Popular Music Research Articles

‘When Will You Return’: The trans-border tangos of ‘Heri Jun Zailai’1

This text discusses a well-known Chinese popular song, ‘When Will You Return’. The original recording of this song was performed with the accompaniment of western musicians. While the song has thereby been associated with both Chinese and tango imagery in Japan, it has also been subject to a variety of political interpretations. In China, meanwhile, it has been a site of frequently politicized criticism. In this article, I will attend broadly to its trans-border nature and then explore the mystery of the song’s composer and original accompanist.

Japanese popular songs brought home: Histories and current circulations of post-Second World War audible souvenirs from US military bases in East Asia

This article focuses on the transpacific circulations of Japanese popular songs alongside touring American military personnel in East Asia between 1945 and 1958: that is, from the end of the Second World War, across the span of the Korean War, and up to the year of the American ground forces’ withdrawal from ‘mainland’ Japan. By first tracing the trans-oceanic travels of musical souvenirs such as phonograph records and music boxes, and then by delving into their ‘afterlives’ as ex-souvenirs variously lost or preserved, this article reveals the seemingly minor yet no less significant histories and memories of musical objects containing within them the traces of post-war Japanese popular song. Over this period, musical souvenirs entered into postwar American households with returning military personnel, imparting to family and friends an auditory sensation of ‘Japan’ that carried with it the fantasy of knowing a place and culture that lay far across the Pacific. Although many of the Japanese pop songs contained therein lost their ‘souvenir’ status in the late 1960s, their recent revival via transnational online media suggests new ways of re-‘discovering’ and circulating a wealth of music that might have otherwise fallen into obscurity.

Musical Signposts

The Peace of Münster (1648) ended the Eighty Years’ War (1568–1648) in the Low Countries. After decades of conflict, peace came to the Dutch, who for three generations had only experienced wartime. Since the lives of commoners and soldiers alike had become dependent upon and conditioned to the war, the successful peace negotiation heralded a new and uncertain future. Music played an important role in facilitating understanding of the cultural changes brought about by the peace treaty. Drawing on a representative sample of broadsheets and songs from 1609 to 1648, this article sheds light on how the Dutch dealt with their realities during the Eighty Years’ War, the Twelve Years’ Truce (1609–21), and the immediate aftermath of war. Broadsheets announced the peace and worked through divisions among the Dutch; plays staged drinking songs that alluded to controversies; Dutch chambers of rhetoric debated the peace in their publications; and geuzenliederen (beggars’ songs sung to popular tunes) memorialized soldiers’ daily lives during and after the war. Christian songs further thematized the “true” meaning of the newly negotiated peace and provided instructions on how to act peacefully. Popular songs offer a different take on the Peace of Münster than do the official peace celebrations, which have been the focus of previous scholarship. The songs discussed here functioned as an emotional outlet for commoners and soldiers. They thematized the different opinions pertaining to the peace negotiations, encouraged merry-making, and explained or helped process the reality of the battleground and the subsequent postwar experience.

Korean popular music in-between: Identity strategies between Japanese style and American standards in the 1960s

This article explores collective experiences of Japanese popular music within the post-Second World War South Korean society along with related identity strategies – elimination, stratification and standardization – from postcolonial perspectives and discuss what characterizes ‘Japanese-ness’ as a musical, industrial and social product. In the context of strategies to eradicate it from the urban spaces, cultural industry and memories and bodies of Korean people, Japanese-ness – labelled under the moniker waesaek – was proscribed as a cultural remnant of imperialism, militarism and colonial dominion and thus, a harmful influence on its public. South Korean popular songs categorized as waesaek music within this model were subject to social criticism and gentrified in the music marketplace as trot. On the other hand, Americanization was an important strategy used to construct a new ‘Korean-ness’ separate from the Japanese-ness lingering within the country from its colonial past. Japanese-ness in popular music in post-war South Korea continually changed as it was re-imagined and re-constructed in parallel with musical, social and industrial changes in South Korea. Each of these strategies carries its own corresponding paradoxes, and Korean-ness and Japanese-ness are cast in sharp relief as distinct cultural products while still containing those paradoxes. This article argues that these strategies, both global and local in scope, highlight the fact that post-colonialism cannot be explained merely by the relationship between one colony and one empire but rather evolves in a global and local milieu, in which multiple empires and colonies are intertwined.

