CONCLUSION~

We loved our topic. It let us learn more about other cultures. Our topic relates music and culture, because it took one artist in a country, and showed how they were known around the world.

No Music?!?!

Music has been banned from Iran since 1979. Despite the ban, there are plenty of bands that exist and are causing a scene in Iran culture. Sounds of Silence is a documentary made in Iran that is concerned with making citizens aware of the extensive censorship that is enforced in Iran, so extensive that music is not even played within the country in fear of being persecuted. This documentary shows that even though music is banned, it still prevails and a vibrant music scene still exists in Iran. This just shows that nothing can stop people from expressing themselves the way they want to.
~Nikki Grimm
http://www.powerofculture.nl/en/current/2007/july/musicians_iran.html

Sasha

I know what you are thinking, when i seen the name Sasha i thought it was a girl too. Sasha, real name Alexander Coe, was born in North Wales, UK. He is a much-renowned DJ, and pretty good looking if i say so my self. He became famous in the late 80's and in the early 90's. He played in clubs such as Shelly's, the Hacienda, and most notably Renaissance. He formed a partnership with John Digweed, still holding strong today. He turned out such mixes as Urban Soul, M People, Creative Thieves, and the Pet Shop Boys.

Sasha. (2008). Discogs. Retrieved from April 18th from http://www.discogs.com/artist/Sasha.
~Britney Whittaker

Protest the Hero

Protest the hero is a Canadian band from Ontario. in 2003 they released an EP called a calculated use of Sound, this cd was punk influenced and had very political lyrics. their first full length album Kezia released in 2005 was a completely different sound from their Ep. Kezia is a mix of many different styles, vocalist Rody Walker's voice has evolved a lot and added a lot of new elements to their sound separating them from other bands. Their riffs are metal enough to earn the respect of the metal scene yet their high pitched emoish vocals and hardcore breakdowns drew the scene kids. Protest the hero is a great band with an amazing stage presence, fun to listen to songs, and very original style.

Matt Taylor
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:wbfyxqlsld6e~T1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protest_the_Hero

She's A Japanese Superstar

Utada Hikaru is not only a J-pop star (Japanese) but she is also from a well known musical family from New York City in which she was born.
Hikaru compsed her first Japanese song at the age of eleven and her first english one at thirteen. With her first Japanese album released in 1999 entitled "First Love", she has since sold nine million copies. Also during the first week of release,completely breaking the record of first-week sales of a debut album, her CD hit number one on the Japanese charts.
After her switch from Toshiba EMI to Island-Universal Music Japan, she saddend many of her fans because she decided to record an English-language album. She then came out with a song entitled, "Exodus 04," because many fans interpreted her lyrics as a good bye to Japan, many were devastated. After her release in September 2004, Utada is labeled to have to record for the largest-ever one-day shipment of an English language album, during Mariah Carey's previous record of 500,000. Part of the reason why that song was so popular was because Timbaland and Mars Volta produced as well as drummer, Jon Theodore.
One popular song that many might be familiar with is "Devil Inside." With that song Utada Hikaru got her first U.S mainstream debut.

Shanae Harris

Jeffries, D. (2007) All Music Guide Retrieved from,http://www.starpulse.com/Music/Hikaru,_Utada/Biography/.

Bare Naked Who??

The Barenaked Ladies, straight out of Canada, hit the American music scene in 1993 with their album, Gordon. Hits included "If I had a Million Dollars" and "One Week". Any teenager in the 1990's currently has these hits on their IPod. This group has a great combination of humor and talent. This is what makes this stand out among others in their music genre. Although their first album went platinum in Canada, they were forbidden from playing at an event near City Hall in Toronto because the mayor found the band's name to be degrading and discriminatory towards women. This is very evident that this was not the intention of the band. They simply meant for the name to be random and humorous. They are a great group of guys who write songs that can lift your spirits at any time of the day in any mood.
Nikki Grimm

Leahey, Andew (). Barenaked Ladies. Retrieved 11 April 2008 from allmusic: http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:apfyxqq5ldke~T1

It's Karan With An "a"

