It happens to the best of us. You listen to a song that seems catchy and cluelessly start singing along. Then, many hours later, you realize that pesky song has set up camp in your brain and has no plans of leaving. That phenomenon is called an earworm, and scientists have actually investigated why it happens.
In 2016, scientists at the University of St Andrews developed a mathematical formula for explaining what makes an earworm. According to researcher Bede Williams, an earworm must possess five key elements: rhythmic repetition, predictability, surprise, melodic potency, and receptiveness (how the listener feels about the song).
The formula is expressed as receptiveness + (predictability-surprise) + (melodic potency) + (rhythmic repetition x1.5) = earworm.
Accordingly, the researchers identified the 20 most addictive earworm songs of all time based on this formula, and we’re sharing them with you here.e
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Thanks to music streaming platforms, we have millions of songs at our fingertips — and, when paired with a smart speaker, Spotify can help create the perfect mood for any moment. Bluetooth- and Wi-Fi-enabled, the best smart speakers for Spotify come in a range of price points, so you can get a basic, budget-friendly model or spend a little extra for high-end audio technology.
Smart Speakers Versus Standard Bluetooth Speakers
First things first: You’ll want to make sure your choice offers the connecting technology you need. The biggest difference between a smart speaker and a standard Bluetooth speaker is that a smart speaker utilizes Wi-Fi to connect directly to an online music streaming service, whereas a Bluetooth speaker needs to be connected to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop in order to play songs through the app on your device. The smart speakers that work with Spotify below can be connected to both your Wi-Fi network and your Bluetooth-enabled devices, giving you the option of switching between both functions — even though you’ll probably be sticking to Wi-Fi when you’re at home. If you’re in the market for a portable speaker, though, having that Bluetooth function is crucial, since you might want to bring it to a location that doesn’t have Wi-Fi. (And be sure the speaker has a rechargeable battery in case there’s no outlet for plugging in.)
What To Look For When Shopping For The Best Smart Speakers For Spotify
Price Point & Sound Quality
When shopping for the best speakers to stream Spotify, you’ll want to strike a balance between the level of sound quality you’re after and a price point that feels comfortable. Those who want clear, dynamic sound with rich tones and prominent bass may want to splurge a little on a sophisticated speaker to get the audio experience they desire. The Amazon Echo Studio, for example, uses five directional speakers for “3-D” listening and automatically fine-tunes playback by sensing the acoustics of any given space. (The Echo Studio also offers listening in Dolby Atmost format — which is on the cutting edge of sound technology — but unfortunately, this option is only available with Amazon Music, not Spotify.) In a similar vein, you can almost never go wrong with Bose, which has earned a strong reputation for delivering powerful treble and bass tones that are crisp and clear, even at loud volumes. Meanwhile, someone looking for a budget-friendly speaker with less impressive (but still very good) sound may prefer a more basic model, like the Amazon Echo Dot.
Smart Assistant Technology
The best speakers to stream Spotify will have built-in Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant — and sometimes both — so you can use voice commands to play, pause, and skip songs. Once you set up your speaker in the compatible mobile app, you’ll be able to pull up Spotify by using the app’s “Spotify Connect” feature. Keep in mind that, in addition to playing music, Alexa and Google Assistant have a wealth of other uses — you can set alarms, make phone calls, and control any other smart appliances in your home.
Below, you’ll find the best smart speakers for Spotify that will have you groovin’ to your favorite tunes in no time at all.
Shop The Best Smart Speakers For Spotify
In a hurry? These are the best smart speakers for Spotify:
The Overall Best: Amazon Echo Studio
The Best Budget Speaker: Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
The Best Splurge: Bose Home Speaker 500
The Best Style: Marshall Uxbridge Home Speaker
The Best Portable Speaker: Bose Portable Smart Speaker
1. The Overall Best
Pros:
5 directional speakers for immersive audio
Automatically fine-tunes playback depending on the acoustics of your space
Cons:
Dolby Atmos audio only available when using Amazon Music app — not Spotify
If it’s high-quality sound you’re after, the Amazon Echo Studio is one of your top choices. The unit has five directional speakers (including a woofer for deep bass) that automatically fine-tune levels according to the acoustics of your space. The result? An immersive listening experience that’s incredibly crisp and balanced. The Echo Studio also has the option to play songs in Dolby Atmos — one of the most advanced sound technology formats out there — but unfortunately, it’s only enabled for use with the Amazon Music app.
Both Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled, this speaker offers easy voice control that allows you to access your streaming music using the app’s “Spotify Connect” feature. It’s also compatible with all Zigbee smart home devices, so you can control your light bulbs and outlets with a simple verbal command or through the accompanying Alexa app. Overall, this is a fantastic-sounding option that comes at a mid-range price point — perfect for those who want high-quality audio without breaking the bank.
According to a reviewer: “All I can say is Wow! The sound is amazing. I have had various Bluetooth and other all in one speakers like this and this is the best so far. […] With Spotify already attached to my account I can actively switch between any Echo including the Studio with easy control through the Spotify app as well as with Alexa voice control.”
Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.9 inches | Available colors: 2 | Smart assistant: Alexa | Wireless? No
2. The Best Budget Speaker
Pros:
Wallet-friendly price
Easily connects to other Echo Dots for multi-room music
Sound has improved over previous Echo Dot models
Cons:
Sound quality will be inferior to higher-priced options
Perhaps you’re not looking to spend a lot on a Spotify speaker but still want your music to sound great. In that case, the Amazon Echo Dot is your best bet. Ideal for compact spaces, the spherical unit has a modern look, with controls on top to pause music (or hit snooze if the alarm goes off). Its simple design makes it easy to pair up with other Alexa devices in your house — you can even set up multiple Echo Dots in different places for a multi-room listening experience. With a simple verbal command, you can pull up Spotify using the “Spotify Connect” feature, or control everything via the Amazon Alexa app. Since it’s both Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled, you can also play music directly from the Spotify app on your phone.
Reviewers have acknowledged that the audio isn’t as clear and powerful as you would get with a higher-end speaker (one noted the sound can be a bit “muffled”). That being said, crowd consensus is that the 5th Gen’s sound quality is improved over previous Echo Dot models, with one reviewer describing it as “richer” with “less distortion at high volume.” There are also upgrades like a display that shows what song is playing, the option to set music on schedules, and an indoor temperature sensor.
If you’re in the market for a wallet-friendly speaker with high-tech smart assistant features — and don’t mind sacrificing a little sound quality — you’ll find everything you need in the Echo Dot.
According to a reviewer: “The next thing to note is the sound. It is MUCH better. The bass is fuller, the overall sound is much crisper, and there is less distortion at high volume. I usually play music at night when I go to sleep, and I really appreciate the better, richer, fuller sound. It is also nice to be able to pause and resume music with a tap rather than only by voice. The indoor temperature sensor comes in handy to check the ambient temperature, and it can be used to automatically trigger smart climate controls if the room temperature goes out of my comfort zone.”
Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.5 inches | Available colors: 2 | Smart assistant: Alexa | Wireless? No
3. The Best Splurge
Pros:
Superior Bose sound quality
Options for both Google Assistant and Alexa
LCD screen shows song information
Cons:
Bose has an excellent reputation for its high-end speakers that create powerful high- and low-range frequencies, and the Bose Home Speaker 500 is no exception. Besides delivering superior, wall-to-wall stereo sound, it has a built-in color LCD screen that displays the song playing, as well as six playlist preset buttons on the top of the unit. And even though it’s relatively compact, the Bose Home Speaker 500 can get loud — without distortion or sacrificing the quality of your music.
Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled, the Bose Home Speaker 500 can easily be controlled using your voice or the accompanying Bose Music App. You can quickly pull up Spotify using the “Spotify Connect” feature, and save your favorite playlists to the unit for instant recall. And while the price tag may be high, those who prioritize sound quality above all else will be impressed by what this model can do.
According to a reviewer: Setup was easy and straightforward. Once I downloaded the Bose Music app, I added my Amazon and Spotify accounts and was off. Alexa works beautifully, as does Spotify. I can’t recommend this enough.”
Dimensions: 8 x 6.7 x 4.3 inches | Available colors: 2 | Smart assistant: Alexa and Google Assistant | Wireless? No
4. The Best Style
Pros:
Vintage-inspired design
Adjustable volume, treble, and bass buttons
High-quality, balanced sound
Cons:
No upgraded technology like LCD song displays or Dolby Atmos
Those who are looking for an aesthetically pleasing smart speaker to fit their home’s decor will enjoy this Marshall Uxbridge home speaker. The Marshall brand is renowned for itspowerful amplifiers, so it’s no surprise that audio quality was a top priority when designing this compact unit that looks just like an amp. The speaker features a volume control on top as well as designated bass and treble controls — a unique feature that none of the other speakers on this list have — offering you more customizable control over your sound experience.
Since it has built-in Alexa, this speaker pairs effortlessly with other Amazon devices and can be easily controlled using your voice. You can pull up music using the “Spotify Connect” feature, or play music directly from the Spotify app on your phone — the speaker is both Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled. All other settings can be adjusted using the Marshall Voice app. At a mid-range price point, this is a straightforward speaker that creates great sound while adding a distinctly cool touch to any space.
According to a reviewer: “This is not only super cool looking, it’s loud and clear exactly what you would expect from Marshall. It’s so cool we can have this out instead of regular Alexa in our “rock n roll” family room. We play all of our phone music apps through here as well. This was really easy to install too.”
Dimensions: 6.6 x 5 inches | Available colors: 2 | Smart assistant: Alexa | Wireless? No
5. The Best Portable Speaker
Pros:
Built-in handle for easy portability
Wireless battery life of up to 12 hours
Splash-resistant with an IPX4 rating
Cons:
If you plan on playing music at the lake, by the pool, or just in the backyard, you’ll need a smart speaker that can stand up to the task. That’s where the Bose portable smart speaker comes in. Designed with a built-in handle, the unit is easy to carry with you and weighs just over 2 pounds. Unlike the other speakers on this list, the Bose portable smart speaker has a water-resistance rating of IPX4, so it can handle water splashes from any direction.
