What makes a hula girl? Someone who dances it? A woman dancing their whole life? A Hawaiian girl? Or someone who has a love for the dance? This post I'll discuss the history and vocabulary in relation to hula dancing... as you can tell, I've decided to connect more to the Island detail in "What's Hot in the ISLANDS." This way you readers can get more of a taste of actual local, Hawaiian music.
History:
Ancient hula, as performed before Western encounters with Hawaiʻi, is called Kahiko. Kahiko is accompanied by a chant and traditional instruments. There are many ancient Hawaiian legends that explain how hula was created. One story is that Pele asked Laka to amuse her because Pele was bored. So right away Laka got up and began to move gracefully, acting out silently events they both knew. Pele enjoyed this and was fascinated thus Hula was born.
Another story is when Pele, the goddess of fire was trying to find a home for herself running away from her sister Namakaokaha'i (the goddess of the oceans) when she finally found an island where she couldn't be touched by the waves. There at chain of craters on the island of Hawai'i she danced the first dance of hula signifying that she finally won. King Kalakaua was the first to allow females to dance hula in public; before him, women were supposed to dance in secret with no one watching. King Kalakaua opened a new life to these women and they can now show their dance and talent with the world.
Vocabulary:
Here's your vocabulary lesson for the week on Hawaiian and Hawaiian music history. :)
Kumu= Teacher
Wahine= Woman
Kahiko= Ancient hula
Mele= chant/song
Halau= school where hula is taught (more of a small group than a school)
Kaikua`ana= brother
Kaikuahine= sister
We may not recognize, accept, or aknowledge it. but we're all hula girls at heart.
'Till next week, my hula kaikuahines and kaikua'anas,
musicbytori
musicbytori
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Spirits Have Spoken
Music is a gift. You either have it, or you want to have it, not either you have it or you don't. Everyone has music in them, but only some have the ability to perform/express it in a way most people find intriguing. Johann Sebastian Bach is an example of those few prodigies that very clearly have the gift of music.
Classical music is not my style of expertise, nor is it for many people, but not all of it is so boring you feel like you're in a high school classroom sleeping during a lesson. Bach is a real inspiration to a large number of composers. Bach not only had a connection/gift with music but with God.
Bach was so incredibly close to God, and faithful, he has underlying messages in his music. He would position his notes in his compositions to form a cross to show not only his listeners that are unaware of this but God of his faith. In a more literal term, every lyric in Bach's choral pieces translated from Latin into passages from the Holy Bible or worship lines for God.
Bach, as many current artists, had a close connection to a "spirit" telling them to share their talents with the Earth in their honor. Bach had a deeper connection with the Catholic God and showed that in little, subconscious ways. Similarly, a high percentage of artists we all listen to today believe something has lead them in the direction to perform and compose music for the entertainment of others.
Music is something to be taken seriously. "Artists" such as BrokeNCYDE are the type most reviewers call a disgrace to the gift few people possess. Either you have the deep, spiritual connection to music or you want it.
Classical music is not my style of expertise, nor is it for many people, but not all of it is so boring you feel like you're in a high school classroom sleeping during a lesson. Bach is a real inspiration to a large number of composers. Bach not only had a connection/gift with music but with God.
Bach was so incredibly close to God, and faithful, he has underlying messages in his music. He would position his notes in his compositions to form a cross to show not only his listeners that are unaware of this but God of his faith. In a more literal term, every lyric in Bach's choral pieces translated from Latin into passages from the Holy Bible or worship lines for God.
Bach, as many current artists, had a close connection to a "spirit" telling them to share their talents with the Earth in their honor. Bach had a deeper connection with the Catholic God and showed that in little, subconscious ways. Similarly, a high percentage of artists we all listen to today believe something has lead them in the direction to perform and compose music for the entertainment of others.
