Jason Brown

[Hyena]

IF Jason did a competitive hip hop program, I think a lyrical hip hop piece would be the best choice. I honestly don't follow American hip hop very closely so the best examples I can come up with are from one of my favorite Korean groups, Epik High. I think there was another thread for music suggestions a while ago where I mentioned these...anyway, a lot of their music beautifully balances driving, dancey beats with graceful melodies. Here are some of my favorites:

Umbrella: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIvORsUx0z0

Fan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qiEiuiBus8

One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A_uzeSvKvg

To be clear, I'm not saying Jason will or should do a competitive number to any of these songs (well, maybe in 2018 ) but this is the kind of style I'd be interested to see him do if he went the hip hop route.

 

[Mrs. P]

IF Jason did a competitive hip hop program, I think a lyrical hip hop piece would be the best choice. I honestly don't follow American hip hop very closely so the best examples I can come up with are from one of my favorite Korean groups, Epik High. I think there was another thread for music suggestions a while ago where I mentioned these...anyway, a lot of their music beautifully balances driving, dancey beats with graceful melodies. Here are some of my favorites:

Umbrella: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIvORsUx0z0

Fan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qiEiuiBus8

One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A_uzeSvKvg

To be clear, I'm not saying Jason will or should do a competitive number to any of these songs (well, maybe in 2018 ) but this is the kind of style I'd be interested to see him do if he went the hip hop route.

Epik High fan here as well (I think we talked about this before Hyena!)

I also like Shoebox, which is from their new album: http://youtu.be/4lHBBxEwiCA

Fool: http://youtu.be/zdtwoVZJleE

Tablo's (member of Epik High) solo stuff is also very lyrical:l
Try: http://youtu.be/evRLo-GoYXQ

Airbag: http://youtu.be/RmgRV5UK4vw


I think Korean hip hop has a lot of variety that makes for a good competitive program. A lot of it is more upbeat and some is very R&b based...

Zion.t- Babay: http://youtu.be/84m-0uO39SY
Zion.t - She: http://youtu.be/SQvgfHOiDEo

This artist is very RB influenced...and very melodic (He mentions Close to You by the Carpenters as one of his faves). The link to "She" is to a live performance....you can see he is a very charasmatic performer.

Zion.t is featured in this song called "No Makeup" by a hip hop artist named Gaeko. Again very R&B: http://youtu.be/Igr-viEEKZg

This Kpop boy band, Infinite is not a hip hop group (though there is some rapping), but hey are really awesome dancers and their songs are very upbeat synttphy. "The Chaser" is one of my faves, it has a vey 1980s New Order vibe. The link is to the dance version, so you can see the cool moves hey make. http://youtu.be/RTXmhKapmCI.

So yes, hip hop can be very diverse and incorporate a lot of interest dance styles.

 

[TMC]

Now 1980s New Order is something I'd be happy to see him do!

 

[cheerknithanson]

Before my genetics final today, I watched his 2014 US Nats "Riverdance" FP at least 3 times to help me relax. I also did it in December of last year before I took my organic chemistry 1 final test (Not a comprehensive final. But the last test) and it made me so calm. Like a type of calm in me that is rare to witness.

 

[Tavi...]

As El Henry said, choosing program music has got to be a very difficult task. Not only does it have to inspire the choreographer and skater and have appropriate places for jumps, etc., it has to be acceptable to USFS and resonate with the fan base (and judges). On top of that, it should probably be different than what you've done before, contrast with your other program, and in the case of Jason, stretch him as a skater and performer while still showcasing what is special about his talent. Oh, and it wouldn't hurt to take into account special factors (e.g., that it's an Olympic year or that Nats or Worlds will be held in Boston, Greensboro, etc.). Then of course, you need to factor in the quad, which I'm betting he will try from day 1.

I am really curious as to whether the team is aware of and will take into account the fact that a lot of people didn't like Juke musically or as a program, and that many more hated the T&I costume and the sound effects. Thinking about those things has me second guessing whether a Latin dance program would make sense, especially if it has Spanish lyrics. I know I would love it and clap along, but I'm guessing that a lot of other fans might not. I kinda feel the same way about hip hop- while some fans might really like it, it will probably turn others off as Juke did this year.

I guess we'll see!

But I do think they have to choose carefully. Adam, Josh and Max are all upping the ante with their new programs for next season. Chan is returning and there are newcomers on the horizon in addition to Hanyu et al. If Jason wants to medal at Worlds, which I'm guessing is one of his goals, I think that how people (read: judges) connect to his programs is of crucial importance.

 

[StitchMonkey]

IF Jason did a competitive hip hop program, I think a lyrical hip hop piece would be the best choice. I honestly don't follow American hip hop very closely so the best examples I can come up with are from one of my favorite Korean groups, Epik High. I think there was another thread for music suggestions a while ago where I mentioned these...anyway, a lot of their music beautifully balances driving, dancey beats with graceful melodies. Here are some of my favorites:

Umbrella: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIvORsUx0z0

Fan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qiEiuiBus8

One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A_uzeSvKvg

To be clear, I'm not saying Jason will or should do a competitive number to any of these songs (well, maybe in 2018 ) but this is the kind of style I'd be interested to see him do if he went the hip hop route.

