Pacific Islands Radio (Island Music) Newsletter

Jane's Pacific Islands Radio Newsletter (Island Music)
Vol. 5, Edition No.2, February 2006
http://www.pacificislandsradio.com/

I N T H I S I S S U E ____________________________

Objectives
News and Views
Notice Board
Pacific Islands Radio
Feature Artists
Coming Events
Suppliers
Links
Letters
It's Time To Chat!

T H E V I E W _____________________________________
Pacific Islands Radio (Island Music) News and Views

Welcome everybody to our Newsletter
for February 2006! It is certainly great
to be back in touch with you all again
and, as always, I would very much like
to take this opportunity of sincerely
wishing everybody good health, peace
and harmony, prosperity and happiness.

Again, please let me convey my heartfelt
thanks to you, our valued members, who
have taken the time to write, and for
sharing with us all. In this respect, your
most welcome and wonderful messages
and contributions are greatly appreciated.

Please join with me in extending a very
warm and sincere Pacific Island welcome
to the fantastic record number of new
members who have joined us since our
last Newsletter. Thank you!

Welcome on board, please make
yourselves feel at home, relax and
enjoy the music! May you also find your
stay with us to be enjoyable, mutually
beneficial and most rewarding!

OBJECTIVES

This Newsletter is a listening guide
to the many listeners of our Internet
Pacific Islands Radio Stations.
http://www.pacificislandsradio.com/index.htm

This Newsletter will focus on issues
relating to Pacific Island music. It will
also embrace some of the exciting changes
taking place in the Internet Radio Revolution,
as well as updated information on our Pacific
Island Artists, Programming and Playlists.

NEWS AND VIEWS

Welcome to beautiful Micronesia!

As mentioned in our previous Newsletter,
and after our recent trip to spectacular
and exotic Melanesia, it is now my great
pleasure to be able to share with you a
brief outline of the traditional and
contemporary music (and dance) of
fantastic Micronesia!

The people of Micronesia were the last
ethnic group to migrate into the Pacific
region, being preceded by many thousands
of years by the Melanesians and, some
thousands of years earlier, by the people of
Polynesia. Indeed, there is a growing amount
of evidence to suggest that the many islands
and atolls of Micronesia have been inhabited
for at least 3000 years, and that the ancient
origin of the migrants was Southeast
Asia/Indonesia.

Much of the evidence to support this is
based on the study of the languages of the
Micronesian people. The Gilbertese
(Kiribati) language, for example, belongs to
the very large Austronesian language family
which evolved in Southeast Asia and began
to spread into the Pacific about 5000 years
ago. With the exception of some societies
in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea,
all languages in the Pacific, including the
Gilbertese language, belong to this family.

Also, of course, the study of plants in the
Pacific in recent years has revealed some
important evidence about the migrations
of people. With few exceptions, all useful
food and fibre plants found today in the
Pacific islands originated outside the Pacific.
For example, all the important plants used
by Gilbertese (I-Kiribati or Kiribati people),
the coconut, breadfruit, babai or taro, as
well as pandanus, are native to the Southeast
Asia/Indonesia area. Researchers can only
conclude that they must have been brought
to the islands by the early settlers.

The music and associated dance forms in
Micronesia are distinctive, yet, they are closely
related in many ways to that of their Polynesian
counterpart. With the exception of Truk (Chuuk)
in the central Caroline Group, which displays
traits of Melanesian and possibly Indonesian
influence, the music structure of all parts of
Micronesia is predominantly word-determined,
as is that of Polynesia. The origins of traditional
Micronesian music, however, are generally quite
obscure with the music having been handed
down by older folks to the younger children.

Composing traditional music involves a
considerable amount of ritualism and magic.
The composer does not compose the music
himself, but rather the song or songs are given
to the composers in a mythical setting - possibly
in a dream or a trance. The task of the composer
is then to follow the secret methodology that their
predecessors had passed on to them to produce
a song that is regarded as being magically blessed.

