was proclaimed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Check out the Wikipedia article to learn more, or - even better - check out Garifuna.com, an entire website dedicated to the history, culture, and modern-day society of Garifuna.
Last week, I listened to some Egyptian acts for this challenge. This week, I'm sticking with the African continent, and listening to some new-to-me acts from Nigeria!
Patoranking
A reggae/dancehall artist active since 2009, this singer-songwriter began his musical career with underground collaborations with a number of other artists, going on to sign his first record contract in 2010 and subsequently changing record labels twice since then.
Though his music is listed as reggae, though to me seems like an updated, evolved form of the genre, with vocal effects and visuals that are more reminiscent of hip-hop videos (which I'm guessing is the dancehall aspect? Not that I'm exactly an expert in these genres!)
The music videos I watched are definitely more like the hip-hop ones that hit the European shores, in terms of filming style, dancing, styling and imagery.
Patoranking's music isn't a genre that I'd normally listen to, but I think it's the sort of thing that would grow on me if I listened to it often enough! Even if you usually dislike reggae, give this guy's music a listen!
(Can't seem to find a website, boo!)
Yemi Alade
After making her musical debut in all-girl group Noty Spices in 2005, afropop singer Yemi Alade shot into the spotlight in 2009 when she won the Peak Talent Show. Her song 'Johnny' (embedded above) smashed its way into the charts of several countries in late 2013 after being leaked onto the internet--this even before there was a music video to go with it!
Yemi's music is fun and feisty with a lot of catchy beats and phrases. Her videos are as fun as and interesting as the music itself, filled with modern and traditional-styled clothes made from traditional prints, lots of people and dancing, and both urban and rural scenery.
I listened to Yemi Alade not really knowing what to expect, as I'd not knowingly heard any afropop before, but I found her music really enjoyable. Again, it isn't something I'd normally listen to, but that's part of the point of this challenge--to actually listen to those acts, and find new and awesome things!
Definitely give Yemi's music a try! Yemi Alade Official Website
That's this week's listening done. I hope the people reading this check both acts out! Read past musical posts on my Goal #29 tag, and check out my challenge playlist on YouTube.
Here we are once again at Music Time of The Week! This time around, I decided to check out two new-to-me acts from Egypt!
Portrait Avenue
Formed in 2008, Portrait Avenue began life as an instrumental act, but recruited a vocalist by the end of 2009. Their music has an experimental/indie sound, and their 8-member lineup includes a violinist and a keyboardist (and Sparta the dog). They have previously won Egyptian's Got Talent Battle of the Bands, and the Red Bull Bedroom Jam competition in the Middle East.
Something that really struck me with Portrait Avenue's music was the vocals, which were high and soft for what I'd usually expect from a male vocalist. Still, the vocalist are very easy to listen to!
The band's music strikes me as something that would be popular as 'chillout' music, or - given a more thumping beat and a faster tempo - clubbing music. It's interesting to hear such a similar sound played at a slower tempo, and I quite like it--really peaceful and relaxing! Portrait Avenue on Facebook
Massive Scar Era
Nicknamed Mascara, this heavy metal band formed in Alexandria in 2005, though are now based in Cairo, Egypt, and also Vancouver in Canada.
As with Portrait Avenue, the vocals really stood out to me, this time in that the vocalist (and founder) is female, which seems rare for heavy metal bands, though this is only based on my minimal knowledge! Massive Scar Era began as an all-female band, only gaining more members in 2011.
The core of their music has the kind of heavy metal sound I'd expect, but including violin and classical and Middle Eastern influences (particularly noticable in some of the vocals) gives them a more unique twist.
Massive Scar Era's music isn't really my thing because I'm really picky when it comes to growling/shouting in music. However, it's really great to see a female presence in such a male-dominated genre! Massive Scar Era Official Website
Well, these two acts couldn't have been much more different in genre--yet despite that still had similarities in other ways, such as surprising vocals and the presence of violin. Goes to show that genres certainly don't restrict content!
It seems that music is all I've blogged about for the past few weeks, but - asides watching movies for goal #061 - I've not honestly done much worth sharing here. Time and energy have run away from me quite often lately, so I've not even had a chance to participate in the photo/art theme challenge that I like joining in with!
Anyway, music blogging isn't about to stop, because there are still a few weeks left of 2016!
