Mixtape Monday

Mix Tape Monday: Chill Summer Days

Posted on by Get Set Go

I don’t know if y’all have noticed but….it’s summer!!!

Here are some new songs to cool you off in this new found heat. In the spirit of the season I’ve paired each song with an appropriate summer adventure. Take a listen and see if you’ll add these to your summer routine.

San E, Raina(산이, 레이나) – A Midsummer Night’s Sweetness (한여름밤의 꿀). Yes, I like to pick appropriately titled songs for mix tapes (guilty as charged). But this Korean collaboration has slow beats that are a perfect pairing with lazy summer nights and beers. Who says hanging with friends can’t be an adventure? Cheers!

Paus – Deixa-me Ser. Roadtrip! This Portuguese track is best served alongside close friends, run-down cars, questionable gas station snack choices, and unknown destinations. Time to hit the open road.

Farao – The Hours. Need some alone time? I’d recommend listening to this Norwegian track for a spin while stargazing. It will cleanse your palate and set the tone for a bout of self-reflection and meditating on your place in the universe. 

Hannah Schneider – Me vs I. This is an early morning song. So grab your cup of coffee and watch a sun rise (over the ocean if possible) while imagining new beginnings to this Danish song. Hey, its summer anything is possible!

https://youtu.be/vcvaqJZBSms

Koala Liu – Oh Let It Be. Are you an urban dweller? Then this is your people-watching-downtown-while-eating-alfresco song. What? That’s totally a song genre. And this Chinese songstress nailed it.

Here’s the link to the Mix Tape Monday YouTube Playlist with all the old songs and the new ones added. Check it out!

Any quintessential summer songs I missed? Or can you think of a better song-to-adventure pairing? Share your thoughts below!

Updates: Mix Tape Monday Master Playlist

Posted on by Get Set Go

Hi everybody! Quick update here.

I’ve started a Youtube playlist of all the Mix Tape Monday songs I’ve posted to date and I will keep updating this master playlist weekly. I figured this would be a convenient way to listen to the tracks that have been shared on the site. I’ll also add the link to the resources page as well as within all new Mix Tape Monday posts.

Here’s the link

Happy listening, grooving, jamming or whatever you will.

Cheers!

Sarah

Mix Tape Monday: Instrumental Mix

Posted on by Get Set Go

I’m back from vacation with more songs for you!

Somedays you just need to listen to songs without words. While I am the first to admit that I love myself some Tchaikovsky and Vivaldi there is so much more out there in the way of international instrumental music. This week’s mixtape is a lovely cocktail of instrumental pieces.

So drink up and that let the instruments take you away!

Yiruma 이루마 – The River Flows In You. I warn you this Korean pianist and composer is so talented that even if you’ve never had an urge to play the piano you will after hearing this.

Raya Brass Band – Riffcloud. There is nothing quite so joyful, proud, and festive as a Balkan brass band. If you like this check out the soundtrack to the documentary Brasslands.

Kuniko Kato – Peaux. Want to add some avant-garde percussion to your repertoire? Try this Japanese percussionist performing a work by Xenakis. These austere and layered percussive beats are sure to be something you’ve never heard before.

Maru Tarang – Panihari. I confess I cheated a bit in this one (there are indeed lyrics) but the instrumental combination of tabla and lap steel guitar is what makes the piece so remarkable. This Rajasthani song runs the gamut from haunting to joyful.

Yoshida Brothers – Wakimizu. This dynamic shamisen wielding duo from Japan can play at dizzying speeds. Listen and see if your ears can keep up!

The Gloaming – Sailor’s Bonnet. Aside from my previously mentioned bias for Irish music and my adoration for lovely words (Definition: gloaming, meaning twilight or dusk) this piece by Irish group The Gloaming is loveliness itself. It starts out slowly it gradually builds into a cheerful reel.

Do you have any other favorite musicians from around the world? Any unique instruments I missed post them below!

