Music & the Fictive Dream

 Remember Me

(spoilers, but if you haven't seen it by now I am shocked)

The song Remember Me is sung in the 2017 Disney Pixar movie Coco. It was directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, based on Unkrich's original idea. The story follows Miguel, a young boy who is passionate about music and wished to become a musician in a family that despises them. Miguel steals a local famous musician's guitar, Ernesto De La Cruz, to play in a town talent show to prove he can play. All of this takes place on the Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead where he then crosses over to the land of the dead. He runs into his late relatives who help him get back to the land of the living at first without their blessing on him being a musician but over time gives it. He is convinced De La Cruz is his late great great grandfather but turns out a friend that assists him in the land of the dead is actual his real great great grandfather. Miguel needs to return to the land of the living not only to avoid being stuck in the land of the dead but to also help his real great great grandfather Hector, be remember by his great grandmother Coco who is elderly and forgetting him. To help her remember he sings the song Remember Me, which her father always sang to her as a small child. 

The song Remember Me is song by multiple people at multiple times in the movie. At first it is one of De La Cruz's famous hits that Miguel knows by heart. Once Miguel learns that De La Cruz stole the song from Hector, he learns Hector sang it to his great grandmother Coco as a child. At the end Miguel returns to the land of the living and plays it for Coco so she can remember her father. This song is the last connection that Hector has with his daughter Coco. He was never able to return to her after his untimely death so long ago and this was the last fond memory he had of her. After meeting Hector and figuring out what happened so long ago, Miguel must play his guitar for Coco against the families wishes who thought Hector had just left the family and not actually been killed by none other than De La Cruz, his bandmate. 

The song Remember Me was written by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. Performed by multiple artists within the movie itself, Benjamin Bratt, Gael Garcia Bernal, Anthony Gonzalez, and Ana Ofelia Murguia. Received the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Per Hooktheory, "In terms of chords and melody, Remember Me - Coco (PT-BR Credits Version) is significantly more complex than the typical song, having above average scored in Chord Complexity, Melodic Complexity, Chord-Melody Tension, Chord Progression Novelty and Chord-Bass Melody." This song was written in the key E major with pitches ranging from D, C, E and G. 

This movie is a favorite of my husband and I. Every time we watch it, we always walk away with Remember Me stuck in our heads, singing it the rest of the day. It reminds of us relatives we have lost and need to remember that might be out of our lives but not our hearts. This is also the resounding take away from a lot of listeners. Doing my research uncovered not only all of the awards this song has won but many interpret the song as remembrance to all those who we have lost throughout the years. To make sure we continue to talk about them and tell stories to keep them in our hearts and minds. Trending stated "remembering those who have paved the way and sacrificed for us is something that we shouldn't overlook."

Sources

Brammer, John Paul. “Pixar’s ‘coco,’ and Looking to Our Ancestors in Times of Struggle.” Them, Them., 19 Oct. 2018, www.them.us/story/pixar-coco-ancestors-death. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.

“Remember Me - Coco (Pt-BR Credits Version) by Disney Chords and Melody.” Hooktheory, www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/disney/remember-me---coco-%28pt-br-credits-version%29#:~:text=In%20terms%20of%20chords%20and,Novelty%20and%20Chord%2DBass%20Melody. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.

Shimazu, Harrison. “Lessons from Pixar’s Coco: Adding Flavor to Your Chord Progressions - Blog.” Splice, 12 Sept. 2023, splice.com/blog/adding-flavor-to-chord-progressions/. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.

“Anthony Gonzalez, Ana Ofelia Murguía - Remember Me (Reunion) (from ‘Coco’/Sing-Along).” YouTube, 25 June 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0azOIk0Kvg. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.

“Coco (2017 Film).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Apr. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coco_(2017_film). Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.

“The Dual Meaning of Coco’s ‘Remember Me.’” Trendeing, 2 May 2019, www.trendeing.com/watch-read-listen/cocos-remember-me/. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.

“Remember Me (Coco Song).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Mar. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remember_Me_(Coco_song). Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.

