Colombia

From Cumbia to Shakira

Caribbean styles of music are some of the most popular and well-liked genres in the Colombian music culture. Cumbia is a Caribbean style that combines Spanish and African sounds. This type of music is reminiscent of the horrifying slavery before it was abolished in the 19th century.

Cumbia is very rhythmic, and when it originated, it included only vocals and drums. Recently, musicians have added other percussion elements such as keyboards, plus the saxophone and trombones. The unofficial Colombia national anthem is a form of cumbia called "Cumbia Cienaguera," which represents the flavor and atmosphere of Colombia.

Currulao is the most African-influenced genre of music specifically from the Pacific region of the country. This type of music is traditionally played by four musicians and the instruments include a drum, a shaker and a Colombian marimba.

One of the most contemporary styles of music in Colombia is the salsa. Salsa dancing has become a popular competitive activity, with Colombian dancers receiving awards every year from international competitions. Colombian salsa dancing has a particular style unique to other countries' salsa traditions, as they focus more on footwork while the upper body remains still.

Like every other country, Colombia has a pretty prominent rock scene, having dabbled in other genres like metal, alternative and ska. In other countries of Latin America, Colombia is known for its punk rock scene. Electronic music has also hit the country in recent years, leading to the development of raves and dance parties.

Pop music almost always mixes traditional Colombian sounds with more modern genres. The most prominent and successful Colombian musician is Shakira, who has achieved international success and began writing albums in English, making it to the mainstream radio in America. Juanes is another famous Colombian musician who has seen his songs top charts all over the world.

Sidestepper


One of the most popular bands in Colombia, Sidestepper is known for combining modern electronic sounds and traditional cumbian sounds, creating the genre "electro cumbia." The band has included many different musicians since its formation in 1996. It features guest vocalists and musicians who rotate in and out of shows and recording.

The band was created when Richard Blair, an English DJ, and Iván Benavides, a Colombian singer/songwriter, collaborated musically. The band has released five studio albums, the last one, The Buena Vibra Sound System, having been released in 2008 as a mix album.

Since then, Sidestepper has been without a record contract, but still working together minus Benavides, who moved from New York back to Colombia to work on a solo project. The band is currently working on a new album which is expected for release in 2013.

Sidestepper has found success inside and outside Colombia's musical culture. They are very roots-oriented with a modern flair. In 2004, the band played at Coachella, a major music festival in the United States.

Russia

A Rock Revolution

Classical music has always been a large staple in Russian culture. In the 18th century, many famous Russian composers were influenced by Italian opera. One of the most popular and celebrated composers from this time period was Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who was known for the famous ballets, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty.

The 20th century brought with it a new wave of music inspired by the Russian Revolution and then the Soviet Union. "Avant garde" music was popular in the beginning of the century, with a revolutionary spirit about it. Later, under the rule of Joseph Stalin, experimentation in music dwindled and classical structure was favored.

Throughout the century, Russian music expanded and introduced modern American forms of rock and pop music. Russian rock music hit its peak in the 1980s with popular musicians like Kino, Aria and DDT.

While pop music was prevalent in the 20th century, it didn't really become mainstream until the 2000s with one of Russia's most famous pop duos, t.a.T.u.

And again, since rock was the main staple in the '80s and '90s, other musical genres like alternative rock, punk rock and grunge weren't that prevalent until the 21st century. Most of this mainstream music is broadcasted to the public via MTV Russia and other national radio stations.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early '90s, the Russian music scene has taken part in increasing experimentation. A type of music called "Russian chanson" is specific to solely Russian culture, and it is basically about the daily struggles in life and the criminal world.

In contrast to America and many European countries, electronic and dance music are not very popular in Russia. The few electronic musicians who do exist remain pretty independent and under-promoted.

Dima Bilan (Дима Билан)

The Russian singer/songwriter is best know for having won the Eurovision song contest award in 2008 with the song "Believe."

At the mere age of 31, the successful musician has released six albums to date and has received 32 awards.

Having started releasing albums in 2003, Bilan began recording his first international music in English four years later with one of his singles featuring Nelly Furtado. By 2008, Bilan had plans to release the album in three languages--Russian, English and Spanish.

His first single from this new album, "Number One Fan," achieved international success and was picked up by Interscope Records, who wanted to release the English version in 81 different countries.

Along with his musical career, Bilan has also enjoyed success as an actor in a number of Russian films and television series.