Thursday, December 26, 2024

Role of the Performer - Chris Brown

 Role of the Performer Chris Brown


    Once, when I was 16 years old, sitting in the living room at the family computer, I heard a song on TV that completely stole my attention. The song was called "Run it" and it was by a new artist by the name of Chris Brown. Little did I know this song would be the introduction to my favorite R&B artist of all time. 


"Run it" was Chris Brown's 2005 debut single and was written by Scott Storch, Sean Garrett, and Juelz Santana in the US. It is in the key of C♯ Phrygian, which was popular for the genre Crunk & B, which was very prevalent in the early 2000's. It has a signature time of 4/4, 100 BPM, and just like the music video it will make you dance. 

Later that year Chris Brown's self-titled debut album was released, and he has gone on to record 10 more studio albums, with his most recent album being 11:11, released in 2024. Not only has he proven his ability to put out music that people love, but he has also proven himself as a, elite performer. With hundreds of sold-out shows, a Chris Brown concert is truly an experience that fills you with so much joy and appreciation for his art. 



Dancing has been another element of Chris Brown's career that has elevated his music videos and live performances. You can tell he takes the time to work on his voice, dance moves, and stage presence. With influences like Michael Jackson, Chris brown has dedicated himself to becoming one of the best artists and live performers to date. 

This live performance from the 2017 BET Awards is just a glimpse of Chris Brown's stage presence. Not only is he singing live, but he's dancing while singing, and is still engaging with the audience for a well-rounded performance. The song being performed is his 2017 hit "Party" featuring artists Usher and Gucci Mane and comes off his 2017 album Heartbreak on a Full Moon. This song was written by multiple people including Lyrica Anderson, Usher Raymond, and Gucci Mane to name a few. "Party" is in the key of C♯/D♭ and has a time signature of 4/4. While it is an average tempo, just let most of Chris Brown's songs it is very danceable.


I believe we need performers like Chris Brown, because in a society of social media stars, he displays what it takes to have a career that promises longevity. He pours himself into his art, and it truly shows once he's on stage. I can say that because I've seen him live twice now. He ensures his fan leave his shows with nothing but awe in their eyes, and anticipation in their hearts for the next time they'll see him live. He has proven that hard work and dedication to his craft outweighs everything else, because his talent is that strong.


Work Cited

“BPM and Key for Party (Feat. Usher & Gucci Mane) by Chris Brown: Tempo for Party (Feat. Usher & Gucci Mane).” SongBPM, songbpm.com/@chris-brown/party-feat.-usher-gucci-mane. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

“BPM for Run It! (Chris Brown).” GetSongBPM.Com, getsongbpm.com/song/run-itexclamation/W7Ljwo. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

“Run It!” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Dec. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Run_It!

“Party (Chris Brown Song).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Dec. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_(Chris_Brown_song).
  

 

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Take a Musical Trip - Music of Trinidad and Tobago

 Take a Musical Trip
Music Of Trinidad and Tobago

     For as long as I can remember, I have always had an interest in Carribean music and have wanted to attend the festivals and carnivals that are connected to the music and culture of Carribean people. From the lively up-tempo music that you cannot help but get up and move to, to the vibrant colors of the costumes and floats, there is just something about it that draws me in. Trinidad and Tobago are absolutely on my list of Carribean places I would love to visit. 


The Different Genres



        Trinidad and Tobago, (a twin island country), is known for a having several different styles of music. The different genres of music include Calypso, Soca or Soul of Calypso, Rapso, Chutney, and Parang to name a few.

Calypso Music

    One of the most popular genres of music from Trinidad and Tobago would definitely have to be Calypso music. With its prominent steel pan sound and 4/4 rhythmic time signature, Calypso music will not only make you feel good, but you'll want to get up and dance too.


A Little History

Beginning as Kaiso, this style of music originated amongst West-African slaves. The lyrics would be clever satire that mocked the slave owners through a play on words. Eventually evolving, Kaiso became Calypso music, with a mixture of African, Spanish, French, and English influences. Carnival was first brought to the islands by the French, and once slavery was abolished in Trinidad and Tobago in 1834, former slaves became carnival stars who would put on Calypso performances in Calypso tents.

Musical Elements of Calypso Music

Instruments

Amongst the steel pans, other instruments used in Calypso music would be saxophones, guitars, trumpets, and trombones.

Melody

Mostly interpretations of Trinidad folk songs, Calypso music is highly melodic, and the singer can set the verse to a stock melody or create a tune of their own.


Here are some examples of old day Calypso music and modern-day Calypso for your enjoyment.

Old Day Calypso
"Proverbs" by Mighty Bomber 
Recorded in Trinidad Tobago in 1967

Modern Day Calypso
"Engine Room" by Olatunji
Recorded in Trinidad Tobago in 2022



Work Cited

“Our Music - Life in Trinidad & Tobago.” Life in Trinidad and Tobago, 26 Sept. 4024, lifeintrinidadandtobago.com/our-music/.

“Calypso Music Guide: A Brief History of Calypso Music - 2024.” MasterClass, 7 Apr. 2021, www.masterclass.com/articles/calypso-music-guide.




Role of the Performer - Chris Brown

 Role of the Performer Chris Brown      Once, when I was 16 years old, sitting in the living room at the family computer, I heard a song on ...