Music is something to be taken seriously. "Artists" such as BrokeNCYDE are the type most reviewers call a disgrace to the gift few people possess. Either you have the deep, spiritual connection to music or you want it.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Kings of Leon
Since EVERYONE's favorite TV series, American Idol, is over this year, there's not much else going on in a teen's life as far as music. It's quite a shame but now we're stuck to iPods, iTunes, and magazines to find outlets. I was in Borders a while back and flipped through some music magazines. The most fascinating story I could find was about the far-from-Christian, home-town band, Kings of Leon. (the whole religion thing will make sense later). So, without further adue, I shall pass on a few incredible, basically useless facts of Kings of Leon's albums, start-up, hit songs, and more.
ALBUMS
Kings of Leon has many unique aspirations and achievements. One of which is through naming their albums. They've insisted from the 'get-go' that they're albums should all have 5 syllables. For who knows what reason, they've stuck to this rule. Their first albums, Youth and Young Manhood and Aha Shake Heartbreak (2003-2005) both have 5 syllables. Other examples are present in their more recent albums, Because of the Times (2006-2007) and Only by the Night (2008-2009). It's a strange request but by golly, they've got it.
START-UP
This is what really fascinated me in the music magazine article-their discovery. The Followill brothers spent much of their time on the road with their father, Ivan "Leon" Followill, a Priest, and mother who taught them when they didn't attend school. They were all told to bang on some drums during their father's sermons at Churches. When the boys' father resigned from the church and divorced his wife in 1997, they embraced the rock music and lifestyle they were denied from as children. Back in Nashville, after moving around a while, they met songwriter Angelo Petraglia, who helped introduce them to numerous rock musical influences such as The Rolling Stones, and The Clash. Nathan and Caleb, starters of the band, signed with RCA Records, who insisted they recruit more members. The band was formed when cousin Matthew and younger brother Jared were asked to join. They named themselves Kings of Leon in honor of Nathan, Caleb, and Jared's father (Matthew's uncle) and grandfather, who were both named Leon.
HIT SONGS:
"This sex is on fire...", meaningful song lyric from one of their main hits 'Sex on Fire', don't you think? Of course I was joking if you look at it in plain sight but underneath the deceiving, obviously rock, lyrics, there is incredible insight. Sex on Fire refers to having herpes. Obviously, sex IS on fire with herpes. When this single came out, the press swormed over the band asking reasons why they would put such a deep topic into their normally just fun-to-listen-to albums. Given the time and medical issues at that time, they felt it was necessary. It's a catchy tune either way, and it's nice to know even big-time, hot-shot music stars have a connection to reality.
Ever since they started touring cross-country, Kings of Leon have enjoyed the U.K. They are currently touring Live at the O2 in London, England and loving every minute of their continuing fame. Although they haven't quite kept up with their father's Christianity, being that they are ROCK stars and drinking most of the time, they stayed true to their roots. Kings of Leon is one of those few bands that you can listen to ANY of their songs and rock out.
I'm on summer vacation now, so I've lost track of the days of the week. Instead of posting this on a Sunday, i've posted it today, Monday. How different are they really? Well, until this Sunday, check out Kings of Leon on iTunes and myspace.
musicbytori
ALBUMS
Kings of Leon has many unique aspirations and achievements. One of which is through naming their albums. They've insisted from the 'get-go' that they're albums should all have 5 syllables. For who knows what reason, they've stuck to this rule. Their first albums, Youth and Young Manhood and Aha Shake Heartbreak (2003-2005) both have 5 syllables. Other examples are present in their more recent albums, Because of the Times (2006-2007) and Only by the Night (2008-2009). It's a strange request but by golly, they've got it.