Like all Bose speakers, this one delivers deep bass sounds and crisp high-range tones, and it’s the only option on the list that it doesn’t need to be plugged in to work — it has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 12 hours per charge. While connected to your Wi-Fi network, the speaker responds to voice commands using Alexa, so you can pull up Spotify using the “Spotify Connect” feature. Once you’re outside Wi-Fi range, it’s easy to use Bluetooth to link up the speaker to your phone. Like the other Bose device on this list, it isn’t compatible with Amazon Echo products. While it may be higher-priced, it’s by far the best choice for those who want the option of streaming music outside of the home.
According to a reviewer: “This must be the most used tech item in our home. I always listen to music when cleaning or cooking, but sometimes I like just grabbing the Bose and heading outside to relax. Prior to the Bose, I just listened to music on my Android with Spotify. Now I’m spoiled to the Bose. It’s cool, loud if I want it, soft if I want. Easy to transport and comes from a trusted brand. Yes the price is a little steep, but for the brand and quality it is worth it.”
Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.7 inches | Available colors: 2 | Smart assistant: Alexa and Google Assistant | Wireless? Yes
Alongside his good friend Vic Mensa,Chance The Rapper are putting together the Black Star Line Festival taking place in Ghana on January 6, 2023. The festival, named after a shipping company founded by late political activist Marcus Garvey, will go down in Accra, the capital and largest city of Ghana.
“When Vic and I started our careers and started touring, we did shows all over the US,” Chance said about the event. “Eventually we started touring in Europe, we did shows in Asia, South America, Central America, but we never had a chance to play our music for the people who support us the most.”
As the festival nears, Chano shared the track “YAH Know” with Ghanaian musician King Promise. A visual for their collaboration has also been released.
Chance The Rapper & King Promise Connect For “YAH Know” Single was last modified: November 22nd, 2022 by Meka
Although many of the Christmas songs (‘Les chants de Noël’) that we know in English have been translated into French – some French children even think that Jingle Bells was originally a French song – France has many popular Christmas carols and songs of its own.
Here are eight of our favourites.
Best French Christmas songs
‘Petit Papa Noël’ (‘Little Father Christmas’)
This song was made famous by the French singer Tino Rossi, who performed it in Richard Pottier’s film Destins in 1946. The original words – by Xavier Lermercier – described a young boy’s prayer to Father Christmas asking for his father, who was a prisoner of war in Germany, to come home. But the lyricist Raymond Vincy later rewrote them, moving all allusion to the war. Since then it has become possibly the most popular secular hymn in France, sung by children all over the country.
‘C’est Noël’ (‘It’s Christmas)
The composer Henri Batti allegedly wrote this touching and cosy song for the first Christmas he spent with his baby daughter in 1950. Switching between a modern celebration of Christmas and a retelling of the Nativity, it was meant to be one of four songs sung by the French actor and singer Fernandel in the 1956 film Honoré de Marseille. But it was cut in the editing, and in the end only appeared in a recording released the same year.
‘Entre le boeuf et l’âne gris’ (‘Between the Ox and Grey Donkey’)
Dating back at least as far as the 16th century, and possibly the 13th century, ‘Entre le boeuf et l’âne gris’ (‘between the ox and grey donkey’) is one of the oldest French carols that is still sung today. Simple but beautiful, the lyrics refer to the animals surrounding Jesus’s manger, whose breath, according to popular tales, would have warmed the newborn
‘La Noël de la Rue’ (‘Christmas in the Street’)
The legendary chanteuse Édith Piaf, whose life was marred by illness, injury, disappointed love and addiction, was not known for writing Christmas songs. And this rare example, recorded in 1951, does not exactly deliver festive cheer: ‘The light and the joy are behind the windows,’ go the lyrics, ‘Not for you, not for me. It is for your neighbour.’ But it is beautifully poignant.
5. ‘Noël à Paris’ (‘Christmas in Paris’)
Charles Aznavour, the famous French-Armenian singer descended from the cook of Tsar Nicholas II, sang this nostalgic Christmas song on his 1978 album ‘Un enfant est né (A Child is Born)’. His warm, gravelly voice – not for nothing was he often described as the French Frank Sinatra – was a perfect fit for it.
‘Il est né le divin enfant’ (‘The Divine Infant is Born’)
This popular Catholic carol is about the birth of Jesus and the 4000-year wait for the event as foretold by the prophets. It was first published in 1874 and has since been interpreted many times by artists including Édith Piaf, Annie Lennox and Placido Domingo.
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‘Noël au bout du monde’ (‘Christmas at the End of the World’)
This charming children’s song is one of many written by the late French singer-songwriter Anne Sylvestre, who appeared several times on the French television show Discorama in the ’60s. It tells of the people around the world who celebrate Christmas in their own way, with a special shout out to those who put tinsel on banana trees.
The melody to this French advent Christmas song was taken from ‘Laissez paître vos bestes’ (‘Let your animals graze’), a 16th century French Christmas hymn. In this version, however, the original lyrics were changed with all references to Heaven and Hell removed to conform to Progressivism.
