Project Proposal with Rubric out of 100 points:My Independent Project will be like a Teen magazine. I will write articles about things in the entertainment field such as music, movies, etc. Music is a big part of my life and I love it. I also enjoy watching movies, TV shows and knowing what’s new with my favorite singers such as album dates, etc. I will post my favorite songs and videos and also information about movies, my opinion on it, and whether it’s a go see or not. I plan to also add poems I have written. This project will show my interests in music and things about me. I will grade myself on creativity and how well written my articles are.
Due at the End of Class on 4/22: Brainstorming ideas
Due at the End of Class on 4/23: First article on Namie Amuro
GETTING WILD Namie Amuro, a very popular and talented singer in Japan, has released new music to be enjoyed. After her successful release last year of “BEST FICTION,” an album full of her previous work from various years in her music career, she has now come out with the release of her new single "WILD/Dr." "Wild" has a catchy, upbeat, techno sound which catches your attention the moment you hear it. The video is set in outer space where Amuro and a large amount of dancers get wild to the fast song. The number of dancers increase in the video by breaking the stone walls of a pyramid sitting on a far away planet in space.
The song called “Dr.” has very unique and futuristic sound. The abrupt sound of a band playing in the chorus interrupts the rhythmic song; it takes some getting used to, but it is different from most songs. The song is about a person missing the relationship they were in and how they are still in love. Where does the doctor come in? She is talking to a doctor asking him to save her relationship with a boyfriend and is asking the doctor to help them out. The video is different from the song; however, in that it is an animation video about a girl who is set out to save the world from the devastating destruction it had faced up until the year 3000. A man who looks to be a mad scientist helps her travel through time as she struggles to bring things back to order. By her touch and even her presence she can bring things back to life, but enemies do their best to keep her from changing the world. By the end of the video she is in present day hovering over the ocean and flying towards a young girl. Before showing any more, the video ends at a “to be continued.”
In addition to this single and these videos, Amuro did a commercial for Coca Colaâ promoting “Wild Health” as she danced to her song “Wild.” Streams of red lights circled her as she moved to the beat in front of a large black and red speaker. Afterwards she picked up a Coke bottle, drank it, and quenched her thirst. The short thirty second commercial you can hear how geat the song is.
Due at the End of Class on 4/24: Movie Reviews Movies.doc
Due at the End of Class: 4/25: Article on Hikaru Utada and Boa Kwon
Coming To America
Hikaru Utada and Boa Kwon, both popular singers in East Asia, are both debuting in America this year. Utada (on the left), a twenty six year old who grew up speaking both English and Japanese in Manhattan, New York, released her second U.S. album on May 12 called “This Is The One.” Her song called “Come Back to Me” is a slow ballad that has been released and played on the radio. She has also been performing another song off of her album called “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence-FYI” which has a melody derived from a piano song by Ryuichi Sakamoto with the same title “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence.” This song is more upbeat with its own unique sound. Utada has other great songs on her album such as “Apples and Cinnamon” and “Me Muero.” Hikaru Utada will bring a new sound to America with her creative lyrics and music. She has previously made an album entitled “Exodus” which came out October 5, 2004. Unfortunately, this album was not very successful in America. “This is the One” may be the one to give her great success in the U.S.
In Japan Hikaru Utada is referred to as Utada Hikaru because last name is said first in that country. There she is a very successful singer. Her last album from 2008 called “Heart Station” had great hits such as the song “Heart Station” and the song “Stay Gold.” One of her songs from this album entitled “Prisoner of Love” was used as a theme song for a Japanese Drama called “Last Friends.” She is also the singer of the theme songs for video games called “Kingdom Hearts” and “Kingdom Hearts 2” in both America and Japan. The songs are called “Simple and Clean” and “Passion.” She has also created a variety of excellent music on her other Japanese albums such as “Distance“, “Deep River”, “Ultra Blue”, and many more. Overall, she had about nine albums. All of this popularity in Japan started with her first album titled “First Love.” The release of her debut song “Automatic” helped her launch her overseas career. Coming from a musical background of a music producing father and singing mother, she was always around music. When she created an album under the name “Cubic U,” she was discovered by a Japanese music producer. Ever since then, Utada has had a great influence on Japanese pop culture and will continue to. Soon, she will have an influence on the U.S. as well.
