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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
Anne Marie Almedal Interview on Nagamag
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Nagamag:
Which are the genres that describe your music style better?
Anne Marie Almedal:
Dream pop, cinematic, indie, female vocal, scandinavian!
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Anne Marie Almedal:
Former lead singer of Norwegian art-pop indie band "Velvet Belly" since the mid90's Anne Marie Almedal has beguiled listeners in her near 30 year music career. Each of her five solo albums are all landmark dream-pop releases, from "female Nick Drake" nordic noir folk-pop to the more stirring electronic comeback album "We Dance Alone". Her music has been described as "sweetness multiplied, sadness tripled, her music brings you one step closer to heaven. As fantastic as sharing the last cigarette with the one you love".
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Anne Marie Almedal:
Growing up in the lonely (but beautiful) suburban, southern coast of Norway, music was an essential escape and soul food. For a melancholic teenager, the voice and songs of other dreamy female artists had a huge impact on my own journey into songwriting and vocal delivery. Liz Fraser/Cocteau Twins, and of course, who else but Kate Bush...first time round:-)
Nagamag:
What are your favourite tracks for the new album?
Anne Marie Almedal:
There are naturally so many songs on my new album that mean such a lot to me, written and produced during the best-forgotten lockdown, where we were all faced with ”dancing alone”, and of my private experience of coping with, and recovering from, breast cancer. Yes, I know it’s a cliché, but music can really give us the magic to breathe, heal, smile, in dark times, and despite the tough background behind the songs, I´m proud to say that they are thankfully like little angels, moments of light. So happy to share to all who want to listen! As far as fave tracks, right now I´d say ”Freeze The Moment”...
A song for those inner moments, walking in the forest, lost in the now. I wanted to capture something both dream-poppy and vaguely post-industrial....something healing, magical, happy/sad to cope with some pretty cold, heavy feelings. Somewhere where my lonely scandi-noir could feel equally at home in some imaginary futuristic misty factory landscapes. Nothing beats the pure joy of expressing loneliness in a warm haze of drum machines, broken synths and shoegaze guitars!
and also the track ”Runaway Turnaround”
Coming to terms with distant memories of youth, distant love affairs,.. ” Runaway Turnaround” is like a burnt-out polaroid snapshot of all my favourite mystical 80’s melancholy synth-pop moments, wrapped with the (thankfully) wiser know-how of who I am today... Again, this song went against my insticts of seeking solace in the ”folksy”, when feeling low, and rather choosing to being energized and reinvorgated by some life-enhancing, larger-than-life synth soundscapes, and some direct, honest feelings.
Nagamag:
Many artists listen to genres that they are not producing music for. Which track is your favorite that is NOT similar to yours?
Anne Marie Almedal:
Edda Dell'Orso "Ennio Morricone Poesia Di Una Donna"
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which is the track from a similar artist you admire?
Anne Marie Almedal:
Cocteau Twins Heaven Or Las Vegas
Vincent Liou Interview on Nagamag
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Nagamag:
Which are the genres that describe your music style better?
Vincent Liou:
Indie pop
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Vincent Liou:
I started piano when I was young and then played bass and clarinet for a few years. I loved making huge chords on the piano. I joined a band (Crash Coordinates) in high school and played minimal keys – I was basically the hype man. I wrote my first song in college in 2010 where I (low-key) ripped off Owl City’s ‘”Fireflies.” I wrote four EPs and recorded with Bob Hoag during that time. After graduating from PA school in Massachusetts, I moved back to Arizona to live with my momma (school is expensive you know!). After I came back, I met a girl who was cool, but she broke my heart – she was dating someone else at the same time we were together. My most recent ‘Big Surf’ EP are the songs that came out of that experience.
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Vincent Liou:
I was lucky enough to have parents that liked good music. My dad would play John Denver and my mom played The Eagles. From there I started discovering new artists that really helped color my world. The artists that really showed me that music was freedom are many but Primus, The Locust, Minus the Bear, really solidified my belief.
Nagamag:
Many artists listen to genres that they are not producing music for. Which track is your favorite that is NOT similar to yours?
Vincent Liou:
Whitney Houston "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)"
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which is the track from a similar artist you admire?
Vincent Liou:
Bonnie Raitt "I Can't Make You Love Me"
Pop Featured Releases
Talking With Your Eyes – Chris Jobe
“Good depth to the voice, full of emotion and power, very unique vocal presentation and crystal performance. Nice production, very modern in sound with very driving groove. Song is very attractive and charming and at the same time, very old fashioned as well. Full of nostalgic moments within the harmonic structure. ”
-Nagamag.com
Lyrics of Chris Jobe – Talking With Your Eyes
Talking with your eyes
Yeah you’re talking now
Talking with your eyes
What we talking ‘bout
Nobody will Know while we’re in this crowd
Falling in love thats a lovely sound
How did you notice me notice you notice me
How did you get to a place so honestly
You didnt think your stare would raise a hair on my neck
when you looked my way
Talking with your eyes
Yeah you’re talking now
Talking with your eyes
What we talking ‘bout
Nobody will Know while we’re in this crowd
Falling in love thats a lovely sound
I didn’t know that you
Could be something so special
And I can see
By the way your eyes are staring at me
Changed my mind
I think I can try
I think I can ride
I think I can Fly and go to heaven tonight
I think I can try
I think I can ride
I think I can Fly and go to heaven tonight
Talking with your eyes
Yeah you’re talking now
Talking with your eyes
What we talking ‘bout
Nobody will Know while we’re in this crowd
Falling in love thats a lovely sound
Talking with your eyes
Yeah you’re talking now
Talking with your eyes
What we talking ‘bout
Nobody will Know while we’re in this crowd
Falling in love thats a lovely sound
Talking with your eyes
What we talking ‘bout
Nobody will
Falling in love
Additional information/sources for Chris Jobe – Talking With Your Eyes
Chris’s latest single, **“Talking with Your Eyes,”** delves into the mystery and intensity of falling in love, exploring the silent power of eye contact and the secrets it can reveal. Written and recorded during a transformative journey in the Costa Rican jungle, the track began with a hypnotic acoustic guitar riff, played in the reverb-rich kitchen of his *casita*. Using a cooking utensil container as a makeshift mic stand, Chris captured the haunting allure of classical finger-style picking blended with jazzy chords, embodying the magnetic pull of connection.
