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Introduction of Pop Music
Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the 1950s, deriving from rock and roll. The terms “popular music” and “pop music” are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many different styles. Pop music is eclectic, and often borrows elements from other styles such as rock, urban, dance, Latin, and country. Pop music typically focuses on catchy melodies and hooks, and tends to be more commercial in nature than other genres of popular music. It is intended to appeal to a wide audience, and often incorporates elements of other genres such as hip hop, rock, and electronic music.
Pop by Nagamag Playlist on Spotify
Favorite Pop Videos on Youtube
Recent Pop Interviews
Maven Grace Interview on Nagamag
Maven Grace
Interview
Nagamag:
Which are the genres that describe your music style better?
Maven Grace:
Bands are extremely good at defining themselves by saying what they aren’t. It’s much harder to make positive statements about what you are. If there’s a genre which includes Marvin Gaye, Radiohead and Ennio Morricone then that’s our genre. Someone described us on the radio yesterday as ‘dreamscape space cowboy movie soundtrack music’. That’s a good attempt, I think – a bizarre amalgam of styles which somehow makes sense.
It’s a difficult one because I don’t think we have a ‘signature’ track. If we had one song that summed us up and encapsulated our creative ambitions, we’d probably have to stop and say ‘Job done!’ Of the music we’ve released so far, I think Lone Star has a good combination of our musical ideas. It has elements of all three of our voices, and I certainly hope that anyone who hears it will be intrigued to dig deeper.
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Maven Grace:
We’ve all known each other a long time. Tom and I first met when we were in different bands signed to the same label as teenagers. My first national tour was supporting him, actually. I remember thinking that our dressing room at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire was even more spacious than the one at the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen.
Mary and I also met on the gig circuit in London. I accidentally insulted her by saying I loved her band’s song with the lyric… ‘Condition’s normal, you’re coming home’. She said, ‘That’s Enola Gay by OMD, the only cover in our set’.Anyway, I hope she’s forgiven me. And it is a brilliant song. It has an indelible melody and great instrumentation. It can be enjoyed on that level, but if you want to dig a little deeper, you rapidly discover something very sombre and lyrically serious. I like that approach to songwriting. Let the deeper meaning and intent creep up on people.
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Maven Grace:
I remember the Rolling Stones song You Can’t Always Get What You Want being on tv when I was a child. My mother’s ears pricked up and she said ‘Oh, I sang on that’. I can pick out her voice even now. She was in a brilliant touring choir, so I was familiar from a very young age with the idea that music meant travel. I was also able to forge a personal connection, albeit on a very small level, to a song loved by a lot of people. That was inspiring. In retrospect, I’m so glad she sang on the track she did. It might be a little trickier if it had been Under My Thumb or Brown Sugar – lyrics which have not aged very well.
Nagamag:
Your single Lone Star is inspired by Clark Gable – and indirectly by Bryan Ferry. Tell us a little bit about Clark Gable that we should know, and what made you want to write a song about him?
Maven Grace:
The Roxy song title 2HB references Humphrey Bogart. For some reason, I immediately associated him in my mind with Clark Gable, and obviously the Golden Age of Hollywood in general. There is something fascinating about the tension between the glamour and deification of film stars and their real lives. The studios sold Gable to the world as an icon of romance and masculinity, but the real man behind the performances was deeply uncomfortable with his image. Also, real tragedies befell him, like having to give up his child for adoption and his wife’s death in a wartime plane crash. He’s a symbol of the gulf between dreams and reality, I suppose. I could’ve written it about Marilyn Monroe, but Bernie Taupin got there first.
Nagamag:
Maven Grace album has contributing musicians from all over the world. Was that the intention when you set out? Has the vision for the band and album changed with these contributions?
Maven Grace:
The major contributor other than the three of us is our friend the violinist Diana Galvydyte. She is one of the great contemporary players, but, like a lot of classically trained musicians, she prefers to work from a score. So although her playing is amazing, she was largely bringing ideas to life that we had already worked on. To that extent, the vision always remained very much with the three of us in the band. But the difference between real playing and demo samples is inexpressible, so she helped bring everything she touched to life in a very vibrant and dramatic way.
Nagamag:
Many artists listen to genres that they are not producing music for. Which track is your favorite that is NOT similar to yours?
Maven Grace:
Rachid Taha – Lli Fat Mat
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which is the track from a similar artist you admire?
Maven Grace:
Robert Stillman – Cherry Ocean
Discover & Listen to Maven Grace
Maven Grace on Spotify
Maven Grace’s Signature Track
Maven Grace on Social Media
Facebook: @MavenGraceMusic – www.facebook.com/MavenGraceMusic/
Instagram: @mavengracemusic – www.instagram.com/mavengracemusic/
Twitter: @MavenGraceMusic – twitter.com/MavenGraceMusic
Isabel Dumaa Interview on Nagamag
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Nagamag:
Which are the genres that describe your music style better?