소녀악극단 ‘낭랑좌(娘娘座)’의 구성과 활동 연구

This study comprehensively introduces the previously unrevealed girls’ musical troupe ‘Nangrangjwa’, established in 1936 and active until 1938. Consisting solely of women, the group toured with musical plays, revues, and variety shows, drawing inspiration from Japan’s Takarazuka Revue while incorporating distinctive Korean sentiments into their performances. This study traces Nangrangjwa’s history, detailing its formation, activities, and dissolution.
 Furthermore, it highlights Na Seon-gyo, a popular singer and daughter of independence activist and Cheondoism elder Na Yong-hwan, who became an active member of Nangrangjwa. Despite the lack of records regarding her date of birth and death, this study seeks to elucidate her life through contemporary accounts and interviews from that era, particularly emphasizing her achievements and the agency she exercised in altering song titles and lyrics, thereby asserting leadership and autonomy in the troupe’s performances.
 The brief existence of Nangrangjwa, lasting only three years, should not be dismissed as a mere failure. Its endeavors contribute to the contemporary success of girl groups, marking their early appearance. This study is significant in uncovering the real Nangrangjwa, which has not been fully recognized, and in portraying the agency of its members, challenging the prevailing negative views on girls’ theatrical troupes.

The Algorithm Holy: TikTok, Technomancy, and the Rise of Algorithmic Divination

The social media app TikTok was launched in the US in 2017 with a very specific purpose: sharing 15-s clips of singing and dancing to popular songs. Seven years and several billion downloads later, it is now the go-to app for Gen Z Internet users and much better known for its ultra-personalized algorithm, AI-driven filters, and network of thriving subcultures. Among them, a growing community of magical and spiritual practitioners, frequently collectivized as Witchtok, who use the app not only share their craft and create community but consider the technology itself a powerful partner with which to conduct readings, channel deities, connect to a collective conscious, and transcend the communicative boundaries between the human and spirit realms—a practice that can be understood as algorithmic divination. In analyzing contemporary witchcraft on TikTok and contextualizing it within the larger history of technospirituality, this paper aims to explore algorithmic divination as an increasingly popular and powerful practice of technomancy open to practitioners of diverse creed and belief.

The Impact of English-Speaking Films and Songs on English Language Acquisition

This study investigates the effectiveness of immersion and entertainment in the process of language acquisition, with a specific focus on the utilisation of English films and songs. The statement emphasises the educational value of films, which utilise visual clues and storytelling to facilitate comprehension. It also specifies genres that are particularly helpful for English language learning. An investigation of popular English songs explores the impact of rhythm, repetition, and personal involvement in language acquisition. The cultural observations offered by these media types emphasise the significance of cultural environment in the process of acquiring knowledge. The text explores the challenges associated with relying only on entertainment for language acquisition and emphasises the importance of incorporating traditional learning approaches. The resource provides practical advice for learners and presents case examples of successful language acquisition via films and music, offering a thorough perspective on this language learning strategy.

Genres Classification of Popular Songs Listening by Using Keras

Listening to the music affects the brain in ways which might help to promote the human health and arrange various diseases symptoms. Music is a phenomenon that is intertwined at every stage of human life. In the modern era music is shaped by the combination of an incredible number of genres, some of which are contemporary, and some come from the previous times. The music genre represents a collection of musical works that develop according to a certain shape, expression and technique. The music genre of interest varies from person to person in society. Most listeners today do not know what kind of music they listen to. In this study, sound features were extracted from music data and the Keras model was trained using these attributes. The correct classification rate of a music genre of the trained model was determined as 71.66%. Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC), Mel Spectrogram, Chroma Vector and Tonnetz methods in the Librosa library were used to extract sound properties from music data. Using the features probed by means of the library, the most listened songs with Shazam in Türkiye were categorized in with TensorFlow/Keras. Many methods can be used in classification. It is uncertain which method the researchers should opt. It has been emphasized that classification of the genres of newly released songs by using Keras in this study. At result, it is said that the study has presented a sound processing are Keras classification of musical parts.

O ARQUIVO DE BRASILIDADE DA CANÇÃO POPULAR EM FUNCIONAMENTO POÉTICO, POLÍTICO E MIDIÁTICO

The article proposes a theoretical dialogue between the semiotics of song, produced by Luis Tatit, and the perspective of Michel Foucault’s thought to think about the Brazilian popular song object from na archaeological and genealogical point of view. From the notions of convincing diction, the voice that speak in the voice that sings and the screenings that occurred in the history of the song. We seek to identify the series that we define as poetic, political and mediact whithin the brasilianness archive. The discursive materiality of the songs demands na approach that considers aspects of resistence, in coexistence and articulation with the political process and the forms of media circulation

Contemporary Vocal Repertoire Considerations for the Classical Singer

Abstract: Author Justin John Moniz addresses the exploration of contemporary vocal repertoire for the classical singer. Moniz discusses effective teaching methods rooted in evidence-based practice and advocates for the exploration of student curiosities outside one’s primary area of concentration. Included is a sample list of popular song repertoire for four voice types: soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, and baritone. These selections are intended to provide even those most unfamiliar with popular song an opportunity to explore a new style with greater probabilities of ease and coordination.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ВПЛИВУ РЕКЛАМИ НА ПСИХОЛОГІЮ ЛЮДИНИ

