HELLO… And I’m So NERVOUS

Why am I nervous? Because:

“Who is MJ?” Someone young actually asked me last month.

In the words of Marvin Gaye, What’s Going On?! We officially have a generation of aspiring dancers, upcoming singers and rising artists with NO IDEA of where good music came from! Forget that fact that many of them have no idea about the influence of previous choreographers, songwriters, directors and the like who paved the way for them… sigh.

In this post, let’s just chat about MUSIC. The secret truth is this:

• North America’s new “microwave mentality” combined with the:
• false promotion of instant gratification we see on TV, enhanced with:
• the I-deserve-it-all-NOW attitudes we see in young people all around us…

…are all contributing factors in our next generation’s lack of musical appreciation. This makes me very nervous, because great music can easily die out in a short period of time if we’re not careful.

== SIDEBAR ==
If you’re an impatient singer, musician, songwriter or artist, Read This Not-So-Charming Post for a wake up call- and 5 point checklist you should magnetize to your fridge
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Like, for instance:

It’s important to know that artists like R Kelly, Ne-Yo, Usher respect Lionel Richie. Why?

Not only is he “Nicole Richie’s dad,” or original member of the Commodores… he’s in fact right up there as one of the BEST-SELLING ARTISTS OF ALL TIME…

And yes, he sang at MJ’s funeral.

No damnit- Michal Jordan is still alive! I refer to The OTHER Michael.

 

YOUNG UNS: Lemme Holler At Chu

If you’re 26 and under, lemme holler at chu for a min. There’s something important you should know:

== SIDEBAR ==
Ask someone older about that photo above, it was a Toronto landmark
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If you didn’t already know, many of today’s grooves, hooks and hits were ACTUALLY influenced by yesterday’s classics, some 10, 20, even 30+ years ago. Yup, before you were a twinkle twinkle in your parents eyes.

Yes I agree, those Tupac, Kendrick and Biggie samples you hear ARE sick! But many times that’s just delicious slice of a bigger pie, an even better, harder, faster, stronger song that the record labels don’t always give credit to.

Understanding the earlier artists who influenced today’s hip hop, pop, R&B, house and more will give you a better knowledge and respect of today’s artists- AND help you appreciate what “timeless” music actually means.

So. Take the time to learn a little bit more about what you’re listening to. Everybody wins when you do.

To continue my mission to positively lift up society, educate our community and support the arts, I’ll regularly post influencing funk, disco and other classics I find on my twitter page. Put your headphones on and sink your teeth into these.

 

ATTENTION Dance Teachers! Do You:

Need an upbeat, crowd pleasing song for a jazz group or waaking routine?

Today’s BIG TUNE below is a disco classic, guaranteed to make you move. You might recognize it from various house tracks, as well as Kirk Franklin’s “Looking For You.” Enjoy,

– Shawn B

Patrice Rushen – Haven’t You Heard

 

As a sought-after dance choreographer, performer, presenter, coach and entrepreneur, Shawn Byfield’s unique perspective is enjoyed by thousands who dance, train and mentor with him every year. To get your group learning, yearning, movin’ or groovin’… contact Shawn before today ends! Email Shawn@ShawnByfield.com right now.