So, in answer to the title of this post, what's energetic and catchy? Malaysian rock music!
Bunkface
Formed in 2005, this band apparently got their name from Sum 41's song, Crazy Amanda Bunkface.
There is definitely an American pop-punk influence to their sound, as well as their name, with a bouncy combination of rock and slightly-obnoxious (in a good way!) vocals.
The band have released songs both in English and in Malay (and with a mixtue of the two); most of what I listened to was sung in Malay with the occasional English phrase. I actually preferred the ones sung in Malay, though the English ones were also really catchy!
This band was fun to listen to, and worth a try if you like the genre. Bunkface on Facebook
Kyoto Protocol
Based in Kuala Lumpur, this band has been active since 2009. Kyoto Protocol's have a really easy to listen to rock style, with catchy choruses and entertaining music videos!
This band performs mostly in English (I listened to one song that wasn't), and looking at their YouTube account, they've done a lot of covers, too (such as Summer Nights which is worth a look if you want a chuckle!)
I found this band really engaging to listen to, and will probably return to their music at some point so I can listen to more. Kyoto Protocol Official Website
Really enjoyed listening to this week's new-to-me acts! Looking forward to hearing more new-to-me musical acts next week.
My week has been tiring, and the week before this one was also tiring, so I'll cut the introductory babble and write instead about this weeks new-to-me artists, who come from New Zealand!
Darcy Clay
Active briefly in the late 1990s, singer/songwriter Darcy Clay came from Auckland, and recorded the instruments from his song Jesus I Was Evil (embedded above) on a 4-track recorder in his bedroom!
His music strikes me as a mix of sixties pop/rock with a hefty dose of punk rock mixed in for good measure, and seasoned with country. Last.fm has his music tagged as 'stoner rock' which is also a pretty good way of categorising his sound!
I kind of liked his music, though some of it was a bit repetitive and it sounded a little unpolished. Still, if not for his death in 1998, perhaps Darcy Clay would have really honed his sound to the next level.
Give it a listen, anyway. There's something charming about this kind of countrified stoner punk rock.
(No official website. Boo.)
Concord Dawn
This drum and bass act have been active since the late 90s, and was originally a double act, though now the project of sole remaining member Matt Harvey.
Drum and bass isn't the kind of music I ordinarily listen to, though I have to admit this music woke me up from my tired state, which is definitely a good thing!
It has a lot of repetition which isn't my cup of tea, but the upbeat tempo makes it easier to listen to.
Concord Dawn's tracks are all quite long and have an electronic sound to them. Despite drum and bass as a genre not being my cup of tea, this is the sort of music I like playing as 'background noise' when I want to concentrate on something! Concord Dawn on Facebook
Though I didn't dislike either act I heard this week, I probably won't be rushing to go back and listen some more. Still, both are on my YouTube playlist for this challenge, which you can find here!
Week 43 of my music challenge, and this week it's music from Tajikistan!
Muboraksho Mirzoshoyev
Also known as Misha but better known as Muboraksho, this singer-songwriter is considered highly influential in the Tajik music scene. Active from 1988 until his death in 2000, Muboraksho actually composed his first song, Chor javon when he was fourteen. It was later recorded, and became popular across Tajikistan. You can listen to it above :)
Muboraksho's music sounds quite unlike the pop/rock I'm used to; it's the sort of thing that would be found here on 'world music' compilations--the kind of thing my parents used to listen to on trips to Glastonbury (the town, not the festival)!
Apparently a lot of Muboraksho's lyrics were about sadness and mysticism, and even without understanding the language, that really shines through in the music and his soft tone of voice (and explains why it reminds me of those compilations!)
As with several of the new-to-me acts I've heard recently, it sounds as though Muboraksho used lots of traditional instruments in his recordings, which really adds to the feeling evoked by the tracks.
I really didn't know what to expect when I listened to the first song, as I had no idea what Tajik music might sound like. But Muboraksho's music is really nice! I'll probably listen again. Muboraksho Official Website
Nigina Amonqulova
Originally studying to become a doctor, Nigina Amonqulova (also written as Neginah Amonkulova) pursued a music career after performing at a school leaving party.
Nigina has become well-known for singing traditional Tajik folk songs, rather than singing in a more pop-like style. She also performs in colourful traditional costume, which makes her videos extra interesting to watch.