START-UP
This is what really fascinated me in the music magazine article-their discovery. The Followill brothers spent much of their time on the road with their father, Ivan "Leon" Followill, a Priest, and mother who taught them when they didn't attend school. They were all told to bang on some drums during their father's sermons at Churches. When the boys' father resigned from the church and divorced his wife in 1997, they embraced the rock music and lifestyle they were denied from as children. Back in Nashville, after moving around a while, they met songwriter Angelo Petraglia, who helped introduce them to numerous rock musical influences such as The Rolling Stones, and The Clash. Nathan and Caleb, starters of the band, signed with RCA Records, who insisted they recruit more members. The band was formed when cousin Matthew and younger brother Jared were asked to join. They named themselves Kings of Leon in honor of Nathan, Caleb, and Jared's father (Matthew's uncle) and grandfather, who were both named Leon.
HIT SONGS:
"This sex is on fire...", meaningful song lyric from one of their main hits 'Sex on Fire', don't you think? Of course I was joking if you look at it in plain sight but underneath the deceiving, obviously rock, lyrics, there is incredible insight. Sex on Fire refers to having herpes. Obviously, sex IS on fire with herpes. When this single came out, the press swormed over the band asking reasons why they would put such a deep topic into their normally just fun-to-listen-to albums. Given the time and medical issues at that time, they felt it was necessary. It's a catchy tune either way, and it's nice to know even big-time, hot-shot music stars have a connection to reality.
Ever since they started touring cross-country, Kings of Leon have enjoyed the U.K. They are currently touring Live at the O2 in London, England and loving every minute of their continuing fame. Although they haven't quite kept up with their father's Christianity, being that they are ROCK stars and drinking most of the time, they stayed true to their roots. Kings of Leon is one of those few bands that you can listen to ANY of their songs and rock out.
I'm on summer vacation now, so I've lost track of the days of the week. Instead of posting this on a Sunday, i've posted it today, Monday. How different are they really? Well, until this Sunday, check out Kings of Leon on iTunes and myspace.
musicbytori
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Beginning, Middle, End
It's over. American Idol season 9 has ended. America has chosen yet another idol, Lee DeWyze. Not only does Lee have a debut album expected to release on October 26th 2010, but he has already produced his single "Beautiful Day" with the American Idol record company and his own albums "Slumberland" and "So I'm Told." All are examples of his incredible talent and only prove his future in music is bright.
There have been numerous rumors going around about Lee and Crystal dating, but, sadly, none of them are true. As much as it pains us fans to realize it, the "perfect couple" is still in our imaginations. It's a shame, however, because Crystal is the only girl I, and many others, would be okay with dating Lee. Crystal has confirmed, 2 days ago, that she is single and thinks of Lee as her brother. "He's a small town guy and I don't blame him for anything."-Crystal, talking about her ex-boyfriend, while being the special guest on Ellen along with Lee.
What's really fascinating is it's not completely over. It sounds crazy to most of you readers, but there is a virtual American Idol show that has not ended. The finale is yet to come between Crystal and Shioban. Crystal's quite popular, isn't she?
The idol contestants are chosen on this "virtual" show by the audience, computer owners, who also choose each contestant's songs every week. Apparently it's quite common that the virtual show, with the same, real, contestants, contains better song choices than Fox's production. It's a stretch but it sounds like it could get very popular with more publicity. I'll have to do more research and get back to you, but there's your piece of useless information for the day.
Despite the major drop in viewers, American Idol was great this year. Season 10 is expected to have a staged rivalry between contestants to get some viewers back since, this year, everyone was TOO nice and no one really cared who won since "they all deserved it." Contestants say that every season but in the end, they all want their name called as America's next idol. That wasn't portrayed this year so let's hope next season has some changes. They'll need it with Simon gone.
We, the viewers, are the real judges so let's choose our next idol. Tune back in to Fox in January for Season 10 and back to teenislandhits.blogspot.com for next week's music review.
Love you all,
musicbytori
There have been numerous rumors going around about Lee and Crystal dating, but, sadly, none of them are true. As much as it pains us fans to realize it, the "perfect couple" is still in our imaginations. It's a shame, however, because Crystal is the only girl I, and many others, would be okay with dating Lee. Crystal has confirmed, 2 days ago, that she is single and thinks of Lee as her brother. "He's a small town guy and I don't blame him for anything."-Crystal, talking about her ex-boyfriend, while being the special guest on Ellen along with Lee.