Isabel Dumaa:
The umbrella genre for my music is pop, but I would define it as indie pop or alt-pop with little elements of folk and R&B!
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Isabel Dumaa:
I have been singing since practically before I could talk, and began songwriting at a young age as well. I took singing lessons throughout my childhood, and begged my parents for guitar and piano lessons so I could accompany myself and start playing live. Since day 1 I have always wanted to be a singer and pursue music. After graduating High School I moved down to LA to do music full time, and feel so grateful I get to be working every day at something I love so dearly.
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Isabel Dumaa:
It is difficult to pinpoint my very first connection to my love of music, but there is one early memory that sticks out. I was about 5 years old when my cousin played me You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift, and I have never fallen in love with a song quicker. It immediately became my favorite song and was pretty much all I listened to for about a year. My parents bought me my first iPod shuffle about a year later and all I had on it was You Belong With Me and 4 other songs from Fearless all of which I listened to on repeat. Taylor Swift has been a huge inspiration for me growing up and throughout my career and that was where my love for her began.
Nagamag:
What would be your dream venue to play?
Isabel Dumaa:
I was raised right in the heart of San Francisco and over the years attended many concerts and shows all over the city. Every show I went to I couldn't help but picture myself on the stage someday getting to sing in my home city. Every year "Outside Lands Festival" is held in Golden Gate Park and pretty much every young person in the bay area is there. It is essentially the coachella of NorCal. Outside Lands is such a vivid part of my growing up and every year I went I couldn't help but dream and picture myself on one of those stages, getting to play for all the people standing where I stood all those times. So a definite dream venue would be to be able to headline at Outside Lands!
Nagamag:
Many artists listen to genres that they are not producing music for. Which track is your favorite that is NOT similar to yours?
Isabel Dumaa:
"Kiss Of Venus" Paul McCartney and Dominic Fike
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which is the track from a similar artist you admire?
Isabel Dumaa:
"The Walls Are Way Too Thin" Holly Humberstone
Pop Featured Releases
Dior – Janiq
“Modern sound, seductive mood and atmosphere keeps gaining momentum as the song progresses. With every instrument arriving, it keep that feeling more deeper. Her voice is just amazing, dreamy and so catchy, perfectly balanced together in the songs harmony and groove, that can lift you up on the dance floor as well.”
-Nagamag.com
Additional information/sources for Janiq – Dior
As a Trinidadian-born artist based in London, Janiq is stepping into the global music scene with her own blend of Caribbean pop influences. Her music delves into the intense emotions of toxic relationships, playfully exploring the theme of “tragic love.”
Poso Sou Moiazei – Demetria
“Song with definitely unique sounding, her voice is very distinctive and synth themes gives the song many layers that are very catchy. Musical arrangement keeps the interest going, harmonic structure is tastefully put together with good instrumentation and atmosphere. ”
-Nagamag.com
Additional information/sources for Demetria – Poso Sou Moiazei
“Poso Sou Moiazei” is a blend of Greek traditional music and experimental pop, crafted entirely by Demetria, who composed, produced, mixed, and performed the instruments on the track. Featuring the ethereal main vocals of Christina Teli, the song explores identity and legacy through a unique fusion of Greek music elements and weird alternative pop production. The lyrics speak about the modern fear of intimacy and connection in human relationships and how this leads us from actively living our lives to becoming passive observers.
Human Touch – Pom Femme
“Song is so catchy, with very addictive melodies and beautiful lead vocals. Its style feels like an homage to the older sound, as its atmosphere really get under your skin, impressive feat for the songs on first listening moment. Great production, crystal clear and arrangement is done perfectly. ”
-Nagamag.com
Latest Pop discoveries
Dior – Janiq
Modern sound, seductive mood and atmosphere keeps gaining momentum as the song progresses. With every instrument arriving, it... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #indiepop #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Lonely, But I Have Fun – TINY SHUTTLE
Η γλυκιά μπαλάντα με την υπέροχη και ρομαντική μελωδία ζεσταίνει την ψυχή μας και με τις εναλλαγές της μας φέρνει τα χαρούμεν... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #poprock #tinyshuttle #france #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Donnie Disco – Leph
With guitar themes perfectly aligned together and produced so well, song really have that hook, catchy moment that you want t... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #disco #discorap #leph #netherlands #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
The Best You’ll Ever Have – Sam the Zoologist
Η υπέροχη και διασκεδαστική μελωδία μας γεμίζει χαρούμενα και θετικά συναισθήματα. Τα όμορφα φωνητικά με την οικειότητα τους ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #indiepop #samthezoologist #italy #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Use Me – Heather Avalon
Η διασκεδαστική μελωδία φτιάχνει αμέσως τη διάθεση μας και φωτίζει την μέρα μας από την αρχή. Τα απολαυστικά φωνητικά μας μετ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #poprock #heatheravalon #canada #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
BACKBONE LOVER – Bradley Denniston
Слова, насыщенные легким грувом, создают позитивную атмосферу. Мелодия Pop Rock и Retro Soul словно приглашает на танец, забы... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #poprock #retrosoul #bradleydenniston #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Baby Girl – Natalie Reigo
Яркий поток энергии, заливающий пространство вокруг искрящимися мелодиями и незабываемыми ритмами. Как волшебный вихрь, трек ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #electropop #commercial #dancepop #nataliereigo #sweden #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
matter – philine
Φανταστική εισαγωγή που σε προϊδεάζει για αυτό που θα ακολουθήσει. Η υπέροχη μελωδία με την αισιοδοξία της σου δίνει φτερά κα... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #altpop #philine #netherlands #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Long nights – HULLAH
Με υπέροχο και αισθαντικό τρόπο τα φωνητικά εκφράζουν τα συναισθήματα τους και γινόμαστε ένα με αυτά. Η όμορφη μελωδία μας π... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #bedroom #lofipop #indieelectronic #altpop #hullah #unitedkingdom #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Some Pop subgenres
There are many subgenres within the broad category of pop music, each with its own distinct characteristics and influences. Some examples of subgenres of pop music include:
Pop rock: A blend of pop music and rock music, characterized by catchy melodies and a rock-influenced sound.