In a scene in the 2018 documentary From Hull to Heatongrad, Paul Heaton stands in a bedroom of his house in south Manchester and goes on an only-joking-but-not-really rant about his lack of recognition from the music industry. He points at the wall, the only awards on his shelf are for amateur football (“player of the year, Marsh United 1980-81”). “I’ve got nowt for music,” he says. “Give me something! And it’s got to be for best songwriter. Just putting it out there. Or best song. Oh I’m joking,” he continues. “I’d take anything”.
The public gave him enormous recognition long ago: forming in Hull when Heaton was on the dole, The Housemartins had huge hits in the 80s with “Happy Hour” and yuletide number one “Caravan of Love”. And after their debut single “Song for Whoever” reached number two in 1988, you were only ever the flick of a radio switch away from hearing The Beautiful South’s 90’s soul-pop hits like “Rotterdam (or Anywhere)” and “Perfect 10” – it was once estimated that one in seven households in the country owned a Beautiful South record.
This year, though, he finally got that new trinket: Heaton was awarded an Ivor Novello for Outstanding Song Collection. It was just acknowledgment for a brilliantly consistent songwriter who mixes lyrical wit and bite with the sort of melodies that you can’t get out of your head. So how did he feel?
“I was incredibly grateful,” he says, “but I’ve been sarcastic about how late it came. Even the wording, it’s like some goofy thing – ‘songwriting collection’ is like the ‘most improved player’ trophy,” he says, laughing. “Someone that hasn’t scored a goal and has been on the bench for the whole season but they’re the only one who’s not been given anything yet.”
Still, it was something of a belated correction for the way The Beautiful South – never a critics favourite – have been somewhat airbrushed out of the 90s music story. “It feels a little bit like history’s been rewritten,” Heaton says. “We’d never be in one of those 200 best albums of the 90s lists. But we didn’t particularly sound or look like bands that you associate with the 90s. And it can be quite helpful not to have a sound that dated. It can be limiting if you sound like a band from the 90s. It’s though you’re doing a permanent revival”.
Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott perform at the Royal Albert Hall (Photo: Christie Goodwin/Redferns via Getty)
It’s turned out to be quite a year for Heaton. Last month his fifth album with former Beautiful South singer Jacqui Abbott, N.K-Pop, followed 2020’s Manchester Calling in reaching number one. Full of exuberant, Heatonian pop-rock and soul, it has capped a successful decade’s reunion with Abbott, who left The Beautiful South seven years before they split in 2007. “And it wasn’t necessarily my idea either,” Heaton says. “But it was a great idea. I was worried we’d be associated with the past, that singing again with Jacqui might just sound like a Beautiful South tribute”. He says the initial reaction to new songs made him feel more comfortable with the idea. “It can still be a challenge working with Jacqui, as she can’t always turn up (Abbott’s son is severely autistic). But it’s been brilliant”.
N.K-Pop shows age has not taken away Heaton’s edge: it deals with love and loss (including his mother’s death), but also politics, extremism and nationhood. Handing over his Ivor Novello, broadcaster Stuart Maconie said Heaton had two aims in life: to write the perfect pop song, and to overthrow the state. Heaton laughs in half-agreement: raised in Sheffield and then Surrey, he was politicised by Arthur Scargill and the miners’ strike, and calls himself “a more old-school political animal on the left” (in the 90s he didn’t vote for Tony Blair, but the Socialist Labour Party). “So I’m more about overthrowing the power in this country. That includes part of the state, but also the monarchy, House of Lords and probably House of Commons. And police, obviously”.
New song “Sunny Side Up” rails against the media landscape turning people to extremism. I suggest it’s often his generation that has proved suspectable to this rhetoric. “I know a lot of people my age who I used to go to the pub with and none of them were interested in politics. I’d say now out of 40, 20 of them have been radicalised on Brexit, on immigration, etc. They’re not nasty pieces of work at all most of them. I would still be able to sit down and have a good chat. But if you look at their social media stuff, which I try not to do, it’s all very familiar right-wing stuff. It seems like a gradual slide into it. I think a lot of people were reading stuff in lockdown. At the heart of it I think people are just pissed off with everything. But I think you can convert these people to a positive course. There hasn’t been anyone yet who has said: ‘Let’s take hold of Brexit and turn it into something left wing.’”
Heaton turned 60 in May, “a nice time to be alive”. To celebrate, he placed £1,000 behind the bar at 60 of his favourite pubs across the country so people could have a drink on him. A formerly heavy drinker (“I drink far less these days, previously it was part of the day”), pub culture has been a central theme to Heaton’s life and work. It’s how he writes – like previous albums, N.K-Pop was written while drinking on holiday abroad – and some of his best songs, such as “Happy Hour” and “Old Red Eyes is Back”, deal with the highs and lows of boozing.
He’s owned a pub, The Kings Arms in Salford, and for his 50th birthday underwent a pub tour, cycling 2,500 miles over 40 days. “I suppose it’s microcosm of society, isn’t it? A pub is a weird mix of characters that you wouldn’t get anywhere else. And people are quite frank in the pub. I like that.”