Ranking herself among some of Ireland's most talented singers, such as Sharon Shannon, Maire Brennan, and Capercaillie, Karan Casey is truly one confident singer. She is said to have, "a voice that represents one of the true glories of Irish music today" according to Wall Street Journal writer, Earle Hitchner. Like many other artists Casey started singing at a young age in her church choir in the southeastern side of Waterford. She studied both voice and piano at University College Dublin, and then attended the Royal Irish Academy of Music. In the late 80's she began to copy the Ella Fitzgerald style of singing; scat singing, in which she began to sing in pubs in Dublin. While still attending school, she not only worked in pubs, but she also started her own singing group entitled, "Dorothy." After her jazz singing career, which she thanks for her traditional Irish folklore success, she immigrated to New York, where she then attended Brooklyn's Long Island University.
After playing for a short while with a band, she formed the group "Solas" with Seamus Egan, John Doyle, John Williams, and Winifred Horan. In the meantime, she also worked on her solo career while doing music with "Solas."
Honestly, I would never think to listen to the genre of folk music, but I did give one of Casey's song entitled "Where Are You Tonight I Wonder" a go. It wasn't bad at all. I could hear the scat singing that she included within her piece and understand why she thanks the genre of jazz music for her success. I recommend all to give folk music and Karan Casey a try.



Shanae Harris



Wilson, M. (2008). Retrieved April 11, 2008 from http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/casey_karan/bio.jhtml

The Streets

The Streets is a British rapper named Mike Skinner. He got his breakthrough on the album Original Pirate Material released in 2002. The style of rap called UK Garage sounds very different from American rap. Garage usually has a techno beat with slower rapping that sounds more like talking. the lyrics range from drugs and the club scene to the struggles of daily life.
Matt Taylor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Streets
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:wpftxq80ldje

Leona Lewis - London

Leona Lewis is the hottest thing to hit music since the invention of the PB&J. Her CD, Spirit, has hit songs from the first song to the last. She was born in Islington, London in 1985. Leona wrote her first song at age 12, and one year later she won Hackney Empire talent show. An interesting fact about Leona is that she used to be a Pizza Hut waitress. Her passion is singing, but she loves to dance and to act as well. Leona Lewis in my mind can’t be compared to anyone in the United States. I think that she is definitely an original. She not only has talent but natural beauty as well. Some of her hit songs include ‘Bleeding Love.’ Leona is one of my new favorite artists.

~Britney Whittaker

Leona Lewis Biography. Celebrity Spotlight. (2008). Retrieved April 8, 2008 from http://www.celebrityspotlight.co.uk/ShowBiographies.asp?CelebrityBiography=e1f342b16c&celebrity=Leona_Lewis

France Gall

France Gall was born on October 9, 1947. Gall was known for being pretty and perky. Her father was a producer and a song writter. At the age of 15 her father rushed her to the studio to create a record. The four track was an enormous hit selling 200,000 records in France. She released solid records since the '60s. Her genera can be compared to Rock. I personally love her music, even though i may not understand what she is saying.

Yahoo. France Gall Biography. (2008). Retrieved April 4, 2008, from http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:France%20Gall:1927221211:page=biography

~Britney

http://youtube.com/watch?v=oGGviSJ4Ilw&feature=related

Heap

Imogen Heap had a very interesting career as an artist. She started off as a solo artist and in the height of her career she became a member of the duo group, Frou Frou. Many found her musical order odd, because most artists usually start out in a singing group and then obtain solo careers. But thats what makes Imogen Heap unique. Her focus on rock, didnt come about until she went off to boarding school as a teenager and soon decided that classical music was not her calling. She was signed in her late teens in which she became a solo artist. Her solo career with Guy Sigsworth was a temporary job for her. They started their career together in 2001 and she has since resumed her solo career in 2005.

Shanae Harris




Henderson, A.(2008)Imogen Heap.Retrieved April 4, 2008,from http://http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:jjfyxqthld0e~T1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQjFdVK8cuY

The above link shows a music video entitle Breathe In, from the duo group, Frou Frou.
Personally, I liked the song, and was anxious to hear more from the group and some of Imogen's personal solo work.

Sitar, Guitar

~Ravi Shankar~
He is the Jimi Hendrix of India. He is a legendary sitarist and composer and is known as a phenomenon in India. Along with writing music, he also teaches it. He has done more for India’s music than any other musician. Ravi Shankar is credited with bringing music to India. Shankar performed at Woodstock in the 60s and also performed at a Concert for Bangladesh. He has performed in almost all of Western Europe and also in the Soviet Union. Within the first decade of his becoming known he was seen as the most famous Indian musician. Within two decades he was the most famous Indian alive. His daughter, Geethali Norah Jones Shankar, better known just as Norah Jones, is a famous American jazz singer/ songwriter.
Nikki Grimm

Hunt, Ken (). Ravi Shankar. Retrieved 4 April 2008 from allmusic: http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:hifexqw5ld0e~T1

