Why I Love International Music (and So Should You!) by Kitty The Disc Jockey (host of The She Pop Show)
I have travelled a lot. One benefit of traveling is, you learn that most humans are the same, and want the same things. Sharing music with people as you travel is a heart-warming, amazing experience. We can all relate to a good beat.
I get so much from digging up cool music from other countries. Here are a few reasons why you should let international music into your life:
- There is amazing music out there! Expand your knowledge and musical horizons by researching what you already love. Are you a fan of west-coast ska? Why not try some of the original Jamaican tracks from the 60s? You’ll feel cool and it’s great for dancing.
- Some of it is goofy! The further back you go in the music history of a nation, the goofier it gets. Accordions, gongs, slide whistles, breaking bottles…you’ll hear a lot of that and more in delightfully cheesy polkas or Japanese surf numbers. Fans of novelty songs will find a treasure trove when they begin to explore Scandinavian music of the 50s and 60s.
- Feel smart! Nothing is more fun that walking around, singing in another language. Amaze your friends!
- Get deep. You’ll hear stories about pain, strife, and struggle but also fiery passion and lust. Language and music are pure culture, and we could all use some understanding of our fellow man these days.
Not sure where to find great world sounds? Here are five tracks I love to get you started:
Cadillac by The Hep Stars (Sweden) This is sung in English and you probably know the words. This is an example of some guys taking a pretty tough song and making it not-so- tough. Benny Anderson’s (ABBA) keyboard solo is wacky.
Ma Benz by Brigitte (France) The most modern of all the songs listed here. I was gripped from the first time I heard it- we were in Canada and I flew across the hotel room to grab my phone to Shazam the track. It’s sexy and cool and was the gateway drug to what is now my fan-crush on this duo from France.
Bidaad by Eendo (Iran) The East has been a source for some impressive jazz and psychedelic music. Eendo brings a sophisticated flavor to the genre.
Ska de la Tierra by Bebe (Spain) Five Latin Grammy nominations can’t be wrong! The music is intense, and she is one of the fastest rappers around.
Stopp, Seisku Aeg by Velly Joonas (Estonia) Not just one of my favorite international tracks, but one of my favorite songs ever. Recorded in 1980, but still retains some 70s psych/folk feel.
Here is your global passport- the rest of the trip is up to you.