He says the birthday gesture was a way to show appreciation to the people who’ve supported his career. He was taken aback by the reaction: he was inundated with photos and videos; on a BBC News report, one guy called the event “an alternative Jubilee”. “I suppose we live in an era of greed, so it was nice to get everyone in the pub.”
Paul Heaton: ‘I worried we’d just sound like a Beautiful South tribute act’ (Photo: Alex Lake)
This is typical of Heaton, who we can safely chalk up as one of the good guys. Recently, he’s played free gigs for NHS staff; when music monthly Q Magazine closed, he donated £35,000 to the editors and staff; in 2017 he offered to nationalise his back catalogue, but was rebuffed by then Conservative Business Secretary Greg Clark. “I thought it was a good idea. You could quite easily take the royalties and run an adult learning centre”. It’s easy to imagine a host of other secret acts of kindness, similar to George Michael.
On their upcoming winter tour, Heaton and Abbott have kept ticket prices capped at a noble £30, an act to combat what he previously called “industry greed” amid the cost of living crisis. The price is a snip compared to other major artists, and the gesture has gone down well with his fanbase and beyond. Today, though, he seems slightly uneasy about it.
“In retrospect, it looks a bit silly,” he says. “But it wasn’t meant to undercut people, it was meant to show it can be done. It does seem people are unhappy with their favourite bands over ticket prices. But I didn’t even think of other bands when we set price. And look, we’ll still make a profit on the tour. We’re just reducing the profit that we’d make.”
Heaton seems remarkably unmoved by money and success: he lives a modest, neighbourly existence with his wife in a terraced house in Withington, Manchester. “I’m determined that money won’t rule my decisions. Because money is controlling, and it’s incredibly discomforting for some people. And it can be for me. So I try not to let it control me. So what probably comes across as socialist, is I actually get quite angry about how much I’m paid, and think I want to do something about it. And what I do is try to make other people happy with what I’ve received. It sounds a bit corny and cliched. But it’s a more positive thought about what you can do with your money.”
The relative anonymity suits him. “I’m more famous for my songs than I am facially. I probably could have walked into a few of those pubs and sat down and had a drink and wouldn’t have got noticed,” he says. “And that’s how I like it.”
Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott tour from 26 November. For more details: paulheaton.co.uk
The art of storytelling in India has many forms and utilizes many mediums. Despite differences in settings, genres, or cultures, all stories ultimately aim to convey something universal. They serve both an educational and entertainment purpose for audiences. It’s clear that different sections of India’s culture has its own distinct approach to storytelling. Puppets, dance, or even musical instruments are used as props to help the narrator make storytelling more impactful.
Hence, Kathakar, the sole celebration of India’s rich oral storytelling tradition, which was started under the umbrella of Ghummakkad Narain Travelling Literature Festival was launched in 2010.
This is the 15th edition of Kathakar and will be inaugurated by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Law and Justice and Mrs Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture. This year Kathakar partners with Ministry of Culture under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and G20. The storytelling sessions will be held at Sunder Nursery, Heritage Park in Delhi and at Central Vista, India Gate. The festival will showcase in its pristine physical form amazing stories and music by Indian and International storytellers from seven countries—United Kingdom; Australia; Mongolia; Israel; Sierra Leonne; Korea; and India.
This year’s edition of festival, Kathakar 2022 will start on November 25 and its goal is twofold: to ensurethe conservation of oral storytelling tradition and increase its popularity. This year’s Kathakar will feature big names and events, including:
For the first time, powerhouse performer, Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Bollywood actor) will be narrating stories and will be in Conversation with Mohit Chauhan, noted music composer, singer who is also the patron of the festival;
Sufi musical night by Satpal Wadali, son of Padmashree Pyarelal Wadali;
The festival this year will have an event titled Kissey, Kahani aur Cinema, in which Prarthana Gahilote will be in conversation with ace actor Sanjay Mishra at the Central Vista at India Gate;
Another scheduled event is Kissey, Kahani aur Guftagu, in which Mohit Chauhan will be in conversation with stellar film maker Imtiaz Ali from Bollywood;
Kabir Vani by Prahlad Singh Tipania
Shadow puppet play of the Ramayana from Kerala by Ramchandra Pulavar and team.
Among International artists this year, Kathakar will feature Niall Moorjani (United Kingdom), Lilian Rodrigues Pang (Australia), Baatarjav Erdenetsogt (Mongolia), Alim Kamara (Sierra Leonne), Sarah Rundle (United Kingdom), Seung Ah Kim (South Korea) and Yossi Alfi (Israel).
Kathakar 2022—a event to revive the traditional style of storytelling in a world dominated by hi-tech gizmos and gadgets—will thus feature professional and passionate storytellers from the country and abroad who will showcase their mesmerizing craft to underscore the fact that storytelling cuts across all boundaries of language and culture.
“Stories emerging from villages are very powerful as life is totally different there… I love folk songs and stories that are connected to our lives. Whenever I meet filmmakers, I urge them to make movies based on stories from villages,” says acclaimed filmmaker, writer and producer Imtiaz Ali, who will be part of the event Kissey, Kahani aur Guftagu on November 27 at Sunder Nursery, Nizamuddin.