Sweden

Sweden is a country known for many things such as meatballs, Ikea, and blonde haired women. Sweden had also put its name on the map for music too. Other than ABBA the biggest thing Sweden has given us is melodic death metal. Melodic death metal also known as the Gothenburg sound originated from Gothenburg Sweden in the early 90's. Inflames, At The Gates, Dark Tranquility, and Soilwork are given credit for creating melodic death metal. All four of these bands came from the gothenburg area and all the members of these bands all have almost played in the same band as each other at one time or another.So what separates melodic death metal from pain old death metal? Death metal bands usually all sound the same and you cant tell one song from another due to the brutally heavy and repetitive guitar riffs. This is where melodic death metal comes in, melodic death is filled with great harmony's and melodic riffs that are more pleasing to the ear. Melodic death hit its peak in the mid 90's and is now slowly dieing all of the original bands are still active other than At The Gates, but only Dark Tranquility would still be considered melodic death.
Matt Taylor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melodic_death_metal

Benin Born Goddess

Born in the African city of Benin, Paris based vocalist, Angelique Kdijo is an artist of many genres. From afro-funk and reggae to gospel and pop, she brings a unique sound into every song. She has been making music since the 80's with her first album entitled Pretty was released in 1988. Kidjo has worked with many well known artists such as, Carlos Santana and Branford Marsalis. Some of her musical inspirations include Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and James Brown. Kdijo was nominated for a Grammy award for her video, "Agolo," made in 1993. And for her 208 album. An interesting fact about her music is that it has been featured on the soundtrack for, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls and Street Fighter.

After listening to her Grammy nominated song "Agolo," i can see why she was nominated for such a high honor twice. It has a nice dance beat thus is under the genre of dance. The rhythm, beat, and words combined all make you want to listen. Even though you cannot understand what she is talking about; seeing that it is in her native tongue, you will still listen intently and sing along like you know what the lyrics are. I don't listen to many songs in different languages but I really enjoyed "Agolo." The song is full and life and highly energetic. I would highly recommend for anyone to take a moment and listen to one of Kdijo songs.

Shanae Harris

itunes.2008.Angelique Kdijo.itunesbibliography.

X Japan

X Japan was a progressive speed metal band formed in the 80's. The band was started by Yoshiki Hayashi and Toshi Deyama in 1982. After the release of Blue Blood and Jealousy X Japan was the most popular band in Japan and was becoming increasingly
popular around the world. In 1998 lead guitarist Hide was found dead in his hotel room , he had hung himself with a towel tied to the door knob. The reason for his death is unknown many people believe it was accidental because there was no suicide note left.

X Japan is a great band if you can get past the way they look. It was the 80's and they were Japanese's not a good combination for sense of style. They dressed in wild costumes, wore makeup and have hair styles that seem to defy gravity.
Matt Taylor

We be Jammin'

~George “Fully” Fullwood~
Fully Fullwood is a very well known bass player in the world of Jamaican reggae music. In addition to playing the bass, he is an established producer and composer. He has been featured in over 80 albums and has worked with some of the best, such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Joe Higgs and The Mighty Diamonds. He has provided the sensational rhythm to their powerful words. Fullwood is the originator and leader in his group known as the Soul Syndicate band. Fullwood is also a member of Peter Tosh’s notorious reggae group, Word, Sound and Power.
Nikki Grimm

Nelson, S. & Nelson, D. Bio. Fully Fullwood. Retrieved March 25, 2008, from http://www.fullyfullwood.com

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dZ82pknHX8

This video is essential to understanding Fullwood's entire persona. In the video you will see his group, Soul Syndicate performing one of their favorites. It is performed in Jamaica so when looking past the members of the group you will see the type of environment they live in. You will also notice that Fullwood does not try and steal the show. He simply remains in the background and plays his bass. Although he is the found of this group and the mastermind behind the group's success, he does not feel it is necessary to boast about such.

Muy Muy Caliente

~Alejandro Sanz~

When you think of Spanish culture certain names such as: Pablo Picasso, Enrique Iglesias, and Javier Castillejo may come to mind. Among the most famous, and recent of the Spanish is Alejandro Sanz. Alejandro early influence was Flamenco; the dance originally thought to be invented by gypsies. He started getting recognition internationally when he started mixing his style, with other famous artist such as Shakira. Album Mas, with hit song Corazon Partio, meaning broken heart, helped him on his way to the top. If you could compare Alejandro Sanz to someone that is more recognizable it would be Enrique Iglesias. This is because they are both from Spain, and they are both recognized. The main difference between the two is that Alejandro doesn’t like to sing in English.
Britney Whittaker

Most Beautiful Men. (2002). Alejandro Sanz. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.mostbeautifulman.com/musicians/alejandrosanz/bio.shtml.

The picture relates because it is a picture of Alejandro Sanz. This is one of his album covers.