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National Geographic's New Music Initiative Brings Geography to Life:
Downloading the Soundtrack, Stories, and Context of Our Planet
National Geographic announces the launch of a music initiative that offers consumers the soundtrack of the world, from traditional roots music to unexpected hybrids from the furthest reaches of the globe. A groundbreaking, comprehensive world music Web site at worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com brings media-rich features, breaking music news and celebrity DJ playlists to the broadest audience possible.
National Geographic now offers free music video streams, interactive maps, an online library of resources about the world’s music, 99-cent MP3 downloads and more at worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com, an extension of National Geographic’s mandate for great storytelling that entertains, engages and informs through film, print, television and digital media. The Web site is a friendly interface, giving browsers a chance to discover music by different artists, regions and over 100 genres.
While visitors to the new site will recognize National Geographic’s trademark approach to the highest quality in visual imagery and editorial content, they will also find audio content bound to resonate with new audiences. Whether it is through the electrified Asian Massive tabla beats of Karsh Kale, the bluesy rock riffs of Mali’s Tinariwen or the subsonic bass of Colombia’s Sidestepper, National Geographic’s music offerings marry culture and geography in compelling ways. Tuareg rebels in the Sahara trade in guns for electric guitars. In the Congo, trance musicians build wooden microphones with magnets from used car parts. On the Cook Islands, even the Ministry of Health has a string band, a tradition that calls for up to 20 ukulele and banjo players. Regardless of individual tastes, the diverse music from hundreds of countries will bring geography to life for each listener.
“National Geographic has served as a doorway to the world, introducing the explorer in all of us to exciting new experiences, discoveries and cultures, and helping us understand the relevance of global events,” said David Beal, internationally known musician, composer and former executive at Palm Pictures, who has been working on the launch of National Geographic’s music initiative for the past year. “Music brings geography to life. It creates an emotional connection, builds a sense of community and is the most palpable connection that most Americans have with other countries and cultures.”
The Web site was created under the supervision of Beal and Betsy Scolnik, vice president, content development and operations, National Geographic Digital Media. “World music is a natural extension of NationalGeographic.com’s rich multimedia experience that entertains, informs and engages consumers who are as passionate about the world’s cultures and the environment as we are,” said Scolnik. “World music fans around the world will be able to listen and learn in one digital experience.”
National Geographic’s world music content is programmed by recognized music experts under the supervision of Tom Pryor, former editor of Global Rhythm magazine. Together with CalabashMusic.com, National Geographic’s site allows listeners to preview and purchase thousands of tracks. Strategic partners also include LinkTV for video, and Afropop Worldwide and Global Rhythm for editorial and curatorial content.
National Geographic Society: The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society today works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 350 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and four other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; radio programs; films; books; videos and DVDs; maps; and interactive media. National Geographic has funded more than 8,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.
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National Geographic's New Music Initiative Brings Geography to Life:
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