Mohit Chauhan, who is the patron of the festival and also the Cultural Envoy of Mongolia in India, reminisced over how he would listen to “travelogues and ghost stories” which are narrated in the Himalayas. During his free time, Chauhan recalled, he would sing folk songs and cherish folk tales. During the festival both Imtiaz Ali and Mohit Chauhan will be sharing some anecdotes from the making of the most popular songs and incidents of college days.
Mohit Chauhan, Patron of the Festival said that “This festival was started by the Gahilote sisters, Rachna, Prarthana & Shaguna in 2010 under the aegis of UNESCO to preserve and promote the ancient art of storytelling. I have been associated with it from the very beginning and have seen how this festival has evolved. Today, storytelling has become a thriving art form and has reclaimed a niche audience. It feels wonderful to have helped revive an art form and contributed my bit in preserving our ancient Indian culture.”
Since its inception, the festival so far has been addressed by prominent personalities including former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Sadhguru Vasudev Jaggi, Dr Shashi Tharoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Vishal Bhardwaj, Pankaj Tripathi, Shantanu Moitra, Imtiaz Ali, Margaret Alva, Sunil Shastri, Nandita Das, Sushma Seth, among others.
Carrying the true essence of the Pop music genre, the promising singer Becky Raisman has released a fresh EP. Entitled ‘Cruising’, the EP is now out on Spotify.
The performing genre of Pop music has given several artists fame and popularity in the music industry across the world. Even though the music genre is undoubtedly the most popular one, it is pretty hard to nail the music of the pop genre. However, the up-and-coming artist Becky Raisman is a fine example of a pop singer who can lift the energy of the entire room with her music. Her recent EP, ‘Cruising’ proves to be the exact same that fills up the room with vibrant energy. The artist has once again shown her worth and caliber as a singer by producing magnificent vocals that made the tracks even more addicting.
The EP contains a total of 4 tracks which are enough to prove the artist’s talent. With each release, the musician seems to be expanding her reach and making a mark on the music release. The release is standing proof by the artist that she is in the industry for the long run. Becky Raisman has delivered exceptional performances as not only a singer but also a writer, composer, and producer. This is why the artist is called a versatile musician who has solely managed to self-produce a track. ‘Cruising’ has four songs that are equally captivating for the listeners. The songs are, ‘I Can Be Your Crush‘, ‘Finally Begun;’, ‘Go Cruising‘, and ‘Let’s Not Over Complicate‘ which were recorded at Audio Wave Recording and Solar Sound Studios.
You can listen to the tracks and the EP on Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, Reverbnation, and YouTube. You can also gain insights by following her on Facebook and Twitter.
WITH just a little more than a month till the new year, things are certainly ramping up on the nightlife scene, though the World Cup has put a slight dampener on the music side of things. Not a football fan? Here is a small selection of venues where you can kick back, relax, grab a cold one or two and enjoy a night out with some music thrown in for good measure.
ELLI ROCKS TTDI
26-A, Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
WhatsApp: +601134225566
Set in the heart of one of TTDI’s bustling commercial areas, Elli Rocks serves up “gin’o’clock” from 3pm to 8pm and is also a hotspot for live music. Singer Sharin takes the stage on Wednesday nights, while Gerard Anthony belts out acoustic tunes on Saturday nights. On Friday nights, get into the groove with Jeremy Danker.
PORKVILLE
Lot 3, Lorong Utara (B), PJS 52, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 016-324 1455
There’s no prize for guessing what takes centrestage here – all things pork. However, the outlet also serves up some great music with Mark Renesh lightening the mood here every Tuesday night. Gerard Singh continues his solo sessions on Friday nights, while on Sunday, the Double Aze duo of Albert Sirimal and Allan G take the stage for some acoustic delights.
9FIVEQ RESTOBAR
34 Jalan USJ9/5Q Subang Jaya
Tel: 010-277 2909
Priding itself on good food, great drinks and amazing live music, this gem that’s tucked away in Subang Jaya serves up live jams every night. Crooner Gerard Singh takes it solo as he brings his charm and talents to the stage every Tuesday night. On Wednesday, Soon King and Erwin are in the house to entertain.
BACKYARD PUB & GRILL
28 Jalan Sri Hartamas 8, KL
Tel: 011-6135 5473
Almost an institution in its own right, Backyard has been serving up good times, great food and amazing vibes for over 30 years. While the grub is great and the drinks are refreshing, there is also plenty of music on offer here in the heart of Sri Hartamas. On Thursdays, talented guitarist Mark Renesh teams up with songstress Brenda Lee to let the good times roll.
SWIG
123A Jalan Gasing, PJ
Tel: 016-2524199
A relatively new kid on the block, Swig is a retail outlet with a good selection of wines and liquors by the bottle. A selection of hand-picked cocktails are also available. Live offerings are aplenty here, though on hold for the World Cup.