The songs themselves obviously don't have the sound I would automatically associate with the 'folk' genre, simply because these songs are Tajik folk, rather than Western folk. Despite not understanding the lyrics, I still enjoyed Nigina's music. Her voice is very gentle and emotive, and pleasant to listen to!
(Official website seems to be down. Boo!)
Though both of these acts perform in Tajik, there are translations of some of their songs online. My number one port of call is usually LyricsTranslate because nine times out of ten it has the songs I'm looking for!
It's music time of the week again! This week, I'm looking at a couple of acts from Syria. The country has been in the news a lot over the months and pretty much everything we hear about it is to do with conflict, terrorism and refugees, so whilst all of those things are serious issues, I thought it would be nice to look at something good about a diverse country rich in culture and history.
So...onto the music!
Khebez Dawle
Started as Anas Maghrebi's a one-man project during the Syrian uprising in 2012. Following the death of Maghrebi's drummer at the start of the Syrian Civil War, Khebez Dawle (Arabic for 'Government Bread') came into being as a indie-rock band in Lebanon in 2013 after the members had fled their home country.
An album was recorded in 2014 and, after selling their instruments in order to pay smugglers to get them across the Mediterranean, it was this album that the band gave out to tourists upon their arrival in Europe. From that point on, they played gigs using borrowed instruments and have since played further concerts all over Europe using instruments paid for by crowdfunding. Their aim is to break down the barriers between Syrian and European people through sharing the stories of refugees.
Their music is a combination of typical rock and traditional Syrian folk music, and their songs are performed in Arabic (though their website is in English, and has a lyrics section where English translations can be found).
Even without understanding the lyrics, I really liked what I heard of this band. I love the way they've combined musical styles.
Couldn't find much in the way of music videos on YouTube (the one above is pretty much the only one; everything else is concert videos) but give them a listen! Khebez Dawle Official Website
Kulna Sawa
Formed in the 90s, this rock/pop act, whose name means 'all together' feature both female and male vocals, which make for some great harmonies!
Sung in Arabic, some of their songs feature a combination of traditional rock/pop and traditional folk sounds. I really like finding artists who use sounds in their music that are native to their culture as it makes for some interesting music!
Some of their songs seeem to have quite an upbeat atmosphere to them, whilst others are more balladic.
Their music was interesting to listen to, and the video I found was fun to watch!
I can't seem to find any current information on this act, so I'm not
sure if they're still active or not.
Check them out for Arab-Western rock fusion and nice vocal harmonies. Kulna Sawa on Facebook
That's my two acts for this week's new-to-me listening. I can't believe there are only 10 weeks left of the year. That's 20 new-to-me acts I have to whittle down from a list of over 200...
After spending the last few weeks focusing on music from far-flung and exotic places such as Cambodia, Laos, Kazakhstan and South Africa, this week I'm looking just a hop over the North Sea away, with some new-to-me artists from Norway!
Röyksopp
This electronic duo formed in 1998, and their name is apparently a stylised version of the Norwegian word for puffball mushroom: røyksopp, though the artists say it could also refer to the mushroom cloud of an atomic blast. (Cheerful!)
The band use a number of different vocalists on their recordings, both male and female, so without being familiar with any of them it was quite a surprise to hear what the vocals on each song were like!
Whilst some of the tracks I heard were more what I think of when I think 'electronic', others were much different to what I expected!
The videos I watched were pretty varied; some told stories whilst others seemed more artsy. I liked watching/listening to this act, and since the songs I heard are performed in English I could understand the content easily!
This is a good act with some great songs; I'm not generally a fan of the electronic genre but enjoyed this band's sound. Röyksopp Official Website
Gåte
A folk-rock band with a metal twist to their sound, Gåte (Norwegian for 'riddle') was formed in 2000and active until 2005, then reformed for one more year between 2009-2010.
I really like the combination of rock/folk/metal sounds in music, and whilst a lot of similar female-fronted acts might opt for a more pseudo-operatic vocal, Gåte go more towards the folksy sound. (I'd go as far as to say there's a Celtic twang to be heard in this act's vocals!)
Their music videos feature lots of dark lighting and some fantasy elements, along with the band performing.
Gåte's songs are all in Norwegian, but the internet is a wonderful thing, so they are plenty of lyric translations to be found (here's one for the song above!) so the language isn't a problem.
I found their music engaging and energetic, and will probably go back at some point to listen to more!
