POP MUSIC PROJECT: Music to Decrease Inequality at School Meeting in Vibo Valentia, 3rd – 7th April 2017 This project has been funded with the financial support from the European Commission within Erasmus+.  The publisher is responsible for the contents of all publications. The European Commission bears no responsibility for the use of this information in any way.

Pop music Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the United States and United Kingdom during the mid 1950s. The terms "popular music" and "pop music" are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many styles. "Pop" and "rock" were synonymous terms until the late 1960s, when they were increasingly used in opposition from each other.

Pop music Pop music is eclectic, and often borrows elements from other styles such as urban, dance, rock, Latin, and country; nonetheless, there are core elements that define pop music. Identifying factors include generally short to medium-length songs written in a basic format (often the verse-chorus structure), as well as the common use of repeated choruses, melodic tunes, and hooks.

Romanian "sound" takes over dance music scene "Romanian dance music is very successful around the world at the moment with big hits in Europe and the US," Eelko van Kooten, director of one of the major dance labels, Dutch-based Spinnin'Records, told AFP. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/romanian-sound-takes-over-dance-music-scene-2293332.html

Music of Romania During the first decade of the 21st century some EUROPOP groups/artists, such as Tom Boxer, Morandi, Connect-R, Akcent, Edward Maya, Alexandra Stan, Inna and Yarabi, achieved success abroad.

Morandi Aside from being successful in Romania, the group ranked highly on several pan-European charts (including the MTV Europe chart and the World Chart Express).   Tom Boxer has released various singles including "Morena" which reached number-one in Bulgaria, Poland, and Romania. It also reached the top 10 in Hungary and Israel.

Akcent  is a multi-certified, award-winning Romanian dance pop act whose members sing in  Romanian, English, Polish and  Spanish. Connect-R has been noted as having a baritone-range singing voice and his eclectic musical style.

 Edward Maya The 24-year-old Maya - real name Eduard Marian Ilie - won in 2009 the American Billboard Award for "top dance song" of the year for "Stereo Love", no small feat for an artist who only caught the public's eye in 2009 and was competing in a line-up that included megastar Lady Gaga.

Alexandra Stan In 2011, Stan made her international breakthrough with the single "Mr. Saxobeat".  The song first achieved success in Romania, where it claimed the number one spot for eight consecutive weeks on the Romanian Top 100. It then became acclaimed worldwide, topping the record charts in nine other countries and reaching global sales of almost one million copies in less than year.  The singer was also honored with a win for Best Romanian Act and a nomination for Best European Act at the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards.

Inna Alexandra Apostoleanu,  known professionally as Inna, is a Romanian singer and songwriter.  She made her own quick rise to the top and can boast sales of nearly two million singles worldwide, notably in the United States and Britain.

Yarabi Yarabi is an internationally successful Romanian dance-pop and house group. The band has had success in its country of origin, as well as in Poland, France, Bulgaria, Turkey, Hungary, Moldova, Italy and Spain, and is credited as one of the most successful Romanian dance bands.