The second method of composing songs is one
which involves no magic and results from somebody
wishing to have a song made for him. In this case,
the person tells the story to be told to the composer
who listens intently and full of concentration. At a
later time, the composer may ask for further
information and the person requesting the song must
provide all the needed details.The most commonly
composed songs of this nature are love songs.These
are often about love for someone you will never
see again or a place that you have left behind. The
most popular ones, however, are about love between
a boy and a girl, a man and a woman or a husband
and a wife. The same process is also used for wedding
songs, competition songs, religious songs, war songs,
dance music and children's songs. The composer has
to know what song you want and he must be provided
with all the information to do it.

The third manner in which a song may be composed
is when, occasionally, a composer may wish to
compose an original song. In this case the composer
first works on firstly developing the tune by humming
it. When this is completed he will then think about
the words to go with the music until a very original
composition results.

Micronesian songs and chants have been composed
to cover many of the diverse and varied aspects
of life in Micronesia. These can include toddy cutting
songs, love songs, presentation of food, songs for
sick people, launching a canoe or putting a small
baby to sleep. In many cases the songs or chants
call on the spirits for assistance in some situation or
an endeavour about to be undertaken. The following
is one of the songs, reproduced below without
alteration, composed on Tamana Island, in the
Republic of Kiribati, for the people about to be
resettled in the Phoenix Group, Republic of
Kiribati:

"We are about to sail to Orona,
Goodbye O people of our homeland;
We have got our lands,
In the new Group of Islands.

We shall step ashore at Orona,
We shall dig our wells;
We shall build our dwelling houses,
So that we may live well.

Stand up, O people of the Gilberts,
Grasp your working tools;
We shall stand up and clear
the undergrowth and plant coconut trees.

We are happy, for we shall now live.
Do not forget us, O people of our homeland."

The interpretation of Micronesian music in the
form of dance movements results in a dance
form which is exciting, emotive and totally
absorbing. The dance forms emphasise the use
of mainly hands and arms to interpret the literal
meaning of the music. Traditional and authentic
dances on the main islands include stick dancing
integral to Pohnpei, Chuuk, Kosrae and Yap -
Federated States of Micronesia.
http://www.janeresture.com/fedmic/index.htm

Standing and sitting dances are featured
throughout much of Micronesia, including the
Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of
Kiribati, Palau, Saipan, Guam, Kosrae, Chuuk
and Yap.The Yapese are particularly well known
for their wonderful skills in stick dancing which
is performed by men, women and children together,
while some other dance forms are performed
either by women or men and boys, although
never both together.

In some islands, such as Yap and the Republic
of Kiribati, there is also a concern for rank in
the placement of dancers, as well as the emphasis
on rehearsed execution of songs and movements.
The men participate in various dancing competitions,
which are segregated by caste or rank; the lower
castes have some distinct dances, such as a woman's
standing dance, but can only dance when authorized
by a person of a higher caste. Chuuk shares many
similar dance styles with Yap due to their similar
cultural heritage. Chuuk's most mysterious and
rarest dance is called the "Moonlight Dance". This
is one of the few times when both men and women
dance together. This particular dance can only
happen during a full moon with permission of the
village chief. Traditionally speaking, this was a way
for young males and females to get together. This
form of social engagement is also a feature of the
Trobriand islands (Melanesia) at the time of the
yam festival. In this respect, we can say that there
are certain similarities between many aspects of
the music and dance of the different ethnic groups
throughout the Pacific region while they still
remain distinctively Micronesian, Melanesian and
Polynesian.

The musical instruments of Micronesia are few,
mainly due to the lack of material on the coral
atolls of Micronesia to produce the magnificent
wooden drums used throughout Melanesia and
Polynesia.The shell trumpet and nose flute are
the most common, though standard flutes and
jews harps are also found. A common idiophone
in Micronesia is a stick that is carried by men in
certain dances.The performers strike each
other's sticks in the course of the choreography.
Membranophones are not very common, though
the hourglass single-headed drum, like those
played in Papua New Guinea, is found as far
north as the Marshall Islands. In keeping with
the ecology of atoll life, the skins of these drums
are made from a shark's belly or parts of the
sting ray. Indeed, many atolls of the Micronesian
Pacific are without any indigenous musical
instruments whatsoever and, often utilise many
hands beating on mostly a wooden box to
accompany the music and dance.