Role of the Performer - VSQ

 VSQ

Vitamin String Quartet or VSQ are internationally known for their contemporary string quartet covers of many popular hit songs. Ever since the start of their project in 1999 in Los Angeles, they have continued to come out with their classical version of many top billboard chart songs. They have been featured on many TV shows and movies such as Bridgerton and The King of Staten Island. They have released over time 300 songs, and 50 albums. As their website states in their description, "...VSQ approaches their renditions with respect and care, breathing new life into music they already love." In 2021 their album VSQ Performs Lana Del Rey was nominated for Best Classical Record for the Libera Awards. "From Cardi B to Bjork, Studio Ghibli to goth metal..."  What started as a few cover songs on YouTube and their website has grabbed the attention of many listeners across the world. Many now even look to them for cover song to play at their wedding. 

The way VSQ plays their renditions with such drama and attitude, it is a true delight to listen to. Many songs on the radio that are considered pop don't always have the same praise universally but when these versions are released many people like them better than the original. Especially when they are put to moments like in the movies and TV shows, they are able to communicate levels of emotions that maybe are needed but traditional music wouldn't be able to convey. A great example below is the commercial to the movie A Promising Young Woman.  The song is Toxic by Britney Spears. Although the original version of this song is widely known and loved, VSQ's renditions communicates this femme fatale character. 

The melody changes when the instruments do and turns it to a whole different feel to the song. Also by using the string quartet instruments they are able to convert the vocals into notes hitting levels both high and low that the singer might not have been able to. Speeding up or slowing down the tempo accompanies the instruments and performers as well. I am so glad VSQ has continued throughout the years making these fun renditions of pop or rock songs into very dramatic classical hits. I hope they continue to get the praise they deserve. 

Sources

“Billie Eilish - Bad Guy (Vitamin String Quartet Ver.).” YouTube, 9 Sept. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=20RD_Cmsvq4. Accessed 03 Apr. 2024.

“Classical Convergence Series: Vitamin String Quartet.” Music, 5 Sept. 2023, music.colostate.edu/events/classical-convergence-series-vitamin-string-quartet/. Accessed 03 Apr. 2024.

“Heathens.” YouTube, 25 Aug. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8teEP1yqpU&list=PLTThlpA3SWS8cSpHlAiuVt1m921oy_cHm&index=80. Accessed 03 Apr. 2024.

“Vitamin String Quartet.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Mar. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_String_Quartet. Accessed 03 Apr. 2024.

“VSQ Digital Sheet Music + Albums.” Vitamin String Quartet, www.vitaminstringquartet.com/. Accessed 03 Apr. 2024.

YouTube, www.youtube.com/results?search_query=toxic%2Bbritney%2Bspears. Accessed 03 Apr. 2024.

Take a Musical Trip to Japan

  Taiko Drum

Originally started in Japan, taiko actual means "drum." "Centuries ago, taiko was used predominantly in the military arena. As it evolved, Japanese Buddhist and Shinto religions gradually began to take it on as a sacred instrument." Taiko drumming can be done with a single drum or a group of them. They are played altogether and alone to create a wonderful melody. From start to finish the work can change it's timbre to reflect different intensities.  When playing this instrument the artist is not only performing a technical music rhythm but also forming a connection to the drum itself. Performers will incorporate elements of "attitude, form, technique and energy." To better express the art of taiko it would show an expression of the artist itself. There are different types of drums that vary in size, shape and sound. In the video below the one center drum is being played on both side by two different performers using different beats. Vocals can accompany the drums in addition to other metal and wooden instruments. The sticks that are being used are very different from popular drum set sticks we know. These are all the same width all the way down and not only being used to hit the drum a the top of the stick but also the bottom to make a different sound. 

The sounds in this video Rites of Thundering by Kenny Endo are just amazing. The way the background repetition on its own its consistent and mundane but when paired with the main taiko drums it comes together forming such a intricate rhythm. I find the taiko drums to be so versatile in melody. From their history of starting as a military arena instrument to then being almost the exact opposite. Used in religions where peace is preached. The sense of community and honor when playing them is quite striking. Passing down this art form is really amazing. As I learned about these drums, the bit of information that peaked my interest is how much dance is actually incorporated as well. "Drummers follow choreographed routines and use their entire bodies." See below in the Fertility of the Sea.  