Have to admit I was thinking more "classic" hip hop, but you are totally right, that works, I like it! I actually think taking a modern hit from a country that skating is bigger in is an interesting idea that has promise.

Whole Post

Thank you Mrs. P for making my point a bit better that I could. Hip hop is a big broad. I was largely thinking something that Kori has a comfort level dance wise as most of the criteria. You posted a great selection. Shoebox and Fool have promise on the sultry end as well.

Now 1980s New Order is something I'd be happy to see him do!

Well who with good taste would complain about that!

Before my genetics final today, I watched his 2014 US Nats "Riverdance" FP at least 3 times to help me relax. I also did it in December of last year before I took my organic chemistry 1 final test (Not a comprehensive final. But the last test) and it made me so calm. Like a type of calm in me that is rare to witness.

We all do that. It is our version of Pooh bear.

As El Henry said, choosing program music has got to be a very difficult task. Not only does it have to inspire the choreographer and skater and have appropriate places for jumps, etc., it has to be acceptable to USFS and resonate with the fan base (and judges). On top of that, it should probably be different than what you've done before, contrast with your other program, and in the case of Jason, stretch him as a skater and performer while still showcasing what is special about his talent. Oh, and it wouldn't hurt to take into account special factors (e.g., that it's an Olympic year or that Nats or Worlds will be held in Boston, Greensboro, etc.). Then of course, you need to factor in the quad, which I'm betting he will try from day 1.

I am really curious as to whether the team is aware of and will take into account the fact that a lot of people didn't like Juke musically or as a program, and that many more hated the T&I costume and the sound effects. Thinking about those things has me second guessing whether a Latin dance program would make sense, especially if it has Spanish lyrics. I know I would love it and clap along, but I'm guessing that a lot of other fans might not. I kinda feel the same way about hip hop- while some fans might really like it, it will probably turn others off as Juke did this year.

I guess we'll see!

But I do think they have to choose carefully. Adam, Josh and Max are all upping the ante with their new programs for next season. Chan is returning and there are newcomers on the horizon in addition to Hanyu et al. If Jason wants to medal at Worlds, which I'm guessing is one of his goals, I think that how people (read: judges) connect to his programs is of crucial importance.

As to bolded. . . USFSA did not approve of Riverdance and we all know how that turned out. The rest I agree with. I am sure they know the reactions and know they can not please everyone. I think Juke was good for him career wise to do something different and establish a broad resume so to speak, but I don't think it will be one of his iconic programs.

I am a bit leery of Spanish lyrics. The thing is there is a lot of great music within the Latin/Spanish world, so it does seem tempting to use for skating. My fear is that we are going to have a season where "lyrics in Spanish" are the in thing to do. Because it can be done very well if done right. . .but if we have as much Spanish lyrics as we had POTO, I don't think it will have the same effect. I am worried someone is going to get the idea and everyone else is going to say "that's a great idea!"

I also think you really do need to have a Spanish speaker in your pocket so to speak. You need to have someone who gets the innuendos and naughty references so you can have them explain it to you so you know what people are hearing. There are enough Spanish speakers in the USA, that I really do think the skater should learn what is being said in Spanish before skating to it. That does not mean learning the entire language, but reading about that song does seem appropriate.

 

[dorispulaski]

I might wait a year for Spanish. Skate fans are paso doble'd out.

 

[StitchMonkey]

I might wait a year for Spanish. Skate fans are paso doble'd out.

GOOD point!

 

[Tavi...]

Hmm. I know that I myself got very sick of paso doble this year, but IMO it's quite a different style than salsa or merengue, which have very distinct rhythms and a very Caribbean flavor. So I personally wouldn't feel it's too soon but I'm sure others may feel differently.

I do think Stitch's point regarding knowing what the words mean is a good one, and Stitch, that's actually what I was trying to get to by mentioning USFS approval. A lot of Marc Anthony's songs, for example, refer in different ways to sex, and given how conservative USFS seems as an organization, I could imagine that they might not feel that's appropriate. I could also see Jason's team deciding that those lyrics aren't appropriate for his image right now.

Although I will say that in Prince's video for A Question of U, he did some fairly graphic stuff with a mike stand...

 

[Mrs. P]

I thought some older songs from Epik High that have an upbeat vibe:

Fly - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V06kyZ9ktA
Love, Love Love - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTPXlHkOLwk

Also Epik High and figure skating are only separated by one person

Epik High did a version "Love, Love, Love" with Taeyeon, who is the a member of the popular girl group Girls Generation at 2008 music awards show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT_rP_30uuo

Taeyeon then did a duet with Yuna Kim during a 2009 television special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFY8fhN7q54

Tablo is actually a very interesting hip-hop artist. He went to Stanford University and received a bachelor's and master's degree in English literature and Creative Writing in three years. After graduation, he decided to return to Korea and pursue hip-hop.