The article examines the peculiarities of advertising influence on human psychology, noting that the effectiveness of advertising influence is assessed along three directions: effectiveness on the cognitive sphere, effectiveness on the emotional sphere of the consumer, and the impact of advertising on the motivational-personal sphere. To achieve the goal, the study identified that the greatest influence on the consumer is exerted by advertising appeals. Additionally, the socio-cultural impact of advertising on shaping and changing human values orientations was highlighted, as each advertisement embeds a certain value system. Advertising employs a significant arsenal of manipulative tactics on the viewer, resulting in the covert arousal of intentions that do not align with their existing desires. Among the methods of manipulation, commonly found in advertising, are references to authority figures, which are based on the trust citizens place in certain authoritative figures, such as opinion leaders (scientists, popular singers and actors, athletes, etc.). In this article for a clearer depiction of the topic, most common psychological methods applied in advertising appeals were analyzed. Under the influence of advertising, certain values develop and gain widespread acceptance and approval among the masses. Advertising imposes certain values on both individuals and society as a whole. It has been proven that a certain system of values is attached to advertising, resulting in a socio-cultural influence. Prospects for further research were determined, taking into account new digital methods (virtual and augmented reality), that significantly expand the possibilities of influencing the psychology of consumers. Virtual and augmented reality make it possible to create more immersive advertising experiences that leave a deep impression on the minds of users.

Sounds Irish, Acts Global: Explaining the Success of Ireland’s Popular Music Industry, Michael Mary Murphy and Jim Rogers (2023)

Review of: Sounds Irish, Acts Global: Explaining the Success of Ireland’s Popular Music Industry, Michael Mary Murphy and Jim Rogers (2023) Sheffield: Equinox Publishing, 222 pp., ISBN 978-1-78179-779-2, h/bk, £70.00

JPME and APME in 2024 and beyond

In this essay, the editorial team for the Journal of Popular Music Education (JPME) introduces the first issue of the journal’s eighth volume (2024). The authors provide a summary of the JPME contents from the previous year (2023, volume 7) and highlight the two Special Issues from that volume. One Special Issue was a belated 25th anniversary response to Paul Théberge’s landmark book, Any Sound You Can Imagine, and the other was dedicated to contemporary considerations around music technology pertaining to popular music education. The authors acknowledge the privilege of publishing and of engaging in scholarship amidst a world in turmoil. They then look forward to conferences taking place in 2024, including the first gathering of the Association for Popular Music Education outside of the United States, in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the summer. The editorial closes by outlining the topic foci of two forthcoming JPME Special Issues in 2024.

The creative characteristics of Liu Chi's film songs in the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China

In the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Chinese film music entered a heyday, and Liu Chi was the most influential composer at that time. In his film songs, based on the development of the times, he boldly used ethnic and folk music as song materials, innovated the form of songs, and created many popular film songs for the people. This article starts from analyzing the three movie songs created by Liu Chi in the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and summarizes his creative characteristics from the perspectives of nationality, originality, and contemporaneity. Provide research ideas for the development of film songs during this period.

Use Discriminant Analysis to Identify Eroticism-Related Terms in The Lyrics of Dangdut Songs

The song "Dangdut" is one of the most popular songs in Indonesia, having gained popularity from the 1960s until the present. It's even been acknowledged as authentic Indonesian music. There are both positive and negative effects on the pendengarnya of lagu dangdut. Positive dampening can lower stress levels, and negative dampening occurs when emotions are heightened. If this was brought up by a young child who was not yet fully grown, it would give them a hard time and negatively impact their journey. According to this framework, it is recommended that any eroticism in the lyrics of dance music be identified. It is therefore advised to look for signs of sexuality in the lyrics of dangdut songs. The intention is to restrict and filter the music that kids can listen to. Using LDA and QDA classifiers in conjunction with natural language processing is the suggested approach. According to research findings, LDA can identify more than QDA. The LDA examination yielded the following results: recall = 56.522%, accuracy = 56.522%, precision = 79.13%, and F1score = 65.942%. It has been demonstrated that discriminant analysis, particularly LDA, is useful for classification, as QDA has not shown itself to be the most effective method in this instance.

Devi Temple, Pahari, Loharu Rulers and History: Understanding the People’s Mind

It is believed that Devi Temple, Pahari is 850 years old; however, neither the archival sources nor the inscriptions are available to authenticate the hearsay. But, a 1904 British document has reference to Pahari ki Mandhi. Hence, with reference to the examination of the 304 archival files about Loharu State in the National Archives of India, contemporary traditions, popular songs, interviews, newspaper reports, other digital media plate forms and so on, this article authenticates that Devi (Pahari Mata) is not only 120 years old, but its history goes far beyond. Nevertheless, it has also been observed that the people’s beliefs in Devi show that whether there is a written history or not, but it has marked deep imprints on their mind. Devi is in every sphere of people’s life. It can be authenticated from the popular songs sung during the Ratijaga. Further, the role of blue bloods in the renovation of Devi temple at different intervals of time, placing other deities in the temple complex, construction of 48 Dharamshala in the compound for the pilgrims, and so on have been studied. It also discusses the role of Loharu rulers in sociocultural and economic life of the people. The religious policies of the state have also been examined. Simultaneously, it has also discussed the fair during Durga Puja [every six months Chaitra (March) and Aasoj (October)] and its cultural activities and of course people’s enthusiasm.

