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Introduction of Pop Music
Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the 1950s, deriving from rock and roll. The terms “popular music” and “pop music” are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many different styles. Pop music is eclectic, and often borrows elements from other styles such as rock, urban, dance, Latin, and country. Pop music typically focuses on catchy melodies and hooks, and tends to be more commercial in nature than other genres of popular music. It is intended to appeal to a wide audience, and often incorporates elements of other genres such as hip hop, rock, and electronic music.
Pop by Nagamag Playlist on Spotify
Favorite Pop Videos on Youtube
Recent Pop Interviews
Village Boy Prince Interview on Nagamag
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Nagamag:
Which are the genres that describe your music style better?
Village Boy Prince:
I would say Afro Beats, Dancehall, World Music.
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Village Boy Prince:
I’m Village Boy Prince, an international Afro Beats/Dancehall Artist From Sierra Leone. At 8-years-old, is when I knew that music was my calling. I started my musical journey by singing and rapping in front of my then-class. By the time I turned 10, i was the talk of the town! I had already reached notoriety by performing at concerts, talent shows, and cinemas. After relocating to USA I finished up high school, and enrolled at Full Sail University to learn how to record, produce, mix, and master music. My end goal is to become a global recording artist and be self-sufficient when it comes to creating music. Since i arrived in the United States, I have worked vigorously on my skill. As a result, i went from being a singer and songwriter to adding producer and engineer to my list.
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Village Boy Prince:
Yes, I was 8 years old. My dad gave me a Micheal Jackson dvd for thriller. That album really change my life. After I watched and listened to Micheal Jackson, It made me want to do music.
Nagamag:
Many artists listen to genres that they are not producing music for. Which track is your favorite that is NOT similar to yours?
Village Boy Prince:
Future "March Madness"
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which is the track from a similar artist you admire?
Village Boy Prince:
Young Thug "Check"
Estella Dawn Interview on Nagamag
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Nagamag:
Which are the genres that describe your music style better?
Estella Dawn:
Pop/Indie/Neo Soul/Electronic/Adult alternative are probably the main genres I write in. I've never been particularly worried about sticking to one genre, what I'm feeling and what I've been listening to impacts the music I make on any given day, I like to roll with that, Sometimes it's rock/pop other days it's laid back indie, you might not enjoy every song I've written but there's a wide range of styles so something might just tickle your fancy.
Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?
Estella Dawn:
I began classical piano lessons at the age of 9, picked up the guitar a little later, around 13 and started writing more structured songs at that point. Banging away on the keys or strumming the three guitar chords I knew, it really just grew from there. Now I write in my own studio, using Logic. Recording software has helped me to expand my style and flesh out what I hear in my head. Having the ability to create beats and full song instrumentation has made a huge difference in where my songs are now, I've released 12 original songs in 2020/21.
Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?
Estella Dawn:
I can't say that there's any specific moment in my childhood that I can attribute my love of music to, it's something I've always just gravitated to. I used to make up songs from a really young age and I was always just drawn to music related activities. Songwriting has become my way to reflect on and process the world and my experiences within it.
Nagamag:
Do you prefer studio or performing live and why?
Estella Dawn:
I enjoy both! However I am definitely more comfortable in the studio. It's easier to nail a vocal take when I'm not also trying to control my nerves. I've always been a pretty shy gal so I find my throat and voice do funny things when I'm performing live. I just have to work around it when I put my set together, I'll start out with easier songs and save the big belting numbers for later on. That being said, there's truly nothing like being on stage, you feel so close and connected to everyone listening, you also get to set the tone and create a mood. I think there's something incredibly special about live music, ultimately it's an experience shared between the people there that night and the performer. The show will be different, every crowd will react differently, every song will be sung/played a little different, you can't recreate that, it's like a snowflake.
Nagamag:
Who would you consider your main musical influences?
Estella Dawn:
Musically I have always been drawn to songwriters with interesting lyrics, or singers with strong vocal performances. Ultimately songs that make you feel something. I would say I draw inspiration from songwriters like Halsey, Jaymes Young and Dermot Kennedy. I also really love that artists like Billie and
Finneas Eilish created such interesting and original music from their house. That they made every creative decision from the songwriting itself to the production and everything in between is incredibly inspiring. I also really admire artists like Sam Cooke, Etta James, Julie London, Ella Fitzgerald, their songs just hit you in all of the right places. It's timeless music and you can't beat the emotion they pour into their singing.
Nagamag:
Many artists listen to genres that they are not producing music for. Which track is your favorite that is NOT similar to yours?
