Off The Record, Across The World
There is no doubt that the American music industry is rich and full of talent. But we all owe it to ourselves to experience the art being created by the many stars shining beyond the States. Graced by songs in French, Yoruba, Spanish, and more, this playlist is built from memories of traveling abroad, the beautiful friends I’ve made across the world, and a passion for culture I have accumulated along the way. Whether your playlist passport is blank or stamped by niche international sounds, consider this an invitation to stretch your sonic palate. Music knows no boundaries, right?
“December” by Erika de Casier
Although it might fly under the radar for some, the Scandinavian music scene has been quietly flourishing in recent years, and Erika de Casier is a standout talent. The Portuguese-born, Danish singer, songwriter, and producer based in Copenhagen recently self-released Lifetime, an album written and produced entirely by her. The track “December” is a prime example of the album’s understated excellence; you can’t casually dip your toes into it without ending up fully submerged.
“LADY PINK PANTHER” by Shigeru Suzuki
When my dear friend told me she once learned about City Pop in her “history of rock” course, I knew it deserved a spot on this playlist. A subgenre of Japanese popular music that emerged in the late 1970s, City Pop is characterized by its imagery of a leisurely, city life made possible by Japan’s period of rapid economic growth and urban development. Japan has long been a hub for tasty, melodic guitar work—everyone say thank you, Masayoshi Takanaka!—and Shigeru Suzuki is no exception. His track “LADY PINK PANTHER” invites you to relinquish your worries and stroll downtown long past 10,000 steps.
“Tatiana” by La Femme
This next group is a self-proclaimed (and rightfully so) “rock machine.” La Femme, formed in Biarritz, France in 2010, blends psychedelia, rock, and electronica into a genre-defying sound that has earned them international recognition. Though they hail from the French coast, their multilingual discography features songs in French, Spanish, and English. “Tatiana,” from their celebrated 2016 album, Mystère, is a coming-of-age dream. Electric and drenched in nostalgia, this song feels like a time before knowing what a W-2 was. For any American fans, you can catch La Femme live wrapping up their North American tour or crashing festival stages at this year’s Lollapalooza in Chicago, Austin’s Levitation, and beyond.