A New Historicist Reading of John Dos Passos’ Novel The Big Money: Depiction of Children as a “Second Lost Generation”

This article examines the representation of children as a “second lost generation” in John Dos Passos’ novel The Big Money. It explains that the documentary and narrative sections that Dos Passos integrates into the novel explore how children’s position in the 1930s is caught between parents’ care and indifference. Dos Passos clarifies the impact of the American Dream and materialism upon the structuring of this conflicted position. In the novel’s Newsreels, Dos Passos presents a composite of popular songs and news headlines that present children seeking jobs and also departing from their family houses. Alongside the presentation of this phenomenon which resonates with children’s social situation in 1930s, in the narrative sections Dos Passos portrays Juvenile characters as living in families whose main concern is the making of money. To investigate this representation, the article considers the views of historians about the first “lost generation” (the post-World War I generation). It utilizes the “second lost generation” term to describe the juveniles who struggled during the 1930s age of Depression. The article historicizes the position of children in 1930s America. It refers to literary critics’ views about Dos Passos’ modernist and political inclination. The article concludes that Dos Passos’ The Big Money manifests in a modernist form fragmented historical realities about 1930s America’s materialistic thinking, within which children are seen as a second “lost generation”.

“Leonardo dreams of his flying machine” - stylistic aspects. Inside Eric Whitacre’s fascinating musical world

Grammy Award-winning composer and conductor Eric Whitacre is among today’s most popular musicians. Born in Nevada in 1970, Eric is a graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School of Music (New York). Charles Alan Sylvestri’s poem “Leonardo dreams of his flying machine” is a dramatic story of hope and optimism that takes the listener on a great adventure into the great unknown. Leonardo functions as the agonist of the poem who is “tormented” by his need to fly and touch the sky. Leonardo da Vinci was certainly the definition of a true "Renaissance man". Da Vinci is also regarded as one of the greatest inventors to have ever lived; his notebooks are filled with sketches and notes for inventions that were far ahead of his time. What must have been going through his mind when he was coming up with these revolutionary ideas? That is the question that composer Eric Whitacre and poet Charles Anthony Silvestri attempt to answer in this piece, “Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine”.

가야금병창의 태동과 발전과정

This paper identifies the development progress of Gayageum byeonchang, by grouping it into: initial phase; stagnation; revival; and transition. By doing so, it aims to shed light on the correlation between development progress of Gayageum byeongchang and its periodic changes. In the initial phase, coupled with modernization under Japanese colonial period, the first generation popular myeong-ins were active, whereas during the stagnation period, following the post-liberation political chaos and also the outbreak of the Korean War, substantial parts of Gayageum byeongchang repertoire were lost. In the revival period, the economic growth drove the demand in music, leading to groundworks for revival, and during transitional period, Gayageum byeongchang was modernized, and new repertoire were introduced of which continues until this day. In this paper, based on sound source list by respective period and performer list, popular songs of the time, and key active myeong-in will be analyzed. Based on such analysis, the study intends to comprehend the history and development progress of Gayageum byeongchang and its direction in going forward.

중등학교 가창 제재곡과 지도방법에 관한 실태 분석

In recent music classes in secondary schools, singing activities are not well performed, and the proportion of classes is decreasing. The purpose of this study is to understand the reasons and issues related to this trend and explore solutions by analyzing the current state, perceptions, and demands of vocal repertoire and teaching methods in secondary schools singing education. To achieve this goal, various literatures on singing class vocal repertoire and teaching methods were reviewed, and based on this, a survey tool was developed to find out the actual condition and demand of singing class vocal repertoire and teaching methods, and a survey was conducted on middle and high school music teachers nationwide, and statistics on the responses of 67 respondents were analyzed.
 As a result of the analysis, secondary school music teachers were strongly aware of the necessity of singing education. However, in actual music classes, singing classes were allocated as the third priority after instrumental and listening classes, resulting in a decrease in singing education. As singing class vocal repertoire, both art songs and popular music were used in the same ratio, but there was a preference for Korean art songs in the art song category and Korean popular songs in the popular music category. The main contents dealt with when teaching art songs were vocalization and breathing, but in the case of popular music, the focus was on the content of the lyrics and background knowledge.