So I'm listening to a cpl weird world beat mix CD compilations, & I've come to some concussions about it all.
In many cultures, it isn't at all about melody, but groove (yeah, I know - this is obvious on so many levels). Do you, as songwriters, concentrate on that aspect? I find it kinda boring to lay down a simple groove & play it for 5 or 10 minutes, but it DOES get ppl dancing, doesn't it?
Another thing I notice, is that there is often a single repetitive rhythmic clap or other concussive accent on the count, & it's most often in 4/4, except in the east, where the rhythms may get very complicated. The result is an emphasis, not on melody, once again, but on the rhythms. It can get very hypnotic after awhile.
American music is often about the short, quick fix. Say what you can in 3 minutes or less, make it melodic, with a strong hook, & move on to the next tune.
Other cultures are much more interested in getting ppl to feel it for long periods of time, to draw them in & keep them there until they're almost exhausted. Words don't matter, & sometimes don't even exist, as singers just wail a "whooa" or somesuch. Melodies are simple & very repetitive. There's that never-ending click or clap or odd little percussive emphasis on the 2 & 4, or ALL of the counts, the bass is almost looped-sounding, to hypnotise the listener. Voices don't need to be beautiful, either, although they often are. But they can also be conversational in feel, often even rappish, but not your typical American angry-sounding rap, but more like conversational rhythmic-speak. I like some of this, but I find myself geting bored with it sometimes, too.
Shredd can prolly explain it better than I, since he's been immersing himself in that Hawiian reggae, lately, which seems typical in overall style to much of the world beat stuff I hear.
I think I'd like to delve into this a little more deeply than I have. I did some of that sorta thing in FMF a few years ago, & I think I miss what it does to an audience. Ppl can really get into it all.
In many cultures, it isn't at all about melody, but groove (yeah, I know - this is obvious on so many levels). Do you, as songwriters, concentrate on that aspect? I find it kinda boring to lay down a simple groove & play it for 5 or 10 minutes, but it DOES get ppl dancing, doesn't it?
Another thing I notice, is that there is often a single repetitive rhythmic clap or other concussive accent on the count, & it's most often in 4/4, except in the east, where the rhythms may get very complicated. The result is an emphasis, not on melody, once again, but on the rhythms. It can get very hypnotic after awhile.
American music is often about the short, quick fix. Say what you can in 3 minutes or less, make it melodic, with a strong hook, & move on to the next tune.
Other cultures are much more interested in getting ppl to feel it for long periods of time, to draw them in & keep them there until they're almost exhausted. Words don't matter, & sometimes don't even exist, as singers just wail a "whooa" or somesuch. Melodies are simple & very repetitive. There's that never-ending click or clap or odd little percussive emphasis on the 2 & 4, or ALL of the counts, the bass is almost looped-sounding, to hypnotise the listener. Voices don't need to be beautiful, either, although they often are. But they can also be conversational in feel, often even rappish, but not your typical American angry-sounding rap, but more like conversational rhythmic-speak. I like some of this, but I find myself geting bored with it sometimes, too.
Shredd can prolly explain it better than I, since he's been immersing himself in that Hawiian reggae, lately, which seems typical in overall style to much of the world beat stuff I hear.
I think I'd like to delve into this a little more deeply than I have. I did some of that sorta thing in FMF a few years ago, & I think I miss what it does to an audience. Ppl can really get into it all.
SMILE - it's the safest way to spread your cheeks!
