Black music record stores have always been more than just places to buy records. These spaces became lifelines for communities, cultural hubs where people gathered, shared stories and connected over a shared passion for music.
From the early days of the Windrush generation to the present, these stores have been a vital part of the Black cultural experience. For many, they were crucial in shaping not just their musical tastes, but their sense of identity and belonging.
Michael Hornberger, University of East Anglia
Generations of parents have told their children to practice their musical instruments. Parents have good reason to keep on top of their children’s musical education, since learning an instrument is not only associated with better educational attainment but also cognition (thinking) and even intelligence scores in children. But does this musicality translate to better cognition later in life?
Jan. 29, 2024 /Entertainment/ — There’s a fascinating dynamic between music and mood, and it’s not always clear which one is leading the dance. Both perspectives – music influencing moods and moods influencing music – hold merit, and the relationship can be quite complex. Continue reading
/Music/ — Now That’s What I Call Music (NOW) is a compilation series of popular music released in the United Kingdom since 1983. The series is known for its eclectic mix of genres, including pop, rock, dance, and R&B. NOW has been a popular source of music for young people in the UK for many years, and it has played a significant role in British pop culture.
The Origins of NOW
The idea for NOW was conceived by Virgin Records executive Simon Draper in 1982. Draper was inspired by the success of a similar series in the US called “K-Tel Records.” Draper believed that there was a market for a compilation series that featured the biggest hits of the day.
The first NOW album was released in 1983 and was an instant success. It sold over 1 million copies in the UK and topped the charts for 30 weeks. The album’s success was due in part to its strong tracklisting, which featured hits from artists such as Culture Club, Duran Duran, and Michael Jackson.
NOW’s Influence on British Pop Culture
NOW has had a significant impact on British pop culture for many years. The series has helped to launch the careers of many successful artists, including Oasis, Blur, and Spice Girls. NOW has also been a major force in the development of British dance music.
The series has been praised for its ability to capture the zeitgeist of British music. NOW albums have always been a reflection of the current musical landscape, and they have helped to define the sound of British pop music for many years.
NOW in the 21st Century
NOW is still a popular series today. The latest album, NOW 113, was released in 2023. NOW has also expanded into other areas, such as television and DVD.
The series is still significant in British pop culture because it continues to provide a snapshot of the current musical landscape. NOW is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest music trends.
Here are some of the reasons why NOW is still significant in British pop culture:
23 June 2023 /Opinion/ – As a black African Londoner, I am incredibly excited to see Afrobeats headlining Glastonbury this year. It is a genre that has its roots in my community, and it is amazing to see it reach such a mainstream audience.
Afrobeats is a genre of music that originated in Nigeria in the early 1990s. It is a fusion of West African sounds, such as highlife and fuji, with American genres, such as hip hop and R&B. Afrobeats has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it is now one of the most popular genres of music in Africa. Continue reading
May 16, 2023 /Technology/ — Zamrock is a genre of rock music that emerged in Zambia in the early 1970s. It is characterized by its fusion of traditional African music with Western rock influences, such as psychedelic rock, funk, and heavy metal. The genre was heavily influenced by the political and social climate of Zambia at the time, which was experiencing a period of rapid modernization and economic growth. Zamrock bands often used their music to express their hopes and dreams for the future, as well as to address social and political issues. Continue reading
DJ Shinki is a popular DJ and producer from Singapore. He is known for his unique mixing style, which often combines elements of hip hop, R&B, and electronic music. Continue reading
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock today announced the program for the 2023 celebration of International Jazz Day, with participation from more than 190 countries. The flagship Jazz Day event, a spectacular All-Star Global Concert, will feature an extraordinary selection of jazz performances from Austria to Zimbabwe, highlighting the power of jazz in bridging differences and promoting unity and peace through intercultural dialogue and collaboration. Continue reading
Adam de Paor-Evans, University of Plymouth
De La Soul is one of the most significant and iconic groups in the history of hip hop. Comprising three members, Trugoy The Dove, Posdnous and Maseo, De La Soul worked together for 35 years releasing innovative music, touring and collaborating with artists from a range of genres until Trugoy’s death in February 2023.
From funky to fresh! ~Pourri, From the Makers of Poo~Pourri, bring you an original song and series of dance videos, to introduce their continued expansion and transformative journey to tackle all kinds of funky odors – naturally. The five core videos present Flip That Funk™: an immersive digital experience into the world of ~Pourri, that is aimed to liberate you from life’s (potentially) funkiest moments! With the first two videos of the five-part series will launch ~Pourri’s most-anticipated product of all time, Pet~Pourri, followed shortly by Poo~Pourri. The series has been brought to life through the help of the award-winning Amsterdam-based dance troupe, the Ghetto Funk Collective, with original song Funk Check! Feat. RC & The Gritz and Black Joe Lewis, written and recorded in collaboration with Texas-based producers Matt Pence and Electrophunck (Jason Burt). Continue reading