Everything Everywhere Daily: Episode Summary - "Representative Riffs"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Everything Everywhere Daily
• Host: Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media
• Episode: Representative Riffs
• Release Date: November 30, 2024
• Description: Explore the intriguing world of musical riffs that serve as cultural shorthand, representing various regions and countries through a few memorable notes.

Introduction: The Power of Musical Riffs

In the episode titled "Representative Riffs," host Gary Arndt delves into the fascinating concept of musical riffs acting as cultural symbols. He begins by highlighting how certain short musical phrases—referred to as riffs—can instantly evoke associations with specific cultures or regions without the need for complete songs.

"Music is a very powerful thing. It can invoke a wide variety of emotions and moods." (00:00)

The Oriental Riff: A Western Invention

Gary introduces the Oriental Riff, a short musical phrase commonly used in Western media to signify Asian cultures, particularly China and Japan. He traces its origins and dispels common misconceptions about its authenticity.

• Usage in Media: Featured in songs like "Turning Japanese" by The Vapors (01:30), "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas (01:30), and various films such as Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Breakfast at Tiffany's.

• Musical Structure: Based on the pentatonic scale, prevalent in many Asian music traditions. However, Gary clarifies that the riff itself is a Western creation.

"Those notes have become widely used in music to denote Asia generally, or sometimes China or Japan specifically." (01:30)

• Historical Context: Originated during the vaudeville era, often played on instruments like pianos or gongs in Asian-themed performances. Its popularity peaked in the 1970s and 80s.

• Cultural Misassociation: An NPR report revealed that Chinese individuals do not recognize the riff as representative of their traditional music, emphasizing its Western roots.

"No one had heard of it, and to them it sounded like Western music, not Chinese music." (01:30)

The Arabian Riff: Bridging Authenticity and Stereotype

Next, Gary explores the Arabian Riff, another musical shorthand used to evoke Middle Eastern and North African cultures.

• Possible Origins: Linked to the Algerian folk song "Kradusia," which may have influenced French music during colonial times. It was popularized in the 1893 Chicago World's Fair through the exhibition "A Street in Cairo."

• Musical Characteristics: Utilizes the Phrygian dominant scale, giving it an Eastern sound to Western ears.

"The riff typically employs the Phrygian dominant scale, which is a scale that has a distinctively Eastern sound to Western ears." (01:30)

• Usage in Media: Prominently featured in Hollywood films, cartoons, and performances depicting deserts, camels, and belly dancers.

• Modern Relevance: Unlike the Oriental Riff, the Arabian Riff continues to be widely used in contemporary music and media.

"Unlike the Oriental Riff, the Arabian Riff has been used many more times in modern music, including up to the present day." (01:30)

Other Notable Representative Riffs

Gary broadens the discussion by highlighting several other musical riffs associated with specific cultures:

1. Mexican Hat Dance (Harabe Tapatio):

   • Origin: 19th century Mexico, composed by Jesús González Rubio.
   • Modern Use: Performed by mariachi bands, it serves as an unmistakable symbol of Mexican culture.

   "Harabe Tapatio is the national dance of Mexico... Today, you'll most probably hear this music being played by a mariachI band." (01:30)

2. Scotland the Brave:

   • Origin: Late 19th to early 20th century Scotland.
   • Characteristics: Features bagpipes, making it instantly recognizable as Scottish.
   • Cultural Role: Functions as an unofficial national anthem, commonly performed at sporting events and cultural festivals.

   "You could probably play anything on the bagpipes, and people will associate it with Scotland." (01:30)

3. Tarantella Napoletana:

   • Origin: 17th century Naples, Italy.
   • Background: Initially believed to cure tarantula bites through frenetic dancing, it evolved into a celebration of courtship and joy.
   • Cultural Impact: Featured in films like The Godfather Part 2 and remains a staple in Italian music.

   "It was thought to expel the venom through frenetic movement." (01:30)

4. Rule Britannia:

   • Origin: Written as a poem in 1740, set to music by Thomas Arne the same year.
   • Purpose: Celebrates British maritime dominance and liberty.
   • Modern Relevance: Surprised the host by hitting number 10 on the UK singles charts in 2020.

   "Rule Britannia was first written as a poem in 1740 and then set to music by the composer Thomas Arne the same year." (01:30)

National Anthems as Representative Riffs

Gary discusses how certain national anthems function similarly to cultural riffs, instantly recognizable and symbolic of their respective nations:

1. La Marseillaise (France):

   • Origin: Composed in 1792 by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle during the French Revolution.
   • Usage: Inspired troops and became a symbol of French nationalism.

   "The song earned its name when it was adopted by volunteer soldiers from Marseille who sang it as they marched to Paris." (01:30)

2. Russian Federation Anthem:

   • Background: Shares the melody with the Soviet Union's anthem but features different lyrics.
   • Cultural Presence: Used in various media to represent Russia, including by wrestler Nikolai Volkov in the WWF in the early 1980s.

   "Those opening notes have been used to reference Russia or the Soviet Union in many movies or games." (01:30)

3. O Canada:

   • History: Commissioned in 1880 for Quebec's St Jean Baptiste Day, widely adopted across Canada.
   • Adoption: Officially became Canada's national anthem in 1980, replacing "God Save the Queen."

   "The anthem officially became Canada's national anthem in 1980, following a century of widespread use." (01:30)

4. Australia's National Anthem:

   • Critique: Described as lackluster and not widely recognized outside Australia.
   • Alternative Suggestion: Gary humorously suggests adopting "Waltzing Matilda" as a more identifiable anthem, noting its recognition during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

   "You could adopt a song that has one of the most identifiable riffs in music and is immediately associated with your country." (01:30)

Conclusion: Reflecting on Cultural Riffs

Gary wraps up the episode by pondering the reciprocal nature of musical representation. While Western music riffs have been used to symbolize Eastern cultures, he raises the question:

"What music do Asians think represents the West?" (01:30)

Though he mentions a survey conducted on this topic, specifics are not detailed within the transcript.

He concludes by acknowledging the contributions of his production team and Patreon supporters, encouraging listeners to engage with the community through social platforms.

"Your support helps me put out a show every single day." (01:30)

Key Takeaways:

• Cultural Misrepresentation: Many representative riffs used in Western media do not originate from the cultures they intend to depict.
• Musical Simplicity: Short riffs based on scales like the pentatonic or Phrygian dominant create easily recognizable yet often stereotypical sounds.
• Enduring Impact: While some riffs have faded from popularity, others continue to resonate and evolve within modern media and national identities.
• Reciprocal Representation: The episode prompts listeners to consider how their own cultural music is represented or perceived internationally.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Music is a very powerful thing. It can invoke a wide variety of emotions and moods." (00:00)
• "The stern riffs have become so ingrained that you instantly think about it when you hear it." (01:30)
• "Australia, that is my gift to you." (01:30)

This comprehensive exploration by Gary Arndt offers listeners a deeper understanding of how simple musical phrases can carry significant cultural weight, shaping perceptions and reinforcing stereotypes across global media.