Estella Dawn:
Redbone "Come and Get Your Love"
Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which is the track from a similar artist you admire?
Estella Dawn:
Dermot Kennedy ‘Power Over Me’
Pop Featured Releases
Momentum Review: Defenceless – Cormac | Pop
Music Review:
“Το εκλεπτυσμένο και εκφραστικό ύφος των φωνητικών μάς κερδίζει από την πρώτη στιγμή και νιώθουμε μέσα μας την ευαισθησία και την ειλικρίνειά τους. Η όμορφη μελωδία μάς περιβάλλει απαλά και, μέσα από αυτήν, μαθαίνουμε να ακούμε πιο προσεκτικά τα συναισθήματά μας. Λικνιζόμαστε ανάλαφρα στον ρυθμό, αφήνοντας τη μουσική να μας οδηγήσει με φυσικότητα και συναίσθημα.”
-Nagamag.com
Press Release – About Song:
Defenceless’ reflects the uncertainty of being a teenage boy today — wanting to be emotionally open, but unsure how that’s meant to look in real life. It’s a direct, honest piece of writing about second-guessing yourself, trying to be resilient, and figuring things out as you go. Co-written with Henry Maybury and producer Jon Cohen, “Defenceless” keeps the focus on the vocal and the lyric. The production is deliberately understated, giving the song space to breathe and allowing the emotion to come through without overstatement. It’s reflective rather than dramatic — a snapshot of where Cormac is now, both personally and creatively.
Fresh Find Review: “PRETTY” by Gina Kaz | Now that’s a Pop Discovery
Music Review:
“Ένα μουσικό κομμάτι με δυναμική επιρροή που σίγουρα απολαμβάνεις να ακούς. Φωνητικά με ευαισθησία αλλά και πάθος που σε παρασύρουν στο μεθυστικό τους ταξίδι. Τα συναισθήματά μας βρίσκουν διέξοδο και η μελωδία ηχεί τόσο λυτρωτικά στα αφτιά μας. Ο ρυθμός με το μαγικό άγγιγμά του απογειώνει τις θετικές σκέψεις.”
-Nagamag.com
Feature Review: A B3ing – Between The Here & Now | An essential Pop Song
Music Review:
“Η ιδιαίτερα και ατμοσφαιρική μελωδία εξάπτει την φαντασία μας και ανακαλύπτουμε νέες πτυχές του εαυτού μας. Ξεχωριστή και πρωτότυποι ήχοι χαϊδεύουν τα αφτιά μας. Μέσα από ένα υπερκόσμιο ταξίδι ο ρυθμός μας κρατά σε εγρήγορση και αγωνία και είναι τόσο υπέροχο αυτό. Τα φωνητικά απόλυτα ταιριασμένα με το πληθωρικό και επιβλητικό ύφος τους δίνουν περισσότερο χρώμα και μαγεία στο κομμάτι και το ανεβάζουν σε άλλο επίπεδο.”
-Nagamag.com
Latest Pop discoveries
Feature Review: Alan Murin – All I Need Is Love | An essential Pop Song
All I Need Is Love” by Alan Murin leans into emotional clarity with a tenderness that never feels overstated. The vocals arr... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #indiepop #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Louis Torre – where did the time go? | Pop Review
Where Did the Time Go?” by Louis Torre radiates the kind of warmth that feels immediate yet carefully restrained. The vocals... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #commercial #louistorre #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Single Review: Sani Knight – Pull Me Over | Listen to Pop
In Pull Me Over,” Sani Knight builds a track where attraction becomes the driving force. The vocals, full of passion and car... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #neosoul #adultcontemporary #saniknight #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Max Maryott – Cold in California Review | Pop Discovery
In Cold in California,” Max Maryott opts for clarity over excess, letting a crisp, clean-lined melody carry the emotional we... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #electropop #darkpop #maxmaryott #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Jay Denton – Follow The Lies | Pop Review
Jay Denton’s Follow The Lies leans into an emotional intensity that doesn’t need excess to make itself felt. The vocals, full... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #poprock #jaydenton #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Song Review: “Falling Into You” by Eliz | A Pop Discovery
On Falling Into You,” Eliz shapes a sonic landscape grounded in a delicate balance between intimacy and romantic escapism. H... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #indiepop #adultcontemporary #eliz #unitedstates #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Song Review: “The Impostor” by AiramFM | A Pop Discovery
In The Impostor,” AiramFM builds an ethereal sonic identity where the vocals do not merely stand out—they dominate. With a f... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #electropop #darkpop #airamfm #denmark #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Single Review: Cécilia Pascal – Villain | Listen to Pop
In Villain,” Cécilia Pascal constructs a setting where tension doesn’t simply build—it is present from the very first moment... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #alternativerock #darkpop #céciliapascal #france #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
“Antihero” by Sam Kanter | Pop Review
Το Antihero του Sam Kanter λειτουργεί σαν μια υπνωτιστική κατάδυση στον εσωτερικό κόσμο, όπου η ατμοσφαιρική του υφή δεν σε β... >>> Read full review & listen to the song on Nagamag #bedroom #lofipop #samkanter #nagamag #musicmagazine #musicreview #review
Some Pop subgenres
There are many subgenres within the broad category of pop music, each with its own distinct characteristics and influences. Some examples of subgenres of pop music include:
Pop rock: A blend of pop music and rock music, characterized by catchy melodies and a rock-influenced sound.