Dance-pop: A subgenre of pop music that is characterized by a strong beat and electronic production, often incorporating elements of dance and electronic music.
Power pop: A subgenre of pop music that is characterized by a catchy, upbeat sound and strong melodies.
Pop punk: A subgenre of pop music that combines elements of punk rock and pop, characterized by fast tempos, catchy melodies, and often humorous lyrics.
Pop soul: A subgenre of pop music that combines elements of soul and pop, characterized by emotive vocals and a soulful sound.
Pop ballad: A subgenre of pop music characterized by slow, emotional melodies and lyrics.
Bubblegum pop: A subgenre of pop music characterized by a light, upbeat sound and simple, catchy melodies. Bubblegum pop is often associated with teen pop and is often marketed towards a younger audience.
Synth-pop: A subgenre of pop music that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by the use of synthesizers and electronic production techniques. Synth-pop is often associated with the new wave and post-disco movements.
Electropop: A subgenre of pop music that incorporates elements of electronic music, characterized by the use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments.
Pop rap: A subgenre of pop music that combines elements of pop and hip hop, characterized by catchy melodies and rap vocals.
Teen pop: A subgenre of pop music that is marketed towards a teenage audience and often features young, attractive performers. Teen pop is often characterized by a light, upbeat sound and catchy melodies.
Alternative pop: A subgenre of pop music that incorporates elements of alternative rock and pop, and is often characterized by a more experimental or avant-garde sound.
Adult contemporary: A subgenre of pop music that is aimed at a more mature audience and characterized by a soft, easy-listening sound. Adult contemporary often features smooth vocals and a polished production style.
These are just a few examples of the many subgenres of pop music. Pop music is a diverse and constantly evolving genre, and new subgenres continue to emerge over time.
The most used instruments in Pop Music
There are many instruments that are commonly used in pop music, and the specific instruments used can vary depending on the particular style and sound of the music. Some common instruments used in pop music include:
Vocals: The human voice is an important instrument in pop music, and many pop songs feature prominent vocals and harmonies. Vocals refer to the human voice, and they are often a prominent part of pop songs. Pop music often features prominent vocals and harmonies, and the vocals are often an important part of the song’s appeal. Pop singers are known for their powerful and emotive voices, and many pop songs are known for their memorable and catchy vocal melodies. Pop music can feature solo singers, or it can feature group vocals, such as a choir or a group of backing singers. Vocals are an important part of pop music, and they play a significant role in conveying the theme or emotion of the song. In pop music, lyrics are often used to convey emotions and tell a story, and they can be personal, political, or simply meant to entertain. Pop song lyrics can cover a wide range of topics, including love, heartbreak, social issues, and personal experiences. The lyrics of a song are often an important part of the song’s appeal and are often remembered long after the song has been heard.
Electric guitar: The electric guitar is a common instrument in pop music, and is often used to add a rock or blues-influenced sound to the music.
Drums: Drums are a fundamental part of most pop music, and provide the rhythmic foundation for the music.
Bass guitar: The bass guitar is often used in pop music to provide a solid foundation for the music, and is often used in combination with the drums to create a strong rhythm section.
Keyboard: Keyboard instruments, such as pianos, organs, and synthesizers, are commonly used in pop music to add variety and depth to the sound.
Percussion: Percussion instruments, such as congas, bongos, and shakers, are often used in pop music to add texture and rhythm to the music.
String instruments: String instruments, such as violins, cellos, and guitars, are often used in pop music to add depth and texture to the sound.
These are just a few examples of the many instruments that are commonly used in pop music. The specific instruments used can vary widely depending on the style and sound of the music.