SALA ROOFTOP BAR
Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Lorong Utara C, PJ
Enjoy a night out on top of the world, or at least atop one on the tallest buildings in Petaling Jaya. Sala also has live music with some great musicians including Mark Renesh, who is joined by the inimitable Brenda Lee on Wednesday nights.
ELEPHANT ROCK
D2-G3-3, Publika, 1 Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas
Tel: 012-372 2465
Elephant Rock has come a long way from humble beginnings in Aman Suria and now calls Publika home. Still serving up great food and cocktails, the outlet is also home to “Gin O’Clock” from 3pm everyday when gin mixes are available at RM4.40 per gin mix. Russell Curtis livens up the nights on Wednesdays.
MEZZE LOUNGE
132 Jalan Kasah Medan Damansara, KL
Tel: 011-3689 6393
Sophisticated, yet relaxed, Mezze’s lounge offers an extensive range of imported wines, spirits and handcrafted cocktails. There’s also a great humidor for cigar lovers, and on Fridays and Saturdays, get a taste for the jazzier, funkier side of life with a selection of musicians taking the stage. Tonight, Prime Time serves up musical goodness.
Dani Komari lights up Bobo KL with a selection of jazzy vibes tonight and tomorrow.
BOBO KL
65-2 Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, KL
Tel: 012-263 8603
Another live space in Bangsar for music fans to get into the groove. Tuesday nights are Gitar ’n Jiwa nights for an acoustic thrill. Six nights of great acts can be found here so there is something for everyone. Tonight and tomorrow night, Dani Komari marks a return to the stage at Bobo KL with a bit of “This, That and Jazz”, offering her own takes on jazz standards as well as a host of original material. Next week, on Dec 1, 2 and 3, Rozz and Poova combine their dynamic vocal powers for a night themed “Hopelessly Devoted” in tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John. Accompanied by Simmy on keys, Icco on bass, Jeremy on guitar and Ralph on drums. Get your tickets at www.cloudtix.co/bobokl
MERDEKARYA
352 Jalan 5/57, PJ
Tel: 016-207 1553 Website: www.merdekarya.com
One of the top places for indie vibes in the Klang Valley, Merdekarya has been supporting local singer-songwriters for a while now. Tonight, pop punk is the order of the day with Airwaves on Fire ready to light it up. Tomorrow night, Putrabumi gets into gear with a selection of original Malaysiana rock. There are also open mic slots available, so check out its website.
SAINTS BAR
11-1 First Floor Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, KL
Tel: 017-979 7148
When it comes to themed bars, there are plenty but Saints does things a little different by choosing to pay homage to a group of educators: the Lasallian community in Malaysia. Brothers, teachers, students – past, present and the forgotten. The outlet also celebrates the contributions of the La Salle Brothers to education in Malaysia and there is a nifty series of paintings on the wall of various La Salle institutions in Malaysia, including St John’s Institution in Kuala Lumpur. On Wednesday, Riza takes on the live sessions at Saints for music to brighten the midweek blues. Thursdays see veteran axeman Colin Jansen in the house alongside Ice for a blast. Hitting the stage on Friday nights are Arab and Badar, two musicians who need no introduction to regulars on the scene as they have been perfecting their art over the years.
TEN
125 Jalan Gasing, PJ
Tel: 012-218 1866
Plush is the word to describe this delightful joint in the heart of PJ which serves up tasty food, good drinks and a great time. It just kicked off its midweek Ladies Night special last week, so join the Dazle Babes on stage every Wednesday from 8pm onwards for a great time after dark.
CRANE KL
78 Jalan Sultan, KL
WhatsApp: 013-218 5712 Website: cranekl.com
Another Chinatown hotspot, Crane is all about a good time in a heritage building. Good selection of cocktails and great food add to the charm of the ambience here. It also features a great selection of music from Wednesday to Saturday.
JAO TIM 61 Jalan Sultan, KL
Tel: 03-2022 3897 Website: www.jaotim.com
An elegant venue in the heart of the city, Jao Tim absolutely drips with Old World charm but also serves up an interesting array of offerings. Now also stepping up as an events space, the outlet gives life to a whole new set of musical offerings that stand out.
Sharin sings both solo and with his ‘rockustic’ trio this week at On Line Pub.
ON LINE PUB
32 Jalan SS20/10, Damansara Kim, PJ
Tel: 03-7728 0532
The one and only Temple of Rock continues to thrill nightlife enthusiasts as it shows a whole new generation just what it takes to get it right with a mix of pub grub, chilled beers and loud music. Three nights of music a week for now, but what a selection the boys behind the bar serve up. On Saturday, On Line comes alive as the Temple of Rock kicks it into high gear, albeit on an acoustic note. Inimitable, and irrepressible, rocker Sharin swaps his electric axe for a more toned down acoustic guitar, but joining him on stage is his Rockustic partner-in-crime Al Hafiz to set the night on fire.
The Vancouver Chamber Choir has assembled a remarkable new event for this waning year’s choral calendar, a multi-choir extravaganza featuring a half dozen ensembles singing in the Orpheum.
The idea for a grand choral get-together has been in the works for over a year, initially a somewhat dreamy notion of what might be possible when musical life established some sort of normalcy.