What's really fascinating is it's not completely over. It sounds crazy to most of you readers, but there is a virtual American Idol show that has not ended. The finale is yet to come between Crystal and Shioban. Crystal's quite popular, isn't she?
The idol contestants are chosen on this "virtual" show by the audience, computer owners, who also choose each contestant's songs every week. Apparently it's quite common that the virtual show, with the same, real, contestants, contains better song choices than Fox's production. It's a stretch but it sounds like it could get very popular with more publicity. I'll have to do more research and get back to you, but there's your piece of useless information for the day.
Despite the major drop in viewers, American Idol was great this year. Season 10 is expected to have a staged rivalry between contestants to get some viewers back since, this year, everyone was TOO nice and no one really cared who won since "they all deserved it." Contestants say that every season but in the end, they all want their name called as America's next idol. That wasn't portrayed this year so let's hope next season has some changes. They'll need it with Simon gone.
We, the viewers, are the real judges so let's choose our next idol. Tune back in to Fox in January for Season 10 and back to teenislandhits.blogspot.com for next week's music review.
Love you all,
musicbytori
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Days of the Music (Living in the Spotlight)
Monday, May 17, 2010- Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Show choir? No. Professional choir? Yes.
I've been in my High School Choir for 4 years now. It's been the most fun, greatest experience in school...the class I actually look forward to attending. However, it hasn't been nearly as professional as this year. For our spring pieces, we spent two full, long days advertising and publicizing our concert evening of the 18th.
Monday, May 17, 2010:
What time do/did you get up on a school day? 7 or 8? Well, on the 17th, I got up at 4:30am in order to be at school at 5:30am just for a "short" news debut to advertise for our concert the following day. It was incredibly hectic. We performed three of our songs, instead of four, because the NEWS INTERVIEWER was late. The rest of the TV crew was set and ready to go, but the interviewer/broadcaster was late! We were all a bit annoyed but put our smiling faces on for the camera. Sadly, we were told not to wave and say "hi mom."
Tuesday, May 18, 2010:
This is the day. The day we've been practicing for! No turning back now. Yet another event was planned before our concert, day of, to get more of an audience. From around 10: 15am-1:40pm choir went to the Hale Koa hotel to sing for over 800 veterans. It was quite the show, too. Since we were the "featured entertainment," we were served a 3 course meal that was incredibly delicious. We lead the Star Spangled Banner and Hawaii's State song, and performed our special song originally for our concert, Voices That Care. Since David Foster, Linda Thompson-Jenner, and Peter Cetera, writers of Voices That Care, intentionally picked a story about soldiers going to war, our performance spoke very dearly to multiple veterans.
Concert Time! The evening has come and the curtains are opening. It's show time. Everyone's in their pretty red dresses and pearl necklaces, and set for stardom (it's an all girls choir, explaining the dresses). We walk up to the stage and start off our concert with the classic, Star Spangled Banner. Following that, we have a short section of the younger, middle school choir, singing their songs before the suspenseful, tear-causing half. We close the concert with two songs featuring both choirs, middle and high school, Vois Sur Ton Chemin and Voices That Care. These pieces really set the night apart from any other school choir concert.
I can truly say a lot of hard work went into those two days just to give us a couple hours in the spotlight. It was all worth it in the end and I'm greatful I got to be a tiny slice in the cake we spent months slaving over a hot oven for. I can't wait till junior year when I hopefully return to get my next 15 minutes of fame.
'Till next week,
musicbytori
Show choir? No. Professional choir? Yes.
I've been in my High School Choir for 4 years now. It's been the most fun, greatest experience in school...the class I actually look forward to attending. However, it hasn't been nearly as professional as this year. For our spring pieces, we spent two full, long days advertising and publicizing our concert evening of the 18th.