Boa Kwon (on the right), a twenty two year old from South Korea, has also debuted in the U.S on March 17, 2009 with her self-entitled album. Boa started her music career at the age of eleven when she was discovered by SM entertainment. At the age of thirteen she had her debut with the release of her album “ID; Peace B” on August 25, 2000. She became a popular artist there and has been ever since. Another great Korean album she has created is titled “My Name.” This is only where she started.
Boa debuted in Japan a year after she started singing in Korea. She can speak Japanese fluently; therefore, has created many albums in Japanese. There she also became very well known and successful. Her Japanese music is just as exceptional as her Korean music. “Dakishimetai” is an example of her songs that are upbeat, poppy, and fun to listen to. She also has great ballads such as “Everlasting” which she made in Korean and Japanese and “Can’t Let Go” which is on her Korean album “Girls On Top.”
This year “Eien,” Boa’s new song in Japan which she has made a video for, has been released. Boa’s great dance moves are shown in this video.
With all the popularity Boa has in Korea and Japan, she did not decide to stop there. Now, she debuted in the U.S. with her song called “Eat You Up.” This song has a fast and catchy beat that makes the song enjoyable to listen to. The video which a majority of it is set in a ballet school has Boa and her crew of dancers busting through the doors and bringing it their exciting music and dance moves.
Also, after the release of Boa’s album, she had recently made a video to her song “I Did It For Love” featuring Sean Garret. This song, also upbeat, is something you would expect to be heard on the radio and in people’s cars. Boa’s talents in music should help her become as popular in America as she is in Korea and Japan. Hikaru Utada and Boa have the potential to become major singers in the U.S. both are talented and will add a significant contribution to music in America.
Due at the End of Class on 4/30:
Just Listen... There are songs that you just dance to while having fun, there are songs you blast in the car when it comes on the radio and then forget about when it is not promoted anymore. Then, there are songs that stay with you that you can relate to and enjoy. Those ones have meaning. Ghost in a Shell: Stand Alone Complex
The soundtrack, composed by various artists, that to the anime show called Ghost In a Shell has a great song with a relatable meaning. Vocal: Ilaria Graziano
Music: Yoko Kanno Where Does This Ocean Go? All day the city's selling something
always, the busy people spinning 'round
busier
dizzier
'til they go back home to somewhere
and taxies stop to say "hello"
"want a ride? I'll take you there"
"to anywhere, just tell my driver"
the sun is casting shadows
an afternoon is fading
I ask, but no one knows
the answer to the question
my life is like an island
where does this ocean go?
shyly, a wino sips his wine
slowly, cause to him that is all that matters
he sees a cat he knows so well
now sleeping on a bench together
a woman waiting by herself, selling flowers
"please buy some, so I can help my daughter, will you?"
the man with spider eyebrows
is standing on a corner
"who wants to see a show?"
his head looks like a melon
he turns into an alley
then stops to blow his nose
sky is filled with neon
the buildings stand electric
and almost seem to glow
want answers to the question
my life is like an island
where does the ocean go?
I really want to know
my life is like an island
it's time for me now to fly
where does the ocean go?
Mentioning what’s seen gives good imagery. But what does it mean? They are talking about all of the life that is going on around them. Everyone is trying to survive and live. Life is referred to as an Ocean in this song; it never stops moving and continues on. Overall, song is about someone who’s life does not seem to be going anywhere and they are trying to figure out what is most important in life and what they are meant to be. Deep River
This album was created by Utada Hikaru and was released in Japan. This whole album has great music on it. The song, also called “Deep River” is in Japanese but was translated into English. Vocal/Lyrics: Utada Hikaru Music: Utada Hikaru Deep River Does the line my finger trace
As if I were connecting two points
Show the road I’ve taken or where I’m headed?
The two of us connect our lines
And soon everyone will reach the ocean
We’ll become one so I’m not scared
We float down many rivers
Without asking why
Together with the name we’re given
You don’t have to accept
Everything that happens
Now our pain flies away
You weren’t entrusted with a sword
To know what clashing swords sound like
Who can you protect with that contradiction?
You’ve changed appearances so many times
And floated down before me
I’m searching for you today
You don’t have to be accepted
Everywhere you go
We all were gifted with our own sword of individuality
Float down a different river sometimes
Without carrying anything
Together with the name we’re given
You don’t have to accept
Everything that happens
The birds face the sea breeze and fly away now This song is about learning to be who you are no matter what people think of you. It is also about accepting things in life good and bad and learning from it. Overall, the point is about figuring out who you are.