Sources

“History of Taiko.” Stanford Taiko, taiko.stanford.edu/history/. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.

Show, The Travel. “Japan’s Ancient Art of Taiko Drumming.” BBC News, BBC, 21 Oct. 2023, www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231020-japans-ancient-art-of-taiko-drumming. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.

“Taiko Japanese Drum Music.” CulturallyOurs, 18 Jan. 2020, culturallyours.com/podcast/taiko-japanese-drum-music/. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.

“Taiko.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 6 Mar. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiko. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.

“‘taiko’ Drums.” Nippon.Com, 1 July 2023, www.nippon.com/en/features/jg00095/. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.

Innovations and Evolutions of the Music Video

 Many people believe the song Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggies was the first ever music video. It was the first that ever premiered on MTV but it was not the first. 

As far back as 1894 there was the use of a lantern to project images on a screen the accompanied a live performance. "This would become a popular form of entertainment known as the illustrated song, the first step toward music video." As time moved on, technology developed and movies began to take off. Picture shows my have told a story but soon there were "talkies" musical short films. Walt Disney among others had shorts built around music such as Fantasia. "Blues singer Bessie Smith appeared in a two-reel short film called St. Louis Blues featuring a dramatized performance of the hit song." From there we developed "soundies" these were film for jukeboxes that included instructions on how mat the dance that accompanied the song. From there more and more movies also had musical elements and focus. Each time a video was made to match a song the style changed. In the early 80s just like the video listed above, the main part of the video was the band or artist performing. Some features described the movie but the main focus was essentially filming the band play. As MatheusSiqueria states "Michael Jackson and John Landis bring back the idea of blending films with music video."

"Directors like David Fincher focus on directing feature films while a whole new breed of young and talented directors take the scene to express their unique vision." Music videos might have started to show the band performing their music but overtime became an expression in itself. Some songs have lyrics that aren't always clear and having a medium to show exactly what you are trying to convey helps the audience connect deeper with the work as well as the artists. I feel that music videos have always been almost a film in itself. How many times have you heard a song and remembered exactly what movie that it's from? Those songs were picked for these perfect moments in these movies. Music videos help convey messages that words cannot. On the other side it also sometimes has no connection to the song itself. The artist is just trying to be fun and be themselves. I can't think of no better example then Sabotage by Beastie Boys. 

Personally I am glad we changed from the standard style of only seeing the artist perform. The videos that accompany some of my favorite songs either explain the song better or have nothing to do with the song itself. There are even some songs that I don't enjoy as much but the video is fantastic. Moving forward I hope there is more expression in these music videos and even create a connected theme from the album. Recently the artist Lil Dicky dropped his new album on Youtube for Penith. This album was released on Youtube a few months ago and multiple songs have videos that pick up where the other left off, creating a central theme.  

Sources

Matheus Siqueira. “A Brief History of Music Video - from Early 1900s to Today.” Matheus Siqueira, 7 Sept. 2018, matheussiqueira.com/a-brief-history-of-music-video/.

“The Music Video, before Music Television.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/news/the-music-video-before-music-television. Accessed 1 Mar. 2024.

“Music Video.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_video.

Every Planet We Reach Is Dead - Musical Analysis #2

 Every Planet We Reach Is Dead was written by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett apart of the virtual band Gorillaz. Released on May 23, 2005 in the United Kingdom, which is where the band is from. This song is a part of their "Demon Days" album. Although the better known song from this album is Feel Good Inc., I find this song to be deeper and more interesting to listen to. I listened to Gorillaz a lot when I was younger and just recently rediscovered my love for them and this album specifically. Recently I was fortunate enough to use this song in a dance studio I am apart of. Even though there is a strong melancholy feel to the song, when listening to it I feel that there is this feeling of hope. That as long as we continue to acknowledge the issues, they stay relevant in the discussion. A good reminder to get outside, live your life, but be respectful to the earth. 

