Music! Music! Music! — Locating recorded music

I read the letters from people who had traveled to countries, listened to music and later sought that music out (Aug. ’13, pg. 56). As someone who received her degree in ethnomusicology, I have a few suggestions that might help travelers find recordings of the music they’re seeking.

If you know the name of the act (person or group), check to see if they may have something on YouTube.com. So many performers these days utilize this platform to promote their music. 

Sometimes, just doing a search on Google of something like “music from Bali” pulls up names of performers, but this is a more generalized form of search.

Some radio stations, especially FM stations and most especially National Public Radio, feature music shows from around the world (African, Latin American and Caribbean music, etc.). Check to see if any radio stations in your vicinity have a “world music” show. Online, you can search for “world music radio shows.” (Even if no station local to you plays such shows, you can usually listen to them on other stations’ websites. — Editor)

Check to see if your local music store (with CDs) has a World Music section. Here in Seattle, the place to go is Silver Platters (several locations; call 206/524-3472). You can try to locate stores with world music via the Internet as well.

Finding music within a country can be tricky, depending on which one you are visiting. For example, in Africa (except in South Africa and a few other nations), many local performers have recorded elsewhere, such as in France or Great Britain, and they sometimes have difficulty promoting their music within their own countries. 

Unfortunately, too, sometimes their recordings are pirated, that is, rerecorded at less quality and sold in the market with no remuneration for the musicians. 

Lastly, it can be useful to ask someone who is familiar with the musicians’ music where it can be purchased.

BEVERLY MENDHEIM

Seattle, WA