Monday, May 17, 2010:
What time do/did you get up on a school day? 7 or 8? Well, on the 17th, I got up at 4:30am in order to be at school at 5:30am just for a "short" news debut to advertise for our concert the following day. It was incredibly hectic. We performed three of our songs, instead of four, because the NEWS INTERVIEWER was late. The rest of the TV crew was set and ready to go, but the interviewer/broadcaster was late! We were all a bit annoyed but put our smiling faces on for the camera. Sadly, we were told not to wave and say "hi mom."
Tuesday, May 18, 2010:
This is the day. The day we've been practicing for! No turning back now. Yet another event was planned before our concert, day of, to get more of an audience. From around 10: 15am-1:40pm choir went to the Hale Koa hotel to sing for over 800 veterans. It was quite the show, too. Since we were the "featured entertainment," we were served a 3 course meal that was incredibly delicious. We lead the Star Spangled Banner and Hawaii's State song, and performed our special song originally for our concert, Voices That Care. Since David Foster, Linda Thompson-Jenner, and Peter Cetera, writers of Voices That Care, intentionally picked a story about soldiers going to war, our performance spoke very dearly to multiple veterans.
Concert Time! The evening has come and the curtains are opening. It's show time. Everyone's in their pretty red dresses and pearl necklaces, and set for stardom (it's an all girls choir, explaining the dresses). We walk up to the stage and start off our concert with the classic, Star Spangled Banner. Following that, we have a short section of the younger, middle school choir, singing their songs before the suspenseful, tear-causing half. We close the concert with two songs featuring both choirs, middle and high school, Vois Sur Ton Chemin and Voices That Care. These pieces really set the night apart from any other school choir concert.
I can truly say a lot of hard work went into those two days just to give us a couple hours in the spotlight. It was all worth it in the end and I'm greatful I got to be a tiny slice in the cake we spent months slaving over a hot oven for. I can't wait till junior year when I hopefully return to get my next 15 minutes of fame.
'Till next week,
musicbytori
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Born A Star
Not only did this week's contestants on American Idol get to feel like a music star, but a movie star. The 'songs from the movies' theme consisted of only 20 or so songs that the contestants had to choose from, not MILLIONS as Simon says, but the contestants dealt with what they had. This week was special on American Idol in that the contestants not only performed solo songs but duets as well.
Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox sung "Falling Slowly" from the film Once. Once is one of those few movies that shapes you as a person and sticks with you for the rest of your life, even in a subconscious form. "It's a love story that never happens"-Crystal fully suiting the plot. "Love stories" never end like this one... like they should, realistically. Once reshapes your way of viewing life; seeing it through a passion for love and music.
With choosing this song, Lee and Crystal have just about guaranteed themselves as the "finale couple" by showing great connection throughout the performance and harmonizing like they're voices were made to suit the other's. Casey James is great when he's acoustic but can't possibly be talented enough to compete with Lee and Crystal no matter how much he flirts with Kara, or how much she blushes as mrs. robinson.
For Lee Dewyze's solo performance, he sung Kiss From a Rose playing his home-port instrument, the guitar. I love seeing him with his guitar, giving him look more of a singer/songwriter vibe and more of a "real" feeling in his songs.
Michael Lynch, before saying his goodbyes, sung a duet with Casey that was also inspirational, but not at the same level as the "power couple." However, Mike was much more connected and "giving" than Casey...probably because he's just bigger and has more room for sound and soul. On the other hand, Casey is doing the best with what he's got, hair and country-loving voice, to stay in the competition.
It's all up to you, America, to choose the final two. The end is nearing with more suspense than ever. Who. Will. You. Choose?
musicbytori
Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox sung "Falling Slowly" from the film Once. Once is one of those few movies that shapes you as a person and sticks with you for the rest of your life, even in a subconscious form. "It's a love story that never happens"-Crystal fully suiting the plot. "Love stories" never end like this one... like they should, realistically. Once reshapes your way of viewing life; seeing it through a passion for love and music.
