Alex M. Castillo

October 13, 2008

Warays are the aboriginal people inhabiting the islands of Samar & Leyte. These people are musically inclined. They compose songs for every occasion and sing them to the accompaniment of a guitar and a drink of tuba, a local wine made from the sap of young coconut flower buds; shioktong a kind of locally produced gin or any other wine that is available locally or even with imported ones from balikbayan friends or relatives. A fermented tuba is called bahalina, which is made to mature for several months of even a year. According to the Spanish documents about the Warays, they even sing songs during a person's wake.

A Waray or a Filipino for that matter goes through the so-called rites of passage: from birth to death. Every milestone in a person's life is celebrated beginning from his/her birth, baptism, growing up (circumcision for the boys and first menstruation for girls), falling in love, marriage, old age and ultimately death.

Waray songs have varied themes, from the romantic to the revolutionary. You have very well versed about the language to really understand the images and symbols the used in their songs.

Take the following song:

Duyan

Duyan tigaman han akon gugma may bug-at man.
An akon pagtalinguha, paghimo sin duyan
Kay basi ko ig-abyog an akon kapagalan
Si Inday nakipag-lungon
Napugtol an mga bahayan
Diri ko pagbabasulan an akon gugma may bug-at man

The Hammock (Loose Translation)

The hammock is a symbol of my love, it has weight.
I wanted to make a hammock
So I can rest my tired body
My love (Inday), she shared my hammock
And it broke.
But I do not regret it because my love has more weight

The song speaks about a lover who compares the hammock (duyan) to a house. The lover, presumably the man is making a hammock (house) in preparation to settling down with his ladylove. When the woman moves in, the hammock could break like any new family that would experience different tribulations.

The above song is very visual. Imagine yourself enjoying the hammock by your lonesome until your lay love wants to share it with you. Because of your weight together, the hammock's strings may break, but would you mind?

Romantic isn't it?

In the song “Binlad” (the act of drying rice grains in the sun), the author uses the image of the dried grains as an allegory to life: sometimes it is turned upside down. Genius!

In Calbayog, Samar, they have this tradition called “Ismayling” (according to oral history, the Americans noticed that the pair is smiling while singing hence the name) where a man is publicly courting a woman by singing. The woman also responds by singing, which would last for a few hours and usually ends with the woman accepting the man's proposal. They also dance while singing through a common melody. Although this is mainly for entertainment, old folks who participated in Ismayling claimed that they eventually ends up as couple. The romantic pair usually sing flowery words to express their feelings towards each other.

Ismayling is a living tradition and is usually performed during fiesta so if you are traveling to this part of Samar, catch the Ismayling and fall in love altogether.

What power does music truly hold? Does music help create culture or is it a reflection of culture? Is it a voice to a story or a journey, or does it create the journey?

It was a little over a year, I watched a documentary entitled, “Refugee All Stars.” It was about this group of individuals who identified themselves as refugees from Sierra Lionne, who had decided to form a musical group to tell their stories. What struck me was that in the midst of difficult circumstances, music was able to bring people who were currently being oppressed together, and as the music played, despite the conditions, the people sang and danced as if everything was wonderful.

I started to think about music and the power it has. In my own life, I know that when things don't seem to be going right, I find enjoyment by listening to music and attempting to dance in the confines of my solace. Or, I'll listen to some song, and the words seem to captivate my ears as they dance to beats, which seem to in some way to have been written just for me and my condition. Or, there are other times, when I will hear a song, and I will say, yes!, that is exactly what is going on.

Now, I am not going to go as far as some say that music makes people do things, but I do find it interesting that there have been sub-cultures formed around music. Young people who identify themselves as part of hip-hop culture, may incorporate certain elements of the clothing, dance, rap, etc., in their life. While, some young people who identify themselves with rock culture, may adapt a certain look, including piercings, hair coloring, etc. And, for some people, it is almost as if these sub-cultures form a certain community in which they find acceptance from a dominant culture in which they may either reject or feel that they don't fit in. This is not to say that everyone who listens to hip-hop, rock, country, etc., fits a certain look or joins these groups, but to say that certain types of music have a history of being a voice for the oppressed and a vehicle for them to have their voices heard.

For example, there has been much discussion and media attention centered on rap; one of the elements of hip-hop. While some feel that modern rap has sold out to consumerism and capitalism, while still trying to reject it, many older hip-hop lovers remember a day when hip-hop; everything from rap to breaking came out as a voice for an oppressed people. They remember the day when rap music wasn't mass produced, and now fear that it has sold out. Others still feel that the music is telling a story, and still a voice. Whatever, your stance, the reality is that different genres of music and musical expression itself is laden in historical contexts of story telling to rhythms, beats and body exists, and has a history of being an outlet for every emotion from love to anger. Therefore, it is possible that music is not a only a reflection of culture or identity, but also helps form identity. What would life be without music? Well Auerbach got this one right; life would be dull. Music adds vibrancy to life!