I Am…Sasha Fierce
The song “Smash Into You” is a love song on Beyonce’s lastest album. Vocal: Beyonce Smash Into You
Head down
As I watch my feet take turns hitting the ground
Eyes shut
I find myself in love racing the Earth
And I'm soaked in your love, oh
And love was right in my path, in my grasp
And me and you belong
I wanna run (run)
Smash into you
I wanna run (run)
Smash into you
Ears closed
What I hear no one else has to know
'Cause I know that what we have is worth first place in gold
And I'm soaked in your love, ah
And love was right in my path, in my grasp
And me and you belong
I wanna run (run)
Smash into you
I wanna run (run)
Smash into you
Smash into you
Head down
As I watch my feet take turns hitting the ground
Eyes shut
I'm in love and I'm racing the Earth
I'm soaked in your love
And your love was right in my path ,in my grasp
And me and you belong
Oh, I wanna run
Smash into you
I'm willing to run (run)
Smash into you
I'm willing to run, run, run, run
ru-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-uh
I'm willing to run, run, run, run
ru-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-uh
And I wanna run, run
And smash into you
I'm willing to run, run
Smash into you This song has a creative way to explain love for someone else. “I want to run, smash into you” is a way of saying that they want to be with the one they love all the time. They want to embrace the love they have with each other and become so close that they are one.
Presentations/Celebration will occur on Friday, May 1.
Final Comments/Self-Evaluation: I really enjoyed doing this project. I like how we can post our work for our classmates to see.
I also liked being able to express my interests through this as well. I think that i did a good
job on my project. i would like to continue posting things to my page.
I will grade myself on creativity and how well written my articles are.
Due at the End of Class on 4/22: Brainstorming ideas
Due at the End of Class on 4/23: First article on Namie Amuro
GETTING WILD
Namie Amuro, a very popular and talented singer in Japan, has released new music to be enjoyed. After her successful release last year of “BEST FICTION,” an album full of her previous work from various years in her music career, she has now come out with the release of her new single "WILD/Dr." "Wild" has a catchy, upbeat, techno sound which catches your attention the moment you hear it. The video is set in outer space where Amuro and a large amount of dancers get wild to the fast song. The number of dancers increase in the video by breaking the stone walls of a pyramid sitting on a far away planet in space.
The song called “Dr.” has very unique and futuristic sound. The abrupt sound of a band playing in the chorus interrupts the rhythmic song; it takes some getting used to, but it is different from most songs. The song is about a person missing the relationship they were in and how they are still in love. Where does the doctor come in? She is talking to a doctor asking him to save her relationship with a boyfriend and is asking the doctor to help them out. The video is different from the song; however, in that it is an animation video about a girl who is set out to save the world from the devastating destruction it had faced up until the year 3000. A man who looks to be a mad scientist helps her travel through time as she struggles to bring things back to order. By her touch and even her presence she can bring things back to life, but enemies do their best to keep her from changing the world. By the end of the video she is in present day hovering over the ocean and flying towards a young girl. Before showing any more, the video ends at a “to be continued.”
In addition to this single and these videos, Amuro did a commercial for Coca Colaâ promoting “Wild Health” as she danced to her song “Wild.” Streams of red lights circled her as she moved to the beat in front of a large black and red speaker. Afterwards she picked up a Coke bottle, drank it, and quenched her thirst. The short thirty second commercial you can hear how geat the song is.
Namie Amuro should release another song and video soon to add to “Dr." so that the interesting story being portrayed can be continued. All of this should lead to the release of her next album which, by the looks of it, will be full of exciting and fresh new music.
Background Information
Namie amuro has been on the music scene since she was fourteen in the girl group called Super Monkey’s. In1995 Amuro became a solo artist on the label Avex Trax and released her first album called Dance Track Vol.1. She continued creating albums such as Sweet 19 Blues, Concentration 20, 181920, and more. Overall she has made about ten albums. She has been a large influence in Japanese pop culture.