No official website this time. Boo.
That's it for this week! My list of new-to-me acts is still huge, so who knows which country's music I'll be looking at next week...
Sticking with the 'pick a country, any country' formula for this week's new-to-me artists.
This time around, I've been listening to two acts from Armenia!
Inga & Anush Arshakyan
Also known as the Arshakyan Sisters, this folk duo have been active since 2000.
Compared to other folk acts I've heard, this one makes music that is, on the whole, a lot more upbeat! (The exception to this, as far as I saw, was one that looks like it's about the Armenian genocide, which obviously isn't something to be happy about).
Overall, their music videos are energetic, colourful and fun, filmed in interesting locations and filled with dancing and traditional themes.
I liked listening to this act, and loved the harmonies in their music. Worth giving them a listen! Inga & Anush Arshakyan on Facebook
The Bambir
So, finding information on this act turned out to be a headache, because Wikipedia tells me The Bambir is an act formed in 1994, separate but connected to an act started in 1978 named simply Bambir...whilst their website claims it's all the same act, only The Bambir is made up of the sons of the original members of Bambir.
And if that isn't befuddling to the common observer, I don't know what is.
Band history aside, this four-piece progressive-ethnic-rock act have a really traditional edge to their music, which I liked hearing. It certainly makes them stand out!
Their videos depict the members playing together, usually in a circle, in various settings, which gives the recordings a more natural, intimate feel.
I liked many aspects of this band's music, though it isn't the kind of music I'd often listen to.
Still, if you're reading this, try them out--you might find you like it! The Bambir Official Website
That's it for this week! These two acts bring my total of new-to-me acts listened to for this challenge to eighty!
I screwed up this week. Kind of.
After deciding to listen to acts from countries I'd yet to look at, I ended up prodding at YouTube's recommendations, and listening to Yet Another Japanese Band before I'd done any of my listening for the challenge this week.
Which wouldn't be an issue, if they were a band I'd heard before.
But they count towards this goal, so...I'll tack them on at the end, as a bonus band!
This week, my main focus is acts from Jamaica!
Black Uhuru
Formed in 1972, the 'uhuru' from this reggae band's name means 'freedom' in Swahili.
Black Uhuru were apparently most successful in the 80s, and have been through several lineup changes over the years.
Their music has a real timeless quality that makes it difficult to put a date to! Though I suspect someone knowledgeable in this genre would be able to date a song right down to the year...
Though I like the timbre of the vocals, this isn't an act I'd listen to again, solely because the genre isn't my thing. But if you do like reggae (or want to give it a try), definitely give this group a listen!
Black Uhuru are still active, which is awesome for anyone that likes them--particularly as they still go on tour! Black Uhuru on Facebook
The Skatalites
This band were originally active for a few years in the 1960s, but reformed in the early 80s and have been going ever since.
The Skatalites are another group that have been through a lot of lineup changes, and their music is categorised as multiple genres on Wikipedia, but I'm going to note it here as 'ska/reggae'.
Some of their music is instrumental, whilst other tracks have lyrics. I'll embed an instrumental here, but also check out If You Want To Be Happy For The Rest Of Your Life for some lyrical goodness (and a track completely unlike the one embedded here--this group has some variation!)
I like the songs with vocals on better than the ones that don't, and might listen again if I was in the mood for this kind of music. It has an upbeat feel to it, and is worth checking out! The Skatalites Official Website
Bonus
CLØWD
YouTube suggested this act to me, and honestly the reason I clicked on it was because I wanted to know what kind of band would release an album named Tenderloin.
Formed at the beginning of last year, this band is a baby compared to the other two acts I've written about here!
The video above is for the most part the complete opposite to what I expect from a Japanese rock band. Rap verses alongside the more typical-sounding bridge and chorus, a narrative unlike 99.9% of other Jrock music videos I've watched (and I've watched a lot)--this one music video really caught my attention!
The other videos I watched were much more along the lines of what I expect from bands of this genre, both visually and musically. Guess I lucked out on finding one of their more unusual songs first!
I'll probably go back to hear more of this band, when I'm in the mood to listen to something outside of the artists usually on my playlist*!