Most music is made of one or more instruments, however some music is made by people, such as ancient Tuvan throat singing, or more recently, beat boxing. Rap is a music style that started out in poor cultures who lacked musical instruments, so used their voices in a rhythmic manner. Personally I am not a fan of rap, however I did greatly enjoy Eminem's movie Eight Mile, and particularly the clever lyrics they used in the final rap challenge. But what I am saying is that everyone can make music. Even people who do not have instruments.

What interests me in music is the lyrics. I prefer the profound, meaningful songs. Ones that maybe tell a story, but more often tell you about humanity or something bigger than simply holding hands. I want a song that is musically intelligent and lyrically interesting. It should be no surprise to anyone that I am a U2 fan, and have been for many years. I find the lyrics to be very well thought out, not all the meanings are picked up by every listener, making it not too "in your face" for some, and the music can stand alone. For those who want a message, U2, and other bands like them are ready to deliver. Plus Bono was particularly hot looking when I first saw him, in the "New Years Day" video.

Most people like music similar to what they were exposed to through their teen years. Often as adults we hear a tune and it takes us back to a time in our lives, ushering in memories, good and bad. I admit when I hear a Joni Mitchell song it always makes me nostalgic for a lost youth. You may even find a song makes you sad for no apparent reason, but in retrospect, perhaps when you first heard the song you were going through a sad time in your life.

Many songs are designed to bring out emotion, like in the movies, emotion is what sells. That emotion can be joy, excitement, love, or even sorrow. There are several songs about death, or the loss of a loved one. Many of these songs are based on true stories, and as such they effect us profoundly. An example of this is Eric Clapton's song "Tears in Heaven", or Tom Cochran's song "Big League". People enjoy these songs because they touch a part of us that we seldom talk about except through music, unless somebody has actually died.
Some songs are just fun or silly. They allow us to break out of the box that society puts us in. Some allow us to rebel or show us that we are not alone in our pain. Many adults feel that songs about negativity encourage youth to be negative, I feel differently. I believe some of these songs allow youth to sing about their pain and let it out rather than allow the pain to have a strangle hold on them. When a person does not feel so alone they can over come their hurdles. Telling a suffering person to listen to a song like "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin, is a slap in the face to that person, while it might be perfectly enjoyable for happy people to listen to.

The very best thing about music is we all like it, well pretty much all of us do. We cannot say one person has good musical tastes, or one person has bad musical tastes, when really we all have "Different" musical tastes. It is a good thing we all have different tastes because otherwise there would be nothing. No musical advances, no diversity, nothing but the same of what we already have, and more of the same. So let's celebrate music. Oh yeah. Dancing is good too!!!

Probably the most well recognised and biggest selling song on the American market, OMC or Otara Millionaires Club produced a phenomenal one hit wonder aptly named “How Bizarre” in 1996. Pauly Fuemana went from impoverished struggling South Auckland songster to international star with this catchy tune.

Walkie Talkie Man - Steriogram

These funk/punk/metal guys were famous in New Zealand for a number of years before making it big on the US charts with there hit song “Walkie Talkie Man”. It was landing the advertisement tune for the Apple IPOD which launched them to fame in early 2006.

Don't Dream It's Over - Crowded House

After the break up of Split Enz of which both Tim and Neil Finn formed, Neil broke away and produced a stunning piece of musical mastery in Crowded House's debut album “Don't Dream It's Over”. Consequently the song title of the same name became a huge international hit and is one of the only songs still heard on American mainstream radio today. A Kiwi song of iconic character.

Moonshine - Savage

South Auckland Dawn Raid Music member Savage went from a virtual unknown to internationally recognised rap superstar (even if it was for only a few months). After teaming up with emerging star Akon, the two went on to create a catchy hit that leads you to believe that they are singing about a woman and not the alcoholic beverage of the same name. Not so as you conveniently discover at the songs finale.

I Got You - Split Enz

Although the US market got a taste of a number of singles from the 70's rock/pop band; it was ultimately the song “I Got You” that launched their career off shore. Tim and Neil Finn created a wonderful sound before going their separate ways in the mid 80's, Tim pursuing a successful solo career and Neil forming the hugely successful Crowded House.

P-Money - Keep on Callin

Very quickly after Savages massive hit “Moonshine” alongside Akon, hip-hop producer and mixer P-Money got in on the act and once again teamed up with Akon to create the song “Keep on Callin” which was once again a hit in the States. Although gaining limited radio airtime, the song became popular with Akon fans and P-Money's name was made.