He has produced a lot of different types of hip-hop songs, including for other artists. He just did one for a group call Jiusean, which is downright 70s in influence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_I1HXMcOoM
And then he's featured in this song by a a solo artist named Xia Junsu. The music video is odd but the song is an interesting mix of orchestral and hip hop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK9gEpUVFyo

(Also I have made reference elsewherethat if Jason, Josh and Yan Han ever form a K-pop band, I mention a skating version of a group called JYJ, which Junsu is a part of I thought he could be Junsu, namely cause Junsu is VERY charismatic and theatrical, just like our Jason hehe: http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/showthread.php?40199-Han-Yan&p=1105231&viewfull=1#post1105231) Here's Junsu at a recent musical he did: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH24JG89Kr0

Anyway, like Hyena, this is just a sort of fun exercise to explore different styles of hip-hop ( a huge reason why I listen to Korean hip-hop to begin with) and I certainly don't expect Jason to skate to any of these songs.

 

[deetrakt]

I also think you really do need to have a Spanish speaker in your pocket so to speak. You need to have someone who gets the innuendos and naughty references so you can have them explain it to you so you know what people are hearing. There are enough Spanish speakers in the USA, that I really do think the skater should learn what is being said in Spanish before skating to it. That does not mean learning the entire language, but reading about that song does seem appropriate.

I'm pretty sure Rohene is Puerto Rican, at least half.

 

[Celine]

GOOD point!

Fair point but I disagree as far as the men's discipline is concerned. Jason has this 'friendly young' Candeloro thing going for him in my mind, and I could see him doing something with either a Spanish dance base as far as music and rhythm are concerned, and also a Three Muscateers type theatrical program as well. Both bring to the fore his signature asset. The PONY TAIL!!

 

[StitchMonkey]

Mrs P. - I actually really wish skaters would pick stuff like that. I would love it if watching skating could be more of a gateway into other countries current music.


Trying to think what the reaction to skating to Yuna would be. I would love to see it. I also think Misha needs to be in any skating boy band.


Celine I actually really like this idea. However, I am not sure he can do another movie song for quite some time. Plus I can't help but think the Candeloro reference is just a nudge to get him to take his shirt off.

 

[Mrs. P]

Mrs P. - I actually really wish skaters would pick stuff like that. I would love it if watching skating could be more of a gateway into other countries current music.


Trying to think what the reaction to skating to Yuna would be. I would love to see it. I also think Misha needs to be in any skating boy band.


Celine I actually really like this idea. However, I am not sure he can do another movie song for quite some time. Plus I can't help but think the Candeloro reference is just a nudge to get him to take his shirt off.

Misha is a huge K-pop fan and has skated to several K-pop songs in his exhibition.

Actually Pang and Tong skated to a song from a Korean singer and instrumental group for their SP. I thought that was pretty cool.

 

[TMC]

We all do that. It is our version of Pooh bear.

Very true :yes:

 

[karne]

I have a comfort video playlist. Both Riverdance and T&I are on it (along with Schindler's List, Gladiator, and recently added Black Swan).

 

[balletanddancefan]

I might wait a year for Spanish. Skate fans are paso doble'd out.

Piano music... Liszt: Spanish Rhapsody
or some Hungarian Rhapsody (maybe no.2. or no. 6) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhInwkq4nAw

 

[TMC]

Piano music... Liszt: Spanish Rhapsody
or some Hungarian Rhapsody (maybe no.2. or no. 6) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhInwkq4nAw

Thank you balletanddancefan for giving me the idea!

I can now officially lock my hopes/dreams/predictions for Jason's 2015-2016 season music:

SP: Any New wave music (UK; the earlier the better). I'm thinking Duran Duran for a lighter, more "upbeat" feel, or The Smiths/Morrissey for deeper stuff. Then he can do a Madness song with lyrics for the gala!

FS: Liszt - Spanish Rhapsody (or almost any Liszt) (or almost any classical piano piece, really, I'm feeling piano very strongly right now)

Oh and then he must keep the SP for two seasons so that I can see it live at Worlds 2017 :dance:

 

[Tavi...]

So do you all think we will see the quad in one or both programs all season? Or do you think they will test it out at Broadmoor and Glacier Falls and then phase it in?

 

[StitchMonkey]

So do you all think we will see the quad in one or both programs all season? Or do you think they will test it out at Broadmoor and Glacier Falls and then phase it in?

I think we should wait for the Broadmoor open and then make predictions.

I think he will start with the SP. When the SP feels right it will be in the LP. I suspect they will start off training the SP with the quad so that it is always his comfort zone.

I do think we will see it this season, this is in many ways the season to do it. Being US National champ will give him a bit of a reputation cushion so to speak that will make it less painful to take risks.