If you like Jrock, go ahead and check out this band. CLØWD Official Website
*Before anyone accuses me of being a Jrock weeb, my playlist currently comprises of Moulettes (UK), Steam Powered Giraffe (USA), Beastie Boys (USA), Shilfee and Tulipcorobockles (JP), Vitas (RU) and Rammstein (DE). And soon to add Freshlyground (SA) because their album Nomvula turned up in the post today :3 )
Anyway, that's it for this week! Next week I'll try not to get distracted with YouTube's suggested videos before I get this challenge done!
For this week's new-to-me music, I decided to look at artists from South Africa! Up until now, I haven't really looked at music from the African continent. It was only recently that I started looking for artists outside of those recommended by friends or YouTube, or acts I found mentioned in magazines. Which being in England means a lot of European and North American music!
Freshlyground
This band formed in Cape Town in 2002, though its members come not only from South Africa, but also Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It's seven members play more than the standard setup for a band, with the inclusion of violin, keyboards, flute, mbira, saxophone, harmonica and percussion.
The music itself has a jazzy, indie-rock vibe, but also includes elements of traditional South African music. Their lyrics are both in English and Xhosa, but even without understanding the latter, the feeling of the music is easy to understand. (I embedded the song 'Nomvula' above, because if you're from my part of the world it's not every day you get to hear a song sung in anything but English)
When I listened to this act, the first thing that really stood out to me was how the vocalist sounded. She has an amazing voice, very smooth and emotional! Overall this band is really easy and relaxing to listen to, and their music videos were fun to watch!
Go check out this band! Freshlyground Official Website
Thandiswa Mazwai
Active since 1998, this musician started out on a talent show, but didn't make the semi-finals. Now a multi award-winning artist, she's certainly shown the world what she's made of!
Thandiswa's music is categorised as afrosoul (which I had to look up--it's a fusion of soul and African music, with a strong influence of vocals and emotions).
Again, even without understanding the lyrics, it's possible to understand the feeling of the song, and enjoy it. I really like the traditional sound to Thandiswa's compositions, and the timbre of her voice is lovely!
Definitely worth a listen. Thandiswa Mazwai on Twitter
(note: she does have an official website, but Google is warning me that it may have been hacked! :( )
That's it for this week! Check out my goal 29 tag for all the artists I've listened to (so far!) for this challenge!
This week, I looked at music from Kazakhstan! Previously I'd only heard of this country due to the film Borat (which I doubt is the greatest of interpretations) and as mentions in the TV quiz show Pointless. So looking at a couple of musical acts from this country is as educational as it is enjoyable!
ULYTAU
This instrumental band make use of violin and dombra alongside the more common setup of keyboard, guitar, bass and drums, so their music has an unusual edge to it!
They seem to be categorised as folk metal, though of course with the inclusion of the dombra they have a real traditional twist to their sound.
ULYTAU's music videos are a mixture of typical metal band videos, and others that tell a story, often with historical/traditional dress, battles, wolves, and a real tribal feel.
As I'm used to music with vocals, I missed hearing them in the first couple of tracks that I listened to,
but soon got used to this instrumental music and enjoyed listening! ULYTAU Official Website
КешYou (Kesh You)
Active since 2006, this all-girl pop group have gone through several lineup changes.
Their music is upbeat and catchy. I'm not a huge fan of pop music but I really enjoyed listening to this group! They have really strong voices that are really shown off to their best in their music.
Visually they have a real combination of typical pop, traditional dress and a costumey element to their style, which I really liked!
Their music videos are pretty varied in the same way as their style, though similar in that they mostly feature the group singing and dancing rather than the images telling a story.
Though they sing in Kazakh (which I don't understand, obviously), I found their music enjoyable and would recommend it to anyone who likes listening to pop!
(Can't find official site for this group, booo!)
That's it for this week! Do give these acts a listen!
For this week's new-to-me music, I decided to check out some artists from Laos. Mostly because I received a package from there a couple of days ago, but also because...well, I've not heard any Lao pop music before.
Noi Sengsourigna
This Laotian singer is apparently also an actress and education with a great passion for her culture.
I have never heard any music quite like hers (which I guess shows how limited my exposure to different music has been). Some of it has a real traditional-sound, whilst other songs have more of a pop twist to them, and the tempo switches between calming and upbeat. Traditional instruments are also prominent in her songs!
Noi's voice has a really soft tone and is pleasant to listen to. I was surprised to hear some English lyrics within her music, though most her songs are sung in Lao.
The music videos are uncomplicated, a lot of them having aspects of traditional Laotian dance and costume, which is interesting to see!