Dance-pop: A subgenre of pop music that is characterized by a strong beat and electronic production, often incorporating elements of dance and electronic music.
Power pop: A subgenre of pop music that is characterized by a catchy, upbeat sound and strong melodies.
Pop punk: A subgenre of pop music that combines elements of punk rock and pop, characterized by fast tempos, catchy melodies, and often humorous lyrics.
Pop soul: A subgenre of pop music that combines elements of soul and pop, characterized by emotive vocals and a soulful sound.
Pop ballad: A subgenre of pop music characterized by slow, emotional melodies and lyrics.
Bubblegum pop: A subgenre of pop music characterized by a light, upbeat sound and simple, catchy melodies. Bubblegum pop is often associated with teen pop and is often marketed towards a younger audience.
Synth-pop: A subgenre of pop music that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by the use of synthesizers and electronic production techniques. Synth-pop is often associated with the new wave and post-disco movements.
Electropop: A subgenre of pop music that incorporates elements of electronic music, characterized by the use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments.
Pop rap: A subgenre of pop music that combines elements of pop and hip hop, characterized by catchy melodies and rap vocals.
Teen pop: A subgenre of pop music that is marketed towards a teenage audience and often features young, attractive performers. Teen pop is often characterized by a light, upbeat sound and catchy melodies.
Alternative pop: A subgenre of pop music that incorporates elements of alternative rock and pop, and is often characterized by a more experimental or avant-garde sound.
Adult contemporary: A subgenre of pop music that is aimed at a more mature audience and characterized by a soft, easy-listening sound. Adult contemporary often features smooth vocals and a polished production style.
These are just a few examples of the many subgenres of pop music. Pop music is a diverse and constantly evolving genre, and new subgenres continue to emerge over time.
The most used instruments in Pop Music
There are many instruments that are commonly used in pop music, and the specific instruments used can vary depending on the particular style and sound of the music. Some common instruments used in pop music include:
Vocals: The human voice is an important instrument in pop music, and many pop songs feature prominent vocals and harmonies. Vocals refer to the human voice, and they are often a prominent part of pop songs. Pop music often features prominent vocals and harmonies, and the vocals are often an important part of the song’s appeal. Pop singers are known for their powerful and emotive voices, and many pop songs are known for their memorable and catchy vocal melodies. Pop music can feature solo singers, or it can feature group vocals, such as a choir or a group of backing singers. Vocals are an important part of pop music, and they play a significant role in conveying the theme or emotion of the song. In pop music, lyrics are often used to convey emotions and tell a story, and they can be personal, political, or simply meant to entertain. Pop song lyrics can cover a wide range of topics, including love, heartbreak, social issues, and personal experiences. The lyrics of a song are often an important part of the song’s appeal and are often remembered long after the song has been heard.
Electric guitar: The electric guitar is a common instrument in pop music, and is often used to add a rock or blues-influenced sound to the music.
Drums: Drums are a fundamental part of most pop music, and provide the rhythmic foundation for the music.
Bass guitar: The bass guitar is often used in pop music to provide a solid foundation for the music, and is often used in combination with the drums to create a strong rhythm section.
Keyboard: Keyboard instruments, such as pianos, organs, and synthesizers, are commonly used in pop music to add variety and depth to the sound.
Percussion: Percussion instruments, such as congas, bongos, and shakers, are often used in pop music to add texture and rhythm to the music.
String instruments: String instruments, such as violins, cellos, and guitars, are often used in pop music to add depth and texture to the sound.
These are just a few examples of the many instruments that are commonly used in pop music. The specific instruments used can vary widely depending on the style and sound of the music.