LINKS TO NAMIE AMURO VIDEOS:
"Wild" Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeELzFQjG90&feature=PlayList&p=92159F81F9BE0755&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=40
Coca Cola Commercial: http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/cm/video/x8byok_cm-namie-amuro-wild-health-coca-col_music
"Dr." Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMVLewy7Wm8
Performance of "Luvotomy": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L0GUPQUKkw
"Can't Eat, Can't Sleep, I'm Sick" Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqJiRfx6Z5U&feature=related
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namie_Amuro (used for background information)
Other Albums:
Due at the End of Class on 4/24: Movie Reviews
Movies.doc
Due at the End of Class: 4/25: Article on Hikaru Utada and Boa Kwon
Coming To America
Hikaru Utada and Boa Kwon, both popular singers in East Asia, are both debuting in America this year. Utada (on the left), a twenty six year old who grew up speaking both English and Japanese in Manhattan, New York, released her second U.S. album on May 12 called “This Is The One.” Her song called “Come Back to Me” is a slow ballad that has been released and played on the radio. She has also been performing another song off of her album called “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence-FYI” which has a melody derived from a piano song by Ryuichi Sakamoto with the same title “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence.” This song is more upbeat with its own unique sound. Utada has other great songs on her album such as “Apples and Cinnamon” and “Me Muero.” Hikaru Utada will bring a new sound to America with her creative lyrics and music. She has previously made an album entitled “Exodus” which came out October 5, 2004. Unfortunately, this album was not very successful in America. “This is the One” may be the one to give her great success in the U.S.
In Japan Hikaru Utada is referred to as Utada Hikaru because last name is said first in that country. There she is a very successful singer. Her last album from 2008 called “Heart Station” had great hits such as the song “Heart Station” and the song “Stay Gold.” One of her songs from this album entitled “Prisoner of Love” was used as a theme song for a Japanese Drama called “Last Friends.” She is also the singer of the theme songs for video games called “Kingdom Hearts” and “Kingdom Hearts 2” in both America and Japan. The songs are called “Simple and Clean” and “Passion.” She has also created a variety of excellent music on her other Japanese albums such as “Distance“, “Deep River”, “Ultra Blue”, and many more. Overall, she had about nine albums. All of this popularity in Japan started with her first album titled “First Love.” The release of her debut song “Automatic” helped her launch her overseas career. Coming from a musical background of a music producing father and singing mother, she was always around music. When she created an album under the name “Cubic U,” she was discovered by a Japanese music producer. Ever since then, Utada has had a great influence on Japanese pop culture and will continue to. Soon, she will have an influence on the U.S. as well.
Boa Kwon (on the right), a twenty two year old from South Korea, has also debuted in the U.S on M
Boa debuted in Japan a year after she started singing in Korea. She can speak Japanese fluently; therefore, has created many albums in Japanese. There she also became very well known and successful. Her Japanese music is just as exceptional as her Korean music. “Dakishimetai” is an example of her songs that are upbeat, poppy, and fun to listen to. She also has great ballads such as “Everlasting” which she made in Korean and Japanese and “Can’t Let Go” which is on her Korean album “Girls On Top.”
This year “Eien,” Boa’s new song in Japan which she has made a video for, has been released. Boa’s great dance moves are shown in this video.
With all the popularity Boa has in Korea and Japan, she did not decide to stop there. Now, she debuted in the U.S. with her song called “Eat You Up.” This song has a fast and catchy beat that makes the song enjoyable to listen to. The video which a majority of it is set in a ballet school has Boa and her crew of dancers busting through the doors and bringing it their exciting music and dance moves.
Also, after the release of Boa’s album, she had recently made a video to her song “I Did It For Love” featuring Sean Garret. This song, also upbeat, is something you would expect to be heard on the radio and in people’s cars. Boa’s talents in music should help her become as popular in America as she is in Korea and Japan. Hikaru Utada and Boa have the potential to become major singers in the U.S. both
Boa Music Videos:
Eat You Up: http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/boa-+eat+you+up/video/x74em7_boa-eat-you-up-asian-version_music
I Did It For Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFny8iYc9L8
Utada Hikaru Videos:
Sakura Drops: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG0mQRigRtk
Passion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVeT92iKppA&feature=related
Sources:
__http://www.chinatownconnection.com/boa-kwon.htm__
__http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fm20090320a1.html__
Due at the End of Class on 4/30:
Just Listen...
There are songs that you just dance to while having fun, there are songs you blast in the car when it comes on the radio and then forget about when it is not promoted anymore. Then, there are songs that stay with you that you can relate to and enjoy. Those ones have meaning.
Ghost in a Shell: Stand Alone Complex
The soundtrack, composed by various artists, that to the anime show called Ghost In a Shell has a great song with a relatable meaning.
Vocal: Ilaria Graziano
Music: Yoko Kanno
Where Does This Ocean Go?