Lyrics
    Throughout the song Albarn is talking about a woman who he has felt lost to lately. The woman is earth, Mother Nature to be exact. As LastFM states "The sight of Mother Nature, though still beautiful, is now eclipsed by civilization." Albarn sings "I love the girl, but God only knows it's Getting hard to see the sun coming through." As a society we take for granted the beauty around us in its natural form. There are multiple songs on this album that agree the world and how humans have started its destruction. Leaving us and the singer asking towards the end of the song in the bridge "but what are we going to do?" 

Vocals
    Damon Albarn is lead vocals for this song. Although he sounds like he is staying pretty consistent the vocal range is from B2 to E4 in the original key E Minor. His voice in some parts almost seemed stacked. You can hear him clearly as the main but also him almost echoed on doubled up singing the same words. There is also a slight background humming during different portions that give this older nostalgic feel. The London community Gospel Choir are the ones who "soulfully sing backing vocals underneath him, as is Damon is a preacher in a post-apocalyptic chapel in an hour of need."

Tempo
    The overall tempo of the 4 minute 55 second song is 88 BPM. Per SongBPM "The track runs ... with a E key and a minor mode. It has average energy and is somewhat danceable with a time signature of 4 beats per bar." I definitely do a slow, soulful dance when listening to this song. 

Chords
    This song is considered an easier or even beginner song to play. The song uses Em, Am, Bm, and C chords throughout. Originally played in the E minor key. The chords in this song match the lyrics in my opinion, strong but simple. 

Instruments
    Throughout the song there are many instruments being used from keyboard, bass guitar all the way to violas and a violin. One of the more interesting background instruments is the piano. In the this song Ike Turner is actually the one on piano accompanying Albarn's lyrics. Turner was once a pioneer of the rock 'n' roll genre but with charges of domestic violence this is actually one of his last performances. 
    

Sources

“BPM and Key for Every Planet We Reach Is Dead by Gorillaz: Tempo for Every Planet We Reach Is Dead.” SongBPM, songbpm.com/gorillaz/every-planet-we-reach-is-dead. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.

“Demon Days.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demon_Days.

“Every Planet We Reach Is Dead Chords by Gorillaz.” Songsterr Tabs with Rhythm, www.songsterr.com/a/wsa/gorillaz-every-planet-we-reach-is-dead-chords-s7954. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.

“Learn to Sing in Tune with Pitch Training from Singing Carrots.” Gorillaz - Every Planet We Reach Is Dead: Vocal Range & Original Key | Singing Carrots, singingcarrots.com/song?song=gorillaz-every-planet-we-reach-is-dead. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.

SS, Jack. “Every Planet We Reach Is Dead.” Gorillaz, gorillazsongbysong.blogspot.com/2017/07/every-planet-we-reach-is-dead.html. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.

“Wiki - Every Planet We Reach Is Dead - Gorillaz.” Last.Fm, www.last.fm/music/Gorillaz/_/Every+Planet+We+Reach+Is+Dead/+wiki. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.

Me and Your Mama - Musical Analysis #1

First of all, don't let the length of the song deter you. You will have it on repeat after. 

 Me and Your Mama is sung by Childish Gambino, which is the stage name of Donald Glover. Written by Donald Glover, Ludwig Göransson, Zac Rae and Bernie Gundman in the United States.  It was released on his album "Awaken, My Love!" in November of 2016 worldwide. This song falls under the genre of psychedelic soul. 

When listening to this song you cannot help but move your body and throw your arms up in the air. The passion in the Glover's voice and lyrics is powerfully matched with the instruments. I have always been a fan of Donald Glover, as a performer, actor, and writer. Each of his albums are different from one another but all are a delight to listen to. I encourage you to listen to many of his other works as well. This song makes me remember how strong the emotion of love is for another person. I think of my husband and I, how long we have been together and just like in the songs lyrics, through challenges and struggles. At the end of the day there is no one else I would rather be with. I also hear this song and vision a beautiful play that could go with it, although there is not even a music video. As of yesterday February 7th, Glover married his long time partner and commented to People Magazine "I don't think life is real unless some things are just for you." I feel that is the bitter-sweet part of not having a video to accompany this song but also makes me love how grand of a gesture this was for his now wife 8 years later, and you can really hear it in this piece of work. 

