Bob Dylan awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature

In 2016, the Nobel Academy chose to attribute its famous prize in literature to American musician and poet, Bob Dylan. Celebrating his 75th birthday this year, Dylan was chosen for having “created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition."

Much controversy has surrounded this decision. The Nobel Prize in Literature rewards the work of an artist who has elevated the art to a higher standard, via words and a writing instrument. Dylan is the first musician to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature since its inception in 1901 and joins other prestigious winners including Rudyard Kipling, Albert Camus and John Steinbeck.

Unleash your talent, set it free!

What do Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson have in common? Beyond their over-the-top costumes and on-stage antics, they both have major talent!

For decades, scientists have been studying the connection between eccentricity and creativity. It seems that those that more readily express their creativity in outside of the box ways have a higher distributed cognition (a different way of processing knowledge that heightens creativity). So Lady Gaga's getups and Michael's beloved chimp Bubbles are actually proof of their creativity.

For the musicians and singers amongst us that are less eccentric, this means that letting go a little may get those creative juices flowing and in turn push us to think differently and improve in ways that we wouldn’t normally.

7 expert tips for better articulation

Singing carries a message with it. If your articulation of the song's words isn't at its best or if it's drowned amongst style effects, the song's message will need to be decoded by the listener.

Unlike with a conversation, when you're singing, your listener can’t politely interrupt you with “Sorry, I didn’t catch that.” So, while you may be singing beautifully, when the message is garbled you risk frustrating and confusing your listener and ultimately diminishing the experience.

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Spotlight on one of Karaoke Version's own: JF

Our back-to-school musical dictionary

School’s back in session... your tan lines have almost disappeared and beachy breezes are a thing of the past. The good news in all of this is that your batteries have been recharged! With your highlighters, your notebooks and a full backpack, you’re ready to take on the school year!

As you are always in our thoughts and since we know that you are already reminiscing about vacation, we decided to make life easier. Even if Karaoke Version is a bubble of fun and entertainment, practicing an instrument and improving can sometimes take a wee bit of work and brain power. That’s why we concocted a little dictionary with all of the little, difficult musical terms that make you cringe like nails on a chalkboard.

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Tone-deaf? You can learn to sing!

Certain artists are born with stronger muscles and so achieving musical strength is easier and faster. While we may never attain the greatness of naturals like Aretha Franklin, Freddie Mercury, or Michael Jackson the good news is that with a bit of practice, those of us who are less naturally gifted (or branded "tone-deaf") can bulk up our singing muscles too.

Just like a muscle, your voice (made up of lots of muscles) can be trained, strengthened and rendered better.

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