The above brief outline comprises our first
discussion on the beautiful music and dance
of wonderful Micronesia. In our next edition,
it would be my great pleasure to discuss further
aspects of Micronesia music (and dance), as
well as examining, in broad detail, the beautiful
relationships between the music of Melanesia,
Micronesia and Polynesia. Pacific Island music
is something that is forever fascinating. Among
many other things, it is vibrant, melodious, exciting,
soothing, absorbing and constantly evolving, while
at the same time, remaining authentic to its diverse
and complex origins. These are some of the issues
I would like to discuss and share with you a little
further in our next edition of this Newsletter.
* * * * * * * * * *
NOTICE BOARD

MELANESIAN MUSIC -
"RADIO MELANESIA"

Pacific Islands Radio is very pleased
to be able to advise that Pacific
Islands Radio 28K has now been converted
to "RADIO MELANESIA" - to progressively
highlight the vibrant and exciting music
of Melanesia, along with a selection of
music from Polynesia and Micronesia.
RADIO MELANESIA
http://www.live365.com/stations/janeres

OCEANIA MESSAGE FORUMS

I am very pleased to be able to say that,
in addition to our main Oceania Guest Book,
additional Forums have been introduced to
all Web sites of the main islands and islets
of the Pacific, as well as personalities,
along with our Pacific Islands Radio Web sites:
http://pub47.bravenet.com/forum/4004922603

As you are no doubt aware, these Forums
have been most beneficial in bringing together
many people with an interest in and a love of
the beautiful and enchanting music of the
Pacific Islands. You are cordially invited to
share your valuable and important thoughts
and opinions with us all.

Recent additions also include the Web
sites for Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Republic
of Nauru, Republic of the Marshall Islands,
Tonga, Tokelau, Easter Island, New
Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Papua New
Guinea, Cook Islands and Pitcairn Island,
Niue, as well as our Oceania Postcards
and Picture Galleries - and many more!
Thank you.

PACIFIC ISLANDS RADIO

I would like to mention, in response
to some of the e-mails and messages that I
have received, from those wonderful people
who would like to listen to our beautiful
Pacific Island music, but unfortunately,
are unable to actually listen to the music.

Basically, it is quite easy to access and
enjoy Pacific Islands Radio (our four
Pacific Islands Radio Stations). Once
you have accessed the page, it is most
necessary to firstly log on, in order to
be able to listen to the music. The process
of being able to log on can be achieved
by providing your username and password
before clicking on the yellow 'Play'
button provided on the center of the page.
Good Luck and Enjoy!

In addition, the many listeners who would
like to purchase the music played on our
four Pacific Islands Radio Stations, in CD
format, can obtain details of recommended
suppliers by clicking on Artists' Profiles
on Pacific Islands Radio Home Page:
www.pacificislandsradio.com

Pacific Islands Radio continues to offer a
range of broadcasting formats in order to
allow a wide range of listeners to enjoy
our beautiful island music.

STATIONS

Our four Pacific Islands Radio Stations
play the enchanting music of the Pacific
Islands 24 hours daily.
www.pacificislandsradio.com
http://www.pacificislandsradio.com/index.htm
http://www.janeresture.com/radio/index.htm

Pacific Music Radio (mp3PRO)
http://www.live365.com/stations/drjaneresture

Pacific Islands Radio
http://www.live365.com/stations/janeresture

Radio Melanesia
http://www.live365.com/stations/janeres

Micronesia Music Radio
http://www.live365.com/stations/jane_resture

FEATURE ARTISTS

THE LAMO SERAI BOYZ

The Lamo Serai Boyz have recorded a
truly amazing collection of wonderful
electronic melodies based on traditional
and popular Micronesian songs from their
home island, Lamotrek, Yap, Federated
States of Micronesia, as well as other
islands in the Caroline archipelago. Their
music is available through Triton Films.
All the musical recordings were created
with state of the art Yamaha DSR 1000
keyboards and professionaly mixed with
vocals in the Lamotrekese language at
C-Star Studio in Yap, with post-production
at Triton Films.

