Music Briefs: Music of Amazonia

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“Amazonian” is a diverse group of indigenous people living along the banks and in the forests surrounding the Amazon river. Most indigenous people who live near the Amazon make music that finds similar inspiration in nature, and is healing. Shamans or religious/mystical experts of the Amazon use chants that are sung or whistled. Each culture has its own kind of music that serves a role in spiritual rituals and ceremonies.

We’re describing some of the traditional music of Amazonia that has roots in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.

 

Amazonian Instruments

Amazonian Instruments include locally made flutes, rattles made of seeds, bells, xylophones, mouth bows, and a long hollowed log drum called a “maguaré.” Different villages use the maguaré to communicate with each other up to 20 km/12 miles away! Since some tribes have encountered outside visitors, they’ve been making wind instruments out of bamboo or animal bones.

The music of the Amazonian tribes is an inseparable part of shamanic traditions and meetings that deepen the experience and vision. The mood is transcending, celebratory and ritualistic.

 

Where you can hear Amazonian music now

If you want to get inspired, check out the International Festival of Amazonian Popular Music, Pirarucú de Oro. Since 1987, this festival commemorates not only the music but also the culture and customs of the magical region. It happens annually at the capital of the Colombian department of Amazonas, which is in the cultural capital of Leticia, Amazonas, Colombia, bordering Brazil and Peru. The festival supports cultural values, and at the same time, it emphasizes the spread of Amazonian melodies outside the region.

 

Pond5 Library Examples of Amazonian Music

 

 

Submission Ideas

  • Upload tracks that are between three and seven minutes long
  • Use the tempo between 80 and 100 BPM
  • Use natural instruments typical for the region, such as flutes, xylophones, acoustic guitars, drums, and other percussion instruments
  • If you have the choice of using the vocals, such as shaman chanting, humming, whistling, or Portuguese/Spanish lyrics about tribe stories or nature, it’s a great advantage!

 

Summary

  • Take advantage of the 50-keyword limit and add both broad and specific keywords. Do not use recognizable band or artist names, please!
  • We also encourage you to submit separate :15 and :30 versions of these tracks for social media use.
  • Please note you can apply tags to existing tracks in your portfolio.

 
Top Image: Indigenous Community In The City Of Manaus In Amazonia by eteixeirafoto565.

Don’t forget to check out our other Music Briefs.