In case you weren’t able to make it out, here’s a quick recap of January’s Iconic Skills classes! Just as a reminder, Iconic Skills takes place every Tuesday at 7 p.m stage level, with our fantastic coach Aijia! This past month, she focused on World Music.
BoA: Korea’s Queen of K-Pop
Born in Namyangju, South Korea, BoA got an early start to her musician education. At age 11 she was scouted by talent agents and was provided with 2 years of intensive training before she signed a record deal with SM Entertainment at the age of 13.
BoA studied hard to learn English and Japanese. After releasing her debut album in Korean in the year 2000, she released an English version of the same record in 2001, with a Japanese version to follow soon.
BoA has changed her sound as she has matured, moving from a cute and sweet style to a more adult and sultry one.
What makes BoA iconic is the light, breathy tone quality of her vocals. This original sound has helped her become one of the only artists to have success in multiple countries across Asia.
Here are a few of her most famous songs:
Listen to My Heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK3qpJfb7w8
Amazing Kiss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtBi1ZfLEt4
Every Heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NphHQciQjAI
Gusttavo Lima: Brazil’s current face of modern Sertanejo
Born in Minas Gerais, Brazil Lima also started his musical experience at a young age. By 9 years old he was a soloist in a children’s choir, and at 10 he joined a band his brothers had created called Trio Remelexo.
After polishing his vocal talents, Lima released his debut album in 2009. Once he had achieved success with a few hit songs, Lima made the interesting decision to record the majority of his future albums live. He is one of the few big name artists to do this anywhere in the world.
Lima is iconic for being the world’s most famous singer of the sertanejo genre of music. Sertanejo is a brazillion musical style that in a modern context combines rhythmic beats with romantic ballad-type melodies.
Here are a few of his most successful songs to get you started:
Balada: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnDnH0CsqLE
Inventor dos Amores: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbG8J9VB2Oo
Cor de Ouro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLhQnbDdeo8
Shreya Ghoshal: Bollywood’s Greatest Diva
Born in Bernhampore, West Bengal, she showed musical talent at an early age, starting her formal vocal training at six years old. She also began to study the Tanpura, an Indian classical instrument similar to the guitar by the age of eight.
By age 12 she had won a talent show on TV which allowed her to break into the industry and create her debut album Bendhechhi Beena in 1998.
Ghoshal is iconic for being the most played singer in the modern Bollywood film industry. Thanks to her talent and early training, her vocal intonation is flawless, singing with grace and ease through an array of intricate major and minor scale structures.
Here are a few of her most famous songs:
Manwa Laage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8IT-16kA8M
Agar Tum Saath Ho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK7riqg2mr4
Dola Re Dola: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUOpLG1QIr8
Jovanotti: Italy’s Very Own
Born in Rome, Italy, Jovanotti interestingly started his musical career as a radio DJ. Soon after, he was inspired to begin releasing his own music. His first album, Jovanotti for President was highly influential with Italian youth in the 1980’s.
Since then he has released 7 number one albums, growing his sound with influences from hip-hop, ska, classical, and world music.
Jovanotti is iconic for addressing serious issues such as politics, philosophy, and religion with his music. What’s more, he continually stands behind these ideals, having performed in international efforts such as Make Poverty History and Live 8.
Here are a few of his most popular songs:
Baciami Ancora: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsCCnpcGEWI
Bella: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2RccC7UCnY
Tutto L’Amore Che Ho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3HwnYbU_1A
This month coach Aijia will be focusing on romantic singers. Iconic Skills is held every Tuesday stage level at 7 p.m. We hope to see you there!