Aluna Thavonsouk
Aluna's music sounds very typically pop, with softly-sung ballads and catchy choruses!
Her videos are very polished; the ones I saw all have some kind of visual narrative going on, which makes it easier to understand the songs even without understanding the language they're sung in.
The music itself isn't the kind of thing I like listening to, but Aluna does have a nice voice. I'd recommend this artist to people who like K-pop ballads!
That's it for this week! Couldn't find any official websites for the artists this time around, so haven't been able to link them. Still, there are a few articles and interviews online with information on these singers--just a google search away!
It recently came to my attention that despite my attempts to listen to bands from all over the world, a lot of what I've listened to for this goal has been from the same parts of the world--mostly the west, with the East popping by in the form of J-rock and K-pop.
So I spent some time searching online for acts from countries whose home-grown music I haven't yet listened to, and from this week onward I'll be doing my best to listen to those, instead of acts from countries already covered by this goal.
My list is long enough that I could stretch out this challenge for another year, but one year is enough!
Here's this week's new-to-me artists...
NO FOREVER
A metalcore and post-hardcore band from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Looking at YouTube, it seems this six-member band do a lot of cover versions, though the video I've embedded here is one of their original songs. The sound quality isn't great, but they only have live recordings, and beggars can't be choosers when it comes to live videos!
In the process of trying to find out more about them, discovered that the band's frontwoman has ruffled a few feathers in their home country, for dressing 'like a boy'. This seems mad to me, because her style wouldn't be considered outlandish for a woman in the UK!
Though the music in the video above isn't completely my thing, I liked some of their cover versions, maybe because some of the recordings are a better quality so it's easier to hear.
It's a shame this act doesn't have more coverage, or music videos online, as it would have been nice to see and hear a professional recording. Still, they're worth a listen! NO FOREVER on Facebook
Sliten6ix
Another Cambodian band, this time hardcore/deathcore.
I'll admit right away that this is not the kind of music I listen to.
Despite that (and my complete lack of knowledge when it comes to this genre) it's obvious that these guys know what they're doing. The vocalist can growl and shout with the best of them, and the other members know how to handle their instruments.
If you're into this genre, I'd say to check out this band! Sliten6ix Website
Well, that's it for this week. Come back again to find out which country next week's new-to-me acts are from!
It's music goal time of the week again, and this time around I listened to artists I read about in Viva Brighton, a local magazine full of local art, entertainment, history and other things! (There's also a version of the magazine for Lewes!)
Joseph Tawadros
This Egyptian musician grew up in Australia and plays the oud, among other instruments! On his album 'World Music', he plays 52 different instruments, with his brother James joining in on 11 different percussion instruments. Which is pretty impressive, really!
His music is the kind of thing that gets put in the 'world music' category due to the different influences involved. Just one piece may start off with a real Middle Eastern vibe, but twist and change throughout to become something with more of a Jazz feel.
He has multiple albums under his belt, some featuring solo oud whilst others include multiple instruments played by a number of other musicians.
I found Joseph Tawadros' music really atmospheric and unusual; it really provokes the imagination so would be great to listen to for creative inspiration--or simply for enjoyment and daydreaming! Joseph Tawadros Official Site
The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band
I've previously heard of this British band, but never heard them. When I saw an interview with saxophonist Rodney Slater in Viva Brighton, I decided to look the band up! (Okay, so originally I looked Rodney Slater up, but YouTube insisted on giving me lots of search results about the former US Secretary of Transportation, who has the same name, but wasn't quite what I was looking for!)
Formed in 1962, their music is a real mish-mash of genres combined with humour and avant-garde art. So basically, their performances and lyrics can turn out a bit mad, which is by no means a criticism (the world needs this kind of craziness).
Though vocalist Vivian Stanshall passed away in 1995, the band still perform in various shapes and forms and names, so the surrealness continues.
I found their music fun to listen to, and enjoyed watching the videos I found on YouTube! Definitely a fun band. The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, etc Official Website
That's it for this week!
I'm glad to have picked up this month's edition of Viva Brighton, as both of these acts turned out pretty inspiring and interesting. It's great to happen upon acts that think outside the box and do something a little different, whether musically or visually!
As usual, these and all artists previously listened to for this goal can be read about on my music tag, or listened to on my YouTube playlist.