No accoustic guitars were used. Such
artistry and talent, from a group of island
boys, growing up in a small community,
numbering no more than 300 persons,
and more than 600 miles from the
nearest 120 volt outlet in Yap, must be
heard to be believed!

Anyone who has visited the restaurants
and bars of Micronesia will be instantly
transported back to the islands when
they hear the music of the Lamo Serai
Boyz. Their music encapsulates memories
of balmy nights and spectral lights floating
on a tropical pulse of swaying bodies and
lively conversation ... all enveloped by
wonderful melodies, both lyrical and
energetic. This CD is certainly worth
listening to for those who enjoy that
special authentic and enchanting
Micronesian music.

COMING EVENTS

"Coming Events" outlines some of the
many events on our musical and dancing
calendar throughout the year hence the
inclusion in our monthly Pacific Islands
Radio Newsletter (Island Music).

As much valued members of our
Newsletter, you are invited to share
any of your thoughts and ideas about
Pacific Island music that you feel
should be shared with all our members.
I am sure that our members would
greatly appreciate your kind gesture
in sharing this information with us.
Thank you so much!

SOUTH PACIFIC NIGHT IN BERLIN

Pacific Islanders, friends of Oceania and
everybody, are invited to an occasion to
share cultures through dance, music and
mutual learning.

The occasion will be held in conjunction
with the SPTO (South Pacific Tourism
Organization), as a "South Pacific Night
in Berlin", Kürfürstendamm, located in
the centre of Berlin.

ADDRESS:
TRAUMTÄNZER
Kurfürstendamm
Wesfälische Straße 49
10711 Berlin

For more information about this forthcoming
function on the 11th of March 2006, please
contact the following:

Sonia Vea
Engelmannweg 17
13403 Berlin
Germany
Email: info@polycult.org
Telephone: + 49(0) 304 1474 525
Call Sonia For Tongan and French speaking
Call Leni for Tongan and German speaking
Telephone + 49(0)152 0350 5305
Call Maeva for Tahitian, French and Dutch
(Holland) speaking
Telephone + 31 (0)6226 300322 - Dutch
Call Leutu for Samoan and German speaking
Telephone + 49 (0) 160 9339 4722- German,
Samoan speaking; and
Call Nemesio for Fijian, German, English
speaking
Telephone + 49 (0) 1 744 71 85 76

MICRONESIA MUSIC ANTHOLOGY

An anthology of traditional Micronesian Music
is available on Micronesia Music Radio:
http://www.live365.com/stations/jane_resture

The anthology can be accessed by clicking on the
Broadcast Schedule after logging in to Micronesia
Music Radio. This should allow you (and our other
listeners worldwide) to determine when the
anthology is available in your beautiful part of
the world.

The Broadcast Schedule can also be accessed at
the following URL:
http://www.live365.com/broadcast/scheduler/?stationname=jane_resture

The supporting Web site to the anthology is:
http://www.janesoceania.com/micronesia_music_anthology/index.htm

GOSPEL MUSIC

Pacific Islands Radio is very pleased to be able
to advise that a collection of some of the most
exciting and absorbing gospel music from the
Pacific Islands is now being featured on Pacific
Music Radio (FM mp3PRO Stereo), Pacific
Islands Radio as well as Radio Melanesia.

With an extended running time of three hours,
the gospel collection has proved to be extremely
popular and features the music of a number of
talented artists and groups from Melanesia,
Micronesia and Polynesia.

Please monitor the Broadcast Schedule of the
above three Pacific Islands Radio stations for
the availability and time for the Gospel Music
collection. At present this exciting collection
is available every Sunday from 12 midday to
3 pm Australian eastern standard time.

