Some of the Other Stuff

 I'm actually really excited to write about this first one, which I've chosen traditional Chinese music- particularly Taoist music (which I'm hoping we all know is in Asia). All of you that are close to me probably remember that Sam and I had an insane Duolingo streak learning Mandarin because we were convinced that after Converse we would move to the Wudang mountains in China and become Taoist Monks. We actually got really into it and both of us have copies of the Tao Teh Ching in our dorm rooms (poems by Lau Tzu that serve as the primary text for Taoism). So the first culture featured here is the meditational music of the Di Zi. The Di Zi is from Tibet, which is a little bit West of the Wudang mountains that Taoism originated in. It's typically used in periods of recitation and is made of bamboo or wood. Here's an example of a solo used for energy summoning, since I know we all need that at the end of a three week Jan-term.  (traditional, Asia) 

Next onto Belize! Belize is another melting-pot place that's like an actual melting pot, not a stew like America. They already had a variety of cultures (having Garifuna people brought over stuff like the accordion and the DONKEY'S JAWBONE?? ((apparently it was played like a saw) and Creoles that would use the jawbone for a rhythmic style called Brukdown). They then had even further influence from being under Spanish rule, then had a lot of German and Swiss immigrants that brought European influence. The distinct style that they had turn out from their specific influences became known as "Punta Rock." There's even an influence from African rhythms in this genre. With the combination of those rhythms with contemporary melodies it's been noted as becoming similar to what we would call Reggae. (Modern, North America)

Now for an insane change of pace, Russian folk music. The origins of Russian music are really tied into Balkan and Slavic ceremonies. They were mostly in really complex and asymmetrical meters, and primarily focus on dissonant, close intervals within the melodies. The music was typically accompanied with a dance, and the complexity of the meters made for a very dance-y tune. Typically the music was only vocals, and even later on, the Russian church banned the use of instruments. I did find an instrument that I think is really cool, the Gudok. It served as a drone, and could have up to eight strings that were flat on the instrument so that they could easily be played simultaneously. I used to play cello and I think I was drawn to this one because you can make a similar, medieval-ish sound on the cello, but it's not the same. Here's a cool video of someone playing the Gudok: (Traditional, Asia/Europe) 

Now onto the Philippines, because I just found out I actually really like the Manila sound. The Manila sound is the word that became used to describe music of the Philippines that started in the 70's. It's a really smooth sound. It's relaxing and catchy and really simple. It feels like a cheesy Asian love story that I would have secretly watched on Netflix as a 14 year old. The Manila sound is named after the city Metro Manila, Philippines. It was there that the sounds of the Philippines combined with jazzy and disco styles- and, I cannot make this up, the main band that gave this style a start was named Hotdog Greatest Hits. I actually really like the music. I was not expecting to find this when I randomly decided to do the Philippines. The music is so calming. It's also the predecessor to OPM, or Original Music of the Philippines, which is what they've decided to call their mainstream music nowadays. It's a little more rhythmic and bigger sounds than Manila. Here's an example of Manila sound in Hotdog's music: (Modern, Asia)

What an interesting Jan term it's been. Now I have a band called Hotdog in my Spotify liked songs. I really enjoyed learning about different cultures this January. I feel like I have a way more expanded view of the world :)