Inspired by the vibrant nightlife surrounding him, the lyrics reflect his observations of strangers trying on different stares—seeking love, escape, or something in between.
Entirely written, produced, and performed by Chris, this song marks the second of eight tracks he’ll be releasing in the coming months. Accompanying the single is a music video, set to premiere on **November 22, 2024**, featuring stunning visuals created with a USD70k projector and bold beachside shots that nearly ended in disaster.
Stay tuned for more from this compelling series of releases!
Song Sources for “Chris Jobe – Talking With Your Eyes”:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/1QSmIoEuGTa6p0MV6NKcy1
THE END – Ian Biggs
“Modern sound and production can be felt instantly. Its mixture of pop and subtle rock touches are done so well. Lead vocal is the real hook within the song, really catchy and wonderfully edited and produced. Beautiful synth atmosphere creates wonderful vibe within the song. Rhythm is really groovy, playful as well, as well is the song. ”
-Nagamag.com
Lyrics of Ian Biggs – THE END
Here we are at the end of all things
Your hand in mine as the sky is falling
These California sunsets don’t hit the way they once did
But we lived in the light they would bring
Nothing good lasts forever
But because of you I’m better
I know I’d be nothing if I had no life with you
we’ll be bones six feet under
Where we go makes me wonder
If it’s all for nothing at least it’s all with you
Here’s to the end
Toast to the memories
Our time came and went
Let’s let go gently
I wish you the best
Don’t hold it against me
So here’s to the end
Don’t you oh don’t you forget
You were ever so good to me
If we’re gonna die let’s go peacefully
I hold no resentment you are still my best friend
But we were everything that we could be
Nothing good lasts forever
But because of you I’m better
I know I’d be nothing if I had no life with you
Here’s to the end
Toast to the memories
Our time came and went
Let’s let go gently
I wish you the best
Don’t hold it against me
So here’s to the end
Don’t you oh don’t you forget
Don’t you oh don’t you forget me
Don’t you oh don’t you
Here’s to the end
Toast to the memories
Our time came and went
Let’s let go gently
I wish you the best
Don’t hold it against me
So here’s to the end
Don’t you oh don’t you forget
Additional information/sources for Ian Biggs – THE END
This song is about two people being grateful for the time they had together rather than lamenting that their time together is finite. It can be perceived both as the ending of a romantic relationship and also the end of the world.
Song Sources for “Ian Biggs – THE END”:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/3HVk3y6fLn4IqQxIEUJDDR
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.”
Latest Pop discoveries
Overcommitted – bog berries
Η ευχάριστη και κεφάτη μελωδία διώχνει μακριά τα γκρίζα σύννεφα των σκέψεων σου και γεμίζει με χρώματα τη μέρα. Τα ωραία και ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #bedroom #lofipop #indierock #bogberries #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
”boys like you (leave girls dead inside)” Jan 14 – Amelie Jat
Loaded with sensitivity and emotional energy, Amelie unfolds her creativity in this fresh single. Discover an artistic combin... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #poprock #dancepop #ameliejat #unitedkingdom #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Stars – Eitan Shapira
Τα όμορφα και δροσερά φωνητικά μας γεμίζουν αισιοδοξία και μας αναζωογονούν. Η χαρούμενη μελωδία κάνει τη μέρα μας τόσο ξέγνο... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #altpop #dancepop #eitanshapira #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
IMMA GET MINE – Brian Walker
Ωραία μελωδία με θετική ενέργεια που σε ξεσηκώνει και δίνει νόημα στη μέρα σου. Ο ρυθμός σου μεταφέρει τη χαρά και τη ζωντάνι... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #commercial #brianwalker #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Down in Pueblo – Crewless
Η γοητευτική και απαλή μελωδία χαλαρώνει τις αισθήσεις μας και μας κάνει να νιώθουμε τόσο άνετα και διασκεδαστικά. Τα ξεχωρισ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #indiepop #downtempo #crewless #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Cold Touch (Live Session) – Later.
Η απόλυτη αρμονία της μελωδίας και ο διακριτικός της τρόπος εισχωρεί μέσα μας και μας μεταφέρει σε μια υπερκόσμια ατμόσφαιρα.... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #indiepop #synthpop #later #france #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Buy Yourself a Dream – Monotronic
Οι χαρούμενες νότες τη κιθάρας και η ευχάριστη μελωδία μας στέλνουν τα αισιόδοξα μηνύματά τους. Τα όμορφα φωνητικά με όρεξη κ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #indiepop #altpop #monotronic #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
All My Love – Vella
Τα δυναμικά φωνητικά βάζουν φωτιά στα συναισθήματα και μας αναστατώνουν ευχάριστα με τις εντυπωσιακές δυνατότητες τους. Η επ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #dreampop #altpop #poppunk #vella #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
My Sun My Moon(Whoopy) – songpa wolves
Η μελωδία σε βγάζει μια ρομαντική βόλτα μεταφέροντας το παρελθόν στο παρόν. Τα ωραία και ξεχωριστά φωνητικά με την ζεστασιά τ... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #indiepop #dreampop #singersongwriter #songpawolves #southkorea #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.