I finally have decided my topic for the audio paper which would be on the study of cheugy house(?)=土嗨 I am still struggling about the translation of this term.
My first draft of the outline of the script
1. Introduction (1 minute)
Define 土嗨, or “Local Rave,” as a genre. Explain that while it loosely translates to “earthy” or “unrefined” electronic dance music, it’s often characterized by energetic, catchy beats and accessible melodies. It’s a genre that people either love for its simplicity and vitality or find amusing for its unapologetically bold style.
2. Genre Origination (2 minutes)
土嗨 has roots in two primary genres: Melbourne Bounce and Italo Disco or Eurodance.
- Melbourne Bounce: Explain that Melbourne Bounce originated in Australia in the early 2010s. Known for its bouncy basslines, repetitive beats, and energetic feel, it serves as a precursor to 土嗨 by offering the catchy, straightforward structure that defines the genre.
- Italo Disco/ Eurodance: Introduce Italo Disco, which originated in Italy in the 1980s. Known for its upbeat tempos, synthesizer-driven melodies, and European electronic influences, Italo Disco laid a foundation for dance music with simpler structures and infectious hooks.
土嗨 has essentially localized these international dance styles, integrating electronic dance music’s universal elements with an “earthy” Chinese twist that appeals to a broad local audience.
3. Cultural Origination and Influence (2 minutes)
土嗨 began emerging in China’s rural areas and smaller cities where people sought energetic, accessible, and affordable forms of entertainment. Unlike music originating in urban clubs or high-end venues, 土嗨 became popular among people who gathered at local events, outdoor parties, or even small-town festivals. Its popularity grew alongside the rise of short-video apps, where creators started using 土嗨 tracks as background music for entertaining content.
4. Features of 土嗨 (2 minutes)
土嗨 music has several defining features:
- Simple, Repetitive Melodies: Tunes are easy to remember and get stuck in your head.
- Heavy Basslines and Danceable Beats: Inspired by Melbourne Bounce, 土嗨 often has a distinct “bouncy” bass that encourages listeners to dance.
- Accessibility: The music is straightforward, not overly produced, and often feels like it’s made for fun rather than artistry.
- Distinct Sound Design: It tends to feature simple synthesizers and classic electronic sounds, lending a nostalgic, almost kitschy vibe to the genre.
5. 土嗨 as the “Work Chant of the New Era” (2 minutes)
土嗨 is widely used as background music for motivation. Due to its high-energy beats, people use it as a kind of “boost for energy,” particularly when doing repetitive or tiring tasks. In a way, 土嗨 becomes a “modern work chant,” as it keeps workers or young people energized, whether at home, the gym, or even during road trips. By promoting positive energy and endurance, 土嗨 has become a way to power through challenging activities with humor and liveliness.
6. Conclusion (1 minute)
Summarize 土嗨’s unique blend of Western electronic dance roots and its specific Chinese cultural resonance. Highlight how 土嗨, while simple and accessible, serves a broader social function: uniting people across regions with music that’s both energizing and light-hearted.