Shadow Feet - Brooke Fraser

Having been extremely popular in New Zealand since her debut album in 2003, Brooke Fraser burst onto the American market in 2008 with her album “Albertine” in which the Norah Jonesish style songstress produced the hit Shadow Feet which has received acclaim world wide.

Burning - Kora

They haven't quite made it in mainstream America yet but you just wait. US iTunes has embraced the EP from Kora in which the reggae/roots/dub style band has three songs definitely worth listening too. Give them a chance and you won't be sorry.

Wandering Eye - Fat Freddy's Drop

Their debut album “Based on a True Story” went gold in New Zealand and the hope is that it will be no different in America. Another dub style band, the genre is quickly becoming the new sound of Aotearoa.

One Day - Opshop

US iTunes has their 2007 album “Second Hand Planet” but they are hardly international yet. The rockers are definitely worth a listen and are highly sought after in New Zealand.

Love Sunshine and Hapiness - Salmonella Dub

Aussie soap opera Home and Away has picked up on these guys since hitting the charts with their debut album “Under The Dub Plates”. Americans won't find this album on iTunes yet but they will get their latest album “Heal Me” and if you're a reggae/dub fan, then you will love this album. Tiki Taane, the lead singer of Sal Dub has recently gone out on his own and produced a fantastic album called “Past, Present, Future”. However you may have to find some others means of getting your hands on this one as US iTunes doesn't have it. Boo.

Pacifier - Shihad

One of the biggest and best rock bands New Zealand has produced, Shihad tried to break onto the American market before now by changing their name to Pacifier amidst the 2001 terror attacks. It was recommended by their record company that they changed it as Shihad sounded and looked to close to jihad. Go figure. They eventually changed it back to the original name and as yet still haven't quite made it.

Stand Up - Scribe

Another P-Money produced rapper, Scribe burst onto the New Zealand charts with his debut album “The Crusader” in early 2003. A host of hits were to follow as was domestic stardom. Rumour has it he is soon to team up with a host of top name American rappers. We will see.

So there you have it. Crank out your IPOD's and start downloading these quality New Zealand artists on US iTunes. Feel free to share any I have missed or new ones that pop up. Happy listening.

Nas, New York State of Mind

Hip-Hop is a memory. The music that operates under its name today speaks to millions but has no sense of origin or responsibility to the preservation of culture and history.

In attempts to resurrect the culture and honor hip-hop"s heritage VH1 produces the annual Hip-Hop Honors while Black Entertainment Television, the network most affiliated with hip-hop, features the programs Beef: The Series and American Gangster.

As a representation of the lives of disenfranchised blacks, hip-hop once spoke accurately on behalf of those who spent their days honing emcee skills and bouncing from house party to party. The afro-centric calls for unity and even the ultra-violent content of gangsta rap rang true in the ears of portions of the disenfranchised population. Today that population is alienated by content centered almost exclusively on consuming extravagant luxuries.

We have become irresponsible consumers; of luxuries and of music. We buy the formulaic, uninspired products that record companies supply instead of demanding quality. We allow rappers too absorbed in their public images and private wealth to dictate trends instead of requiring innovation for our dollars and support. When did we stop controlling our music?

Wasn't hip-hop supposed to be a reflection of its audience? Does hip-hop still know to whom it speaks?

As listeners and more importantly as consumers, we must demand a creative surge in the hip-hop craft in exchange for our money. We cannot mistake trends for innovation any longer if we want the spirit of the culture to thrive. Creativity cannot be emulated and a constant influx of the unique would ensure the prosperity of the music and culture.

Hip-Hop is too stagnant to thrive today and we can only hold ourselves responsible. It can never go back to the way it was and we should not want it to. Originality is the only resuscitator of the music, the narrator of the culture.

So then, perhaps hip-hop has not died just yet, despite Nas' prophetic decree. Maybe there is a bit of creativity left in a few emcees. Perhaps hip-hop still breathes and is only asleep, awaiting an affecting feat of musical genius to stir us, its people out of apathy.

There are several picking patterns that can be use to play guitar. The most recognized employs Down Up. It is during this Down Up that the extra amount of movement must be reduce to gain speed. Switching from the Down to the Up waste time.

The question is: How can you eliminate extra movements?

By developing exercises and making use of a metronome. I am going to share with you several exercises to help you reduce speed. When doing these exercises you first need to play at a slow speed, then increase gradually until reaching a breaking point where your hands wont be able to keep up with speed no more.

Once you reach this point, you need to change the speed of the metronome 20 beats lower, and start the exercise from these point forward increasing 2 beats, slow 1, increase 2, slow 1 and so on, until reaching the breaking point once again. Then repeat the same sequence again and again.

After doing these exercises you will immediately notice improvements. Click here to see one of the lessons that I have posted.