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Featured topics in Beat's musical universe.
David Bowie: Sound, Storytelling, and the Art of Reinvention
David Bowie remains one of the most studied and influential artists in modern music. His legacy stretches far beyond rock history; it extends into fashion, theatre, art schools, and even classroom discussions about identity and creativity. Decades after his early recordings, Bowie continues to shape the way musicians, teachers, students, and creative communities think about self-expression.
By Retired Teacher from Haydon Bridge School, Northumberland2 months ago in Beat
10 Songs That Capture That Night Feeling
Sometimes, when I'm alone at night, I'll get this thoughtful, melancholy feeling that makes me nostalgic for a place I've never been. The feeling tends to strike when I'm driving around or walking through a city street with streetlights shining overhead. I thought it was just me, but when I discovered that the so-called "night feeling" has an entire subreddit dedicated to it, I realized that people all over the world can relate.
By Kaitlin Shanks2 months ago in Beat
The link between playing music and dopamine
The author is a retired teacher from Hexham in Britain, spent many years in the classroom encouraging the learning of science. In recent years, he has found a new path in writing, music, and the arts. Today, he uses his experience to inspire others, proving that life after teaching can be just as rewarding and full of new adventures and doesn’t need to take place in the classroom.
By Retired Teacher from Haydon Bridge School, Northumberland2 months ago in Beat
Zipho Memela on How Recording Formats Influence Sound. Content Warning.
Zipho Memela, the South African artist, entrepreneur, and musical innovator, is deeply familiar with the nuances of sound. From producing raw, energetic hip-hop in Durban to crafting the sophisticated reinterpretations of his "Vivaldi Project," Memela understands that the medium is part of the message. The recording format chosen by an artist or engineer is not merely a technical decision; it fundamentally shapes the listener's experience, influencing the texture, warmth, clarity, and emotion of the final audio product.
By Kin Mancook2 months ago in Beat
Zipho Memela and Ethnomusicology in Modern Film Scores. Content Warning.
Zipho Memela, the South African creative polymath whose journey from hip-hop prodigy to classical innovator has captured global attention, embodies a profound truth about music: its inseparable link to culture and narrative. While Memela’s projects span the worlds of composition and entrepreneurship, his artistic trajectory offers a masterclass in the principles of ethnomusicology—the study of music within its social and cultural context. In the realm of modern film, this approach has become an indispensable tool for crafting authentic and emotionally resonant scores.
By Kin Mancook2 months ago in Beat
Zipho Memela on the Profound Benefits of Singing. Content Warning.
South African creative visionary Zipho Memela, known for his dynamic shift from a childhood hip-hop star to an innovative entrepreneur and classical composer, has always been deeply attuned to the power of the human voice. Beyond its artistic expression, the simple act of singing offers a remarkable array of scientifically proven benefits for both physical and mental well-being, a phenomenon Memela's career implicitly champions.
By Kin Mancook2 months ago in Beat
The Universal Current: Zipho Memela on Music’s Role in Shaping Social Connections. Content Warning.
Zipho Memela, the South African creative polymath who transitioned from a child hip-hop prodigy to a "million-dollar tycoon" and now a classical innovator, has always understood that music is far more than just sound and rhythm; it is the fundamental architecture of human connection. His career, spanning diverse genres and global stages, consistently illustrates music's unique power to bridge divides, foster empathy, and build communities from the ground up.
By Kin Mancook2 months ago in Beat
Lilly Goodman: A Voice of Grace That Crosses Borders.
Hello friends, Every once in a while, a voice rises that feels less like performance and more like prayer. This week, we are spending time with Lilly Goodman, a singer, songwriter, and minister whose music carries the message of faith across nations and generations. Her story is one of calling, courage, and quiet surrender, and her voice continues to echo in hearts that hunger for truth and beauty.
By Cathy (Christine Acheini) Ben-Ameh.2 months ago in Beat
Lost Pitch Makes Their Mark
Toronto’s rising indie rock band Lost Pitch steps into the spotlight with the release of their debut album, Bumpy Ride — a 12-track journey overflowing with jangly guitars, vivid storytelling, and the kind of emotional texture that defines a band ready for a long run.
By mysoundMusic2 months ago in Beat