Our four Pacific Islands Radio Stations play the
enchanting music of the Pacific Islands 24 hours
daily.
http://www.pacificislandsradio.com/index.htm

SUPPLIERS

The following are some of the main specialist
suppliers of our music from the Pacific
Islands, which are now being used and are
highly recommended by Pacific Islands Radio.

KING MUSIC -
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Kingmusic offers a wide selection of Pacific
Island music which is available on the Internet.
http://www.kingmusic.co.nz/

ISLANDMELODY.COM

Pacific Islands Radio would like to recommend
Islandmelody.com for a selection of traditional
and contemporary music with an emphasis on
Micronesian music.
http://www.islandmelody.com

BWANARAOI MUSIC SHOP -
TARAWA, REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI

For Kiribati music, along with music from
other Pacific Islands and elsewhere, you
are invited to contact the following
exclusive distributor:

Bwanaraoi Music Shop
Republic of Kiribati
Phone/Fax (686) 28236
E-mail: angirota@tskl.net.ki

LINKS

WELCOME TO THE MUSIC
ARCHIVE OF THE PACIFIC

The Music Archive for the Pacific has
been established by the Southern Cross
University, Lismore, Australia. for the
main purpose of providing a collection
of recordings of indigenous music, related
books, journals, musical instruments and
art works to interested persons for
research purposes.

The archive covers the music of the
indigenous people of Australia (incl. Torres
Strait), Papua New Guinea (incl. Bougainville),
New Zealand as well as the nations of the
Pacific Islands - Cook Islands, Easter Island,
Fiji, Hawaii, Nauru, New Caledonia,
Rarotonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti,
Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/arts/music/musicarchive/ArchiveHome.html

MUSIC ARCHIVE FOR THE PACIFIC
http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/arts/music/musicarchive/ArchiveArchive.html

************************
LETTERS

The following are extracts from a few
interesting and most welcome letters that I
have recently received about our four Pacific
Islands Radio Stations, our artists and music.
In this respect, it is my great pleasure to be
able to share these letters with you all as I
find them to be most uplifting, supportive,
motivating and encouraging. They also provide
much needed feedback in order to continuously
monitor and enhance the quality of the service
provided by Pacific Islands Radio.

Please join with me in thanking these wonderful
people for sharing their thoughts with us all.
************
Dear Jane
Thank you for your wonderful newsletter...
it is so good to hear the sounds of oceania
lying in my lounger in the pool wherever
you may be....

Do hope you are keeping well my petal
flower... Cheers
ITB

Hi Jane my name is judy giles and
i live in the united states. i would so
much like to share with you how
much i enjoy the web sites you have
on pohnpei Micronesia and other
islands in the pacific. i would so much
love to chat with people from the
pohnpei Micronesia island. could you
send me something on how to get
connected with that. i would also like
to express my love for the Micronesia
radio station. it's so beautiful and all the
interesting web sites. so please if you
can send me something on how to get
connected to your chatroom.i will
continue to be in tune with all of your
websites i love all. thank you...

Hi Jane
I am a Public relations officer for a number
of Jamaican reggae artistes. I am in the process
of promoting them worldwide. I have recently
read an article about Fiji Reggae so I am
wondering if there are events taking place in
the near future where my artistes will be able
to perform?

You may contact me on the above email address
or +447957552918 (London). I am in London
at the moment. Thanks
************
IT'S TIME TO CHAT

Our Chat Rooms are always available for
online chatting between parties and can be
accessed via Jane's Oceania Home Page:
http://www.janeresture.com or the URLs:
http://pub18.bravenet.com/chat/show.php/1489671900
http://pub32.bravenet.com/chat/show.php/2702076781

COMMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Your valuable contributions and comments
are always most welcome and they can be
sent to me at:
jane@pacificislandsradio.com

Thank you so much everybody for your
very kind support and for being such
important and valuable members of
our Pacific Islands Radio (Island Music)
Community.

Let us all hope for continuing greater
peace and harmony, good health,
prosperity and happiness, for everybody!
I wish you all the very best and please
take care!

May our God bless us all and, as usual,
I look forward to the pleasure of your
company next time!

Jane Resture