All day the city's selling something
always, the busy people spinning 'round
busier
dizzier
'til they go back home to somewhere
and taxies stop to say "hello"
"want a ride? I'll take you there"
"to anywhere, just tell my driver"
the sun is casting shadows
an afternoon is fading
I ask, but no one knows
the answer to the question
my life is like an island
where does this ocean go?
shyly, a wino sips his wine
slowly, cause to him that is all that matters
he sees a cat he knows so well
now sleeping on a bench together
a woman waiting by herself, selling flowers
"please buy some, so I can help my daughter, will you?"
the man with spider eyebrows
is standing on a corner
"who wants to see a show?"
his head looks like a melon
he turns into an alley
then stops to blow his nose
sky is filled with neon
the buildings stand electric
and almost seem to glow
want answers to the question
my life is like an island
where does the ocean go?
I really want to know
my life is like an island
it's time for me now to fly
where does the ocean go?
Mentioning what’s seen gives good imagery. But what does it mean? They are talking about all of the life that is going on around them. Everyone is trying to survive and live. Life is referred to as an Ocean in this song; it never stops moving and continues on. Overall, song is about someone who’s life does not seem to be going anywhere and they are trying to figure out what is most important in life and what they are meant to be.
Deep River
This album was created by Utada Hikaru and was released in Japan. This whole album has great music on it. The song, also called “Deep River” is in Japanese but was translated into English.
Vocal/Lyrics: Utada Hikaru
Music: Utada Hikaru
Deep River
Does the line my finger trace
As if I were connecting two points
Show the road I’ve taken or where I’m headed?
The two of us connect our lines
And soon everyone will reach the ocean
We’ll become one so I’m not scared
We float down many rivers
Without asking why
Together with the name we’re given
You don’t have to accept
Everything that happens
Now our pain flies away
You weren’t entrusted with a sword
To know what clashing swords sound like
Who can you protect with that contradiction?
You’ve changed appearances so many times
And floated down before me
I’m searching for you today
You don’t have to be accepted
Everywhere you go
We all were gifted with our own sword of individuality
Float down a different river sometimes
Without carrying anything
Together with the name we’re given
You don’t have to accept
Everything that happens
The birds face the sea breeze and fly away now
This song is about learning to be who you are no matter what people think of you. It is also about accepting things in life good and bad and learning from it. Overall, the point is about figuring out who you are.
I Am…Sasha Fierce
The song “Smash Into You” is a love song on Beyonce’s lastest album.
Vocal: Beyonce
Smash Into You
Head down
As I watch my feet take turns hitting the ground
Eyes shut
I find myself in love racing the Earth
And I'm soaked in your love, oh
And love was right in my path, in my grasp
And me and you belong
I wanna run (run)
Smash into you
I wanna run (run)
Smash into you
Ears closed
What I hear no one else has to know
'Cause I know that what we have is worth first place in gold
And I'm soaked in your love, ah
And love was right in my path, in my grasp
And me and you belong
I wanna run (run)
Smash into you
I wanna run (run)
Smash into you
Smash into you
Head down
As I watch my feet take turns hitting the ground
Eyes shut
I'm in love and I'm racing the Earth
I'm soaked in your love
And your love was right in my path ,in my grasp
And me and you belong
Oh, I wanna run
Smash into you
I'm willing to run (run)
Smash into you
I'm willing to run, run, run, run
ru-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-uh
I'm willing to run, run, run, run
ru-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-uh
And I wanna run, run
And smash into you
I'm willing to run, run
Smash into you
This song has a creative way to explain love for someone else. “I want to run, smash into you” is a way of saying that they want to be with the one they love all the time. They want to embrace the love they have with each other and become so close that they are one.
Utada Hikaru's "Deep River" video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgK-PkHi7rA
Other Great Songs:
Telepopmusik- "Breathe" Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyut3GyQtn0
Sources for lyrics:
http://www.animelyrics.com/anime/ghostshell/wheredoes.htm
http://www.quartet4.net/?p=2431
http://artists.letssingit.com/beyonce-lyrics-smash-into-you-w5d4thk
Presentations/Celebration will occur on Friday, May 1.
Final Comments/Self-Evaluation:
I really enjoyed doing this project. I like how we can post our work for our classmates to see.
I also liked being able to express my interests through this as well. I think that i did a good
job on my project. i would like to continue posting things to my page.