“VCC artistic director Kari Turunen and I came up with the notion well over a year ago, when it was just wishful thinking: Why don’t we do something choral and invite as many of our friends as we can?” said executive director Steven Bélanger.
As months passed, wishful thinking evolved into a definite possibility and now a practical reality.
The Chamber Choir has long enjoyed priority user status at the Orpheum and receives a civic grant to rent the theatre for special occasions.
“The pandemic has been really lethal for choirs,” Bélanger said.
And the concept of a grand choral mash-up which showcased ensembles who rarely sing in the Orpheum seemed especially appropriate after two-plus-years of struggle. An opportunity to mark the resurgence of choral music after difficult times, and to reflect on the diversity of our choral scene, became a way to truly celebrate.
The idea was to invite choirs, give each a segment of the afternoon program to present a sample of its particular repertoire, then conclude with a piece or two which involved all the singers.
Of course there were a few practical considerations.
“There is a limit to the number of people we can fit onto the Orpheum stage, so it became a sort of tasting menu,” said Bélanger. “We’d be singing for each other with no audience if we had absolutely everyone.”
This time around, just smaller and medium-sized ensembles are involved. And in the future?
”If this proves successful, we will have established a framework for future collaborations,” said Bélanger.
The afternoon will begin with all the singers and the Vancouver Youth Choir’s Carry Tennant leading Nitohtamok Askîy by Sherryl Sewepagaham, a composer of Cree-Dene ancestry from the Little Red River Cree Nation in Northern Alberta and a graduate of Capilano University’s music therapy program.
Then Tennant’s own group stays on stage to sing a folk song from Indonesia and Northern Lights by Eriks Ešenvalds. The subsequent set by Lars Kaario’s Laudate Singers includes the oldest work on the program, Claudio Monteverdi’s Zefiro torna e’l bel tempo rimena from 1614.
The Vancouver Cantata Singers directed by Paula Kremer round out the first part of the program with three 21st-century works by Tracey Wong, Arvo Pärt and Hussein Janmohamed.
After the interval there will be more contemporary music by Leslie Uyeda and Andrew Balfour from musica intima, then Mahler and Hrušovský from the Phoenix Chamber Choir, conducted by Dave Rosborough.
The Vancouver Chamber Choir’s set features a piece by Michael Dellairamore and one by Edmonton-based Laura Hawley.
Then it’s time for the grand finale as Turunen conducts music by Mendelssohn and Rheinberger.
“We end with two pieces in which everyone sings together,” said Bélanger. “Two hundred singers in the finale!”
ENCORE: There’s more choral music at the Orpheum in early December. Christmas with the Bach Choir (2 p.m., Dec. 4) is another extravaganza with eight VBC choirs. And then it’s the Vancouver Bach Choir’s turn to present Handel’s Messiah (7:30 p.m., Dec. 10), Leslie Dala conducting the choir, with a quartet of soloists and members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. Go to vancouverbachchoir.com for details.
It’s a tradition as tried and true as grandma’s pumpkin pie. Every year on Thanksgiving Day, a football team has to make the worst possible pick for a halftime performer from the dregs of pop country, and embarrass country music on a national stage like your drunk uncle going on a racist tirade in front of your fiance.
This year off of their shameful 40-3 loss against the Dallas Cowboys, the Minnesota Vikings have chosen Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line to be the halftime performer for the NFL’s primetime Thanksgiving Day game.
The only thing more low rent than booking Florida Georgia Line for your halftime show is booking half of Florida Georgia Line for your halftime show. But of course the Vikings had no other choice if they wanted to book Florida Georgia Line since the duo officially broke up earlier this year amid plummeting interest in their tired Bro-Country shtick.
Minnesota Vikings fans took to social media to blow raspberries at the decision of course, because it’s not 2013 anymore, and most people have awoken to just how horrible Bro-Country is, while a whole slew of fans were left befuddled because barely anybody knew the specific names for the Florida Georgia Line dudes anyway. “Is he Florida, or Georgia?” was a common refrain. Tyler Hubbard is Georgia, incidentally.
Truth is, Tyler Hubbard’s solo stuff probably isn’t as terrible as Florida Georgia Line was, but when you’re at rock bottom, it’s not hard to improve. Still, couldn’t they find a better performer than the leftovers of country music’s Bro phase? Here in 2022, you have a bunch of newer country artists that are way more popular than one half of Florida Georgia Line. A look at the charts, and you can see that even more independent artists like Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers surpass the popularity of Tyler Hubbard.
Don’t be surprised if in the coming years, we don’t see artists like Tyler Childers, Zach Bryan, the Turnpike Troubadours, Billy Strings, Cody Jinks, and others playing these kinds of performances. After all, they’re all now graduating to the area level of popularity, while Tyler Hubbard is out there pulling opening duty for Keith Urban.
It’s a new day in country music, and institutions like the NFL should take notice. It’s time to start giving artists from the more independent side of country music a fair shot at these opportunities. After all, don’t you think fans might dig something they may not know about more than something they already know sucks?
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