With choosing this song, Lee and Crystal have just about guaranteed themselves as the "finale couple" by showing great connection throughout the performance and harmonizing like they're voices were made to suit the other's. Casey James is great when he's acoustic but can't possibly be talented enough to compete with Lee and Crystal no matter how much he flirts with Kara, or how much she blushes as mrs. robinson.
For Lee Dewyze's solo performance, he sung Kiss From a Rose playing his home-port instrument, the guitar. I love seeing him with his guitar, giving him look more of a singer/songwriter vibe and more of a "real" feeling in his songs.
Michael Lynch, before saying his goodbyes, sung a duet with Casey that was also inspirational, but not at the same level as the "power couple." However, Mike was much more connected and "giving" than Casey...probably because he's just bigger and has more room for sound and soul. On the other hand, Casey is doing the best with what he's got, hair and country-loving voice, to stay in the competition.
It's all up to you, America, to choose the final two. The end is nearing with more suspense than ever. Who. Will. You. Choose?
musicbytori
Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Ruler of Swag & The King of Cool
Being the American Idol fanatic I am, I'll base this week's post on Frank Sinatra (the author of the songbook the contestants on A.I. had to choose from this week). Sinatra is the ruler of swag and is mainly known for his trade mark: 'crooner' music.
Frank Sinatra started out growing up on the streets of Hoboken, New Jersey as a singer in musty little dives (he carried his own P.A. system). He got his first major break in 1935. In 1942, Sinatra instantly found fame as the king of the bobbysoxers, the young women who were his fans. Making appearances on Anchors Aweigh, Magnum P.I., and MUCH more, he quickly became the most popular singer of the era among teenagers.
Sinatra's first album released in 1949, The Voice of Frank Sinatra, and included "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and "On the Town," two very popular songs kids still know today. Sinatra is a multi-oscar winner, major movie-man, artist, singer, dancer, and inspiration. Although Sinatra past in 1998, he is still treasured and remembered as the 'king of cool.'
This week on American Idol, Harry Conick Jr. was the featured mentor. Being best friends with Ellen, he continually played along as she cracked jokes about him. Ellen's always a spirit-lifter on the judging pannel. It's a nice break from Simon and Kara who can't make up her mind...Randy's okay, I suppose. Although, "pitchy", as Harry put it, is getting a little old and is not the correct way to judge a performance.
Frank Sinatra is a genius in music history and will be remembered forever. People today, such as Michael Bublé, still try to copy his swagger but will never live up to the reputation the "king of cool" has obtained.
In loving memory of Sinatra's truly inspiring life,
musicbytori
Frank Sinatra started out growing up on the streets of Hoboken, New Jersey as a singer in musty little dives (he carried his own P.A. system). He got his first major break in 1935. In 1942, Sinatra instantly found fame as the king of the bobbysoxers, the young women who were his fans. Making appearances on Anchors Aweigh, Magnum P.I., and MUCH more, he quickly became the most popular singer of the era among teenagers.
Sinatra's first album released in 1949, The Voice of Frank Sinatra, and included "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and "On the Town," two very popular songs kids still know today. Sinatra is a multi-oscar winner, major movie-man, artist, singer, dancer, and inspiration. Although Sinatra past in 1998, he is still treasured and remembered as the 'king of cool.'
This week on American Idol, Harry Conick Jr. was the featured mentor. Being best friends with Ellen, he continually played along as she cracked jokes about him. Ellen's always a spirit-lifter on the judging pannel. It's a nice break from Simon and Kara who can't make up her mind...Randy's okay, I suppose. Although, "pitchy", as Harry put it, is getting a little old and is not the correct way to judge a performance.
Frank Sinatra is a genius in music history and will be remembered forever. People today, such as Michael Bublé, still try to copy his swagger but will never live up to the reputation the "king of cool" has obtained.
In loving memory of Sinatra's truly inspiring life,
musicbytori
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