Lyrics
    During the intro the singers are repeating "I'm in love when we are smokin' that la-la-la-la-la." This is repeated before Childish Gambino comes on. In the beginning you hear it very smooth, easily know what they are talking about. Maybe it's just another party song but it has a different feel to it. Once Gambino starts with "Do what you want" and there is ominous laughing in the background, the song has a new feel. He continues with "I'm telling you, Let me into your heart." He goes on to sing "Can't stand it, backhanded. They wanna see us fallin apart." You start to feel that this song has passion and real deep feelings behind it. This couple is going through hard times but he is saying to her that he is here for it all no matter what. 

Melody 
    In the intro the song has a very simple repeated melody with range from C3 down to F6 and back up with E5 before dropping low again to C3 and then holding one long note at D4. This creates a smooth start to this song before adding some different notes at minute 1:38, then at minute 2:00 it hits you with a change up. As stated on Hooktheory "Me and Your Mama has higher complexity than the average song in terms of Chord-Melody Tension and Chord-Bass Melody." I love how the song keeps you guessing on what is to come. The change up in the melody makes this song so unpredictable but addictive

Tempo
   The overall tempo of the 6 minute 19 second song is 118 BPM.  Per SongBPM "The track runs ... long with a F key and a major mode. It has average energy and is somewhat danceable with a time signature of 3 beats per bar." I might not dance necessarily to this song but I do throw my hands up and down while I sing. The faster tempo still makes it hard not for you to move your body in some way. I love that its out of the norm for my generation of music artists. 

Sources

“BPM and Key for Me and Your Mama by Childish Gambino: Tempo for Me and Your Mama.” SongBPM, songbpm.com/@childish-gambino/me-and-your-mama. Accessed 16 Feb. 2024.

“Me and Your Mama by Childish Gambino Chords and Melody.” Hooktheory, www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/childish-gambino/me-and-your-mama. Accessed 16 Feb. 2024.

“Me and Your Mama.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Jan. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Me_and_Your_Mama. Accessed 16 Feb. 2024.

Moore, Marcus J. “Songs We Love: Childish Gambino, ‘Me and Your Mama.’” NPR, NPR, 14 Nov. 2016, www.npr.org/2016/11/14/501996325/songs-we-love-childish-gambino-me-and-your-mama. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.

Quihuiz, Ariana. “Who Is Donald Glover’s Wife? All about Michelle White.” Peoplemag, PEOPLE, 8 Feb. 2024, people.com/who-is-michelle-white-donald-glover-7557082. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.

Greetings

 Hello fellow music lovers, my name is Savannah Kosinski and I am 27 years old. I moved to Alaska a year ago with my husband and two dogs (see below) from Arizona. We have absolutely loved the change in scenery and enjoy all that nature has to offer here. My husband is in the Air Force and I was a military brat as a child so the constant change in location has been a great way to experience different cultures. I have lived in Japan, Florida, England, Connecticut, Arizona and now Alaska. Waiting to see where this adventure takes us next!

Music has always been a big part of my life, as a child and adult. My parents always played their favorite music around the house. Growing up I remember every weekend having one of them ask us kids to pick out a CD to throw into the stereo while we make breakfast. They would take breaks from cooking meals and dance with us. Rarely ever was it the same genre of music. As I got older and moved into my own home, I still continue to play music all the time, cook and dance with my husband and plan on continuing that tradition with our kids. I don't currently play any instruments but have thought about taking up one in the future. For now I enjoy listening to my husband play piano. I've been to a couple concerts in the past and love the music but don't always enjoy the tight loud spaces. Smaller venues like bars or local concerts I prefer. Has a more intimate feel and also you get to see people who you would never stumble upon otherwise. 

Wolf Like Me by TV On The Radio is one of my favorite songs. I also think this would be my theme song as we discussed in the start of the class. 

Also background photo credit to Mori Raito, a polish artist on Instagram.