Discovering music - know about the main types of popular music

The definition of popular music is a type of music that is viewed, purchased, shared listened to and or enjoyed by large amount of people.

pop music is short for popular music which coveres many genres and artists. genres under the category can be hip-hop, rock, EDM (electronic dance music) and indie.

• hip-hop: Hip-hop started in the 1970's and gradually became culturally popular by the 90's
• Edm : edm as a genre started in the 90's but became popular in the 2000's 
• rock : rock started in the 1950's and was known as rock and roll, but as it became more and more popular and was shortened to just rock.
• indie : this genre started in the uk and in the 1980's and became mainstream in the 1990's

one example of a hip-hop producer is xxyyxx, he produces relaxed hip-hop one example of his tracks is 'breeze' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smNTG6zqwfI. - Breeze

this track starts off as a slow beat with a vocal sample that has been pitch shifted. As the track progresses the vocals are chopped, the beat becomes more of a hip-hop beat and a some synth chords are in the background towards the end.

Another example of a hip-hop artist is Biggie Smalls, he raps over hip-hop. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JZom_gVfuw biggie smalls ''juicy'' - the track starts off as a simple hip-hop beat, which then is complimented by a rap segment. As the track progresses the beat becomes more complex and other instruments are brought in, such as a subtle bass. The main characteristic is His rap vocals.

Types of EDM producers are Skrillex, Deadmau5 and Example. they produce house, dubstep and pop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJVmu6yttiw Bangerang - This track starts off with a guitar sample which is then complimented with vocals. As the intro progresses a heavy dubstep beat is introduced along with some heavy synth bass growls. The main characteristic, was the drums and the heavy bass wobbles, blips and growls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGi4hNgyhik We'll be coming back for you - The main characteristic is the vocals and the dance beat as it goes on for the majority of the track. Also in the background there's instruments like a range of synths with some guitars. 

The main similarities between the 4 of the tracks i've chosen are that they rely on some form on controversy to catch the listeners attention in from of explicit vocals, videos and names. Also they use a lot of vocal work, whether it be in the form of chopped samples, acapellas or raps.
The main differences are the way in which the vocals are introduced. For instance in hip-hop there is a lot of rapping which is a form of speaking, usually about the rappers life and things that are special to him or her. In rock the vocals are usually about anarchy and rebellion.




Xxyyxx Breeze.
The reason why i have chosen this track out of his wide selection is because of one very important reason. Listening to it gives me a sense of euphoria and happiness. This track gives this effect on me because it's everything i like musically in one track: hip-hop, synth and chill. It's perfect for me.

Biggie smalls, ''juicy''
I chose this track as it's a great example of hip-hop, from his meaningful rapping to the percussion. The entire track has a good vibe and i enjoy it. 

Skrillex, Bangerang.
I don't like this track very much as it's repetitive. I chose it though as it's a very popular track and fits with the purpose of the blog. The drums in this are good as they are punchy. The sound design in the synth work is rather nice although put to shame by being over used.
Calvin Harris Ft. Example We'll be coming back for you.
I chose this track as it's a good pop track and has a range of instruments, synths, guitar, drums and vocals. I like this as it's catchy and flows well.

Discovering music , 20/3/14

name: Charles Dancla
date of birth: 19th december 1817
nationality: French
date of death: 10th october 1907
type of composer: romantic classical
period: classical
secular or sacred: secular

The piece i am going to provide feed back on is : Charles Dancla- Variations on a Theme by Pacini Op.89 № 1.

This piece starts of as short and soft melodies of piano notes. It was then complimented by a violin, as this happened the piano work became softer. The piano work then became more powerful and joyful and had a counter melody against the short jabs of the violin.

The main characteristic of this piece is most definitely the violin, as it is played the loudest and is played in a very melodic fashion with allot of dynamics. The violin is complemented by a piano that has allot of dynamics and counter melodies to the string work. The tempo of this piece is constantly changing, from slow to fast.

This piece has an impact on me in a positive way, making me feel relaxed and happy, the reason for this is the fact that the piano is played softly , with joyful melodies. And the string is played in long notes, then short 'happy' counter melodies to the piano.

The key similarities and differences between all four of the pieces i looked at are that they all seem to have some string work , weather it be the main characteristic or just a complement to the piece. The differences are the purpose of which they were composed, one was sacred - to be played in a church environment. The other 3 were secular, which means they are meant to be played in a theatre. Also in all four of the pieces there was a lot of melody and counter melody work, with lots of different dynamics.

discovering music. Samuel Barber 13/3/15

Date of birth: 1910
date of death: 1981
type of music: 20th century classical
sacred or secular: sacred
most famous piece: Angus Dei ''lamb of god''
nationality: America
when the piece was written: 1967

This piece clearly stands out at very sacred and precious, i feel this way because the vocals are very heavenly and relaxing. In the beginning the vocals started off and gradually began to increase in power,  also the impact of the vocals was strong on me as it made me think of heaven and serenity. As the piece progressed the vocals began to build up in to a range of different octaves from deep, high and mid. There were no instruments, only vocals. This makes it feel more power full as my ears are concentrating on one type of sound this adds to the sacred ambiance. 

The main characteristics of the piece are the vocals. They stand out to me and therefore i find them to be strong and thought provoking.

discovering music 13/3/15. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

nationality: Austrian.

date of birth: 1756.

date of death: 1791.

type of composer: Classical.

it is secular.

This piece of music is called Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Movt 1 was written in on 10th august 1787, which is from the classical period: This has a extraordinary vibe to it and is instantly recognisable because it has been played globally for years and has a very powerful and familiar impact. It makes me feel joyful as the notes from the strings are high pitch and played in a fast and short melody. In the beginning there was just strings. and stayed strings thorough the whole track. The tempo was slow but increased. It did this in a roller coaster type fashion, meaning it goes up and down in speed, there was also small parts of counter melodies : fast and slow.

Possibly, the types of instruments that have been chosen is why i like this piece so much they are thought invoking. 

the main characteristics of this track are the dynamics because they differ throughout the track. Also the power and impact of the strings are noticeable as they start off soft but then become very powerful.

Discovering music. 6/3/15 - Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach: 1685 - 1750.
nationality: German
date what the Brandenburg Concerto No 1 was written: 1721
he was a brooch composer:1600-1750

The  Brandenburg Concerto No 1 - Allegro is from the baroque period. ( 1600 - 1750 )
some of the main characteristics are in the instrumentation, i could hear woodwinds, strings. but the main characteristic was the strings as they were most prominent and had melodies and counter melodies. there was lots of counter melodies as different instruments were brought in and out. The tempo varies are very subtle throughout the track from slow to mid tempo.

The mood that this track gives off is very relaxing and subtle. The reason why it is relaxing is because the strings are very soft and soothing. Also the melodies of the main strings are joy full and are complimented with counter melodies from instruments like wood winds, this makes me feel happy and calm at the same time.

It is a secular piece, which was part of a series of concerts which were widely considered to be some of the best of the period. He was one of the best Baroque composers and as a result when he passed away, baroque as a stopped and then came classical.