bhangra

Where did it start

• Punjab region of india

• Now split between india + Pakistan

What is contemporary bhangra

• a fusion of different influences

What is it combined with

• western pop + dance music combined with trad Punjabi music

Structure

• similar to regular pop song

• Verses, choruses, instrumental sections

Sampling

• samples from Bollywood soundtracks

Chaal

• fundamental Bhangra rhythm played by Dhol

Dhol

• double headed drum played with sticks

Tumbi

• a single stringed instrument playing repeated riffs

Key features - m i

• microtonal intervals → sliding to/between notes

Key features - b 2+4

• beats 2 + 4 accented → “hoi!”

Key features - p +m

• pitch and melody

• Riffs

• Repetitive melodies

Key features - tonality

• simple diatonic chords

Key features - structure

• verse-chorus + instrumentals

Key features - instruments + timbre

• microtonal intervals

• Punjabi lyrics

• Trad instruments

Key features - texture

• melody + accompaniment

• Interplay between lead vocalists + backing singers

Key features - tempo

• 4/4ellegro

• Steady tempo

Key features - technology

• drum loops

• Synths

• Samples