Mix Tape Monday: Everyday I’m Shuffling

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That’s right! This week’s Mix Tape is a themeless shuffle of awesome…like life! Many of these songs were found on Balcony TV which I highly recommend for all you music adventurers out there.

Echae en Route – Uneasy Romance. Violin, check. Bass, check. Microphone, check. This Korean duo presents a poignant, bare bones song that at first seems understated but leaves an impact. The slight hint of dissonance reels you in and is totally addictive.

The Cornelius – Whistle Song. No, not that whistle song. This whistle song is sung by two charming Spanish men that sweep away your cares with the strumming of their guitars.

Jac Stone – Not Angry Anymore. Pause the multi-tasking. Put down your phone. Close your eyes and listen to this Australian ladies captivating, resonant, and heartfelt song. If you want to feel all the feels listen to Trying to Be Sorry.

https://youtu.be/w2KLkLFwAoY

DYGL – Let’s Get Into Your Car. I would drive these Japanese band members around in my car any time. Granted I got serenades in exchange for chauffeuring services. I believe in fair trade.

KYO – Le Graal. I have yet to see a video so filled with ridiculously beautiful and hipster people. KYO is an older French band and this song is part of there new album. Watch Le Graal once for the song and once for fashion and makeup inspiration. Bonnaroo or Soho anyone? For their earlier (and more emo rock) work try Contact.

Any good finds? Add them in the comments!

Mix Tape Monday: Let’s Hear it for the Girls

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Here we go folks! It’s the second installment of my Mix Tape Monday focusing on awesomely talented female singers and musicians from all over the world. (You can see my first post here). Let the music begin!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWbK2DO5xKA

Neon Bunny – It’s You. These dreamy lyrics pitted against some intense electric beats by Korean artists Neon Bunny are just the sort of tunes you need to get you through an urban fueled existential crisis while looking effortlessly cool all at the same time. Check out Come A Little Closer.

Sarah Geronimo – Ikot Ikot. With a last name like Geronimo this Filippina singer is bound to be great. And yes this soulful slow jam is just that. Watch her music video Perfectly Imperfect. It starts out like a Dove commercial and then turn into a music video. Pretty powerful stuff.

Coeur de Pirate – Comme des Enfants. Need some ethereal sweet breezy songs in your life? Look no further. This French songstress will usher all those whimsical spring time feelings. Want more in your pocket full of sunshine? Try Heartbeats Accelerating and Golden Baby.

Haloo Helsinki! – Jos Mun Pokka Pettaa. All credit goes to Eric who first sent this song my way. This went to my punk-loving 80’s retro heart. I want to compare them to a Finnish version of Blondie with more grit and electric guitar, but that description doesn’t do them justice. You’ll just have listen for yourselves! For more listen to Kiitos ei ole kirosana and Huuda!

Kiran Ahluwalia – Hayat. Who would have thought that blues guitar would make me want to sail down the Ganges but in Hayat it does! This Indo-Canadian songstress has a talent for melding different musical styles in her songs. Like Hayat? Listen to Awara as well.

 

Mix Tape Monday: International Cover Songs

Posted on by Get Set Go

One of the beautiful things about music (and art in general) is how it evolves and is reinterpreted through different artists. Check out these awesome song covers and see how they are transformed!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDNG4ewIkXk

Ben L’Oncle Soul – Seven Nation Army (covering The White Stripes). I am hard pressed to choose which version of Seven Nation Army I like better. When I listened to this soul version by French artist Ben L’Oncle Soul I almost forgot what the original sounded like.

Hozier – Sweet Thing (covering Van Morrison). Hozier I love you. There was a week where I listened to this song everyday when I got home. I may have even sung it to myself on my walk home (so Bostonians that girl singing to herself in Cambridge…that’s me).

G-Dragon – This Love (covering Maroon 5). This list would not be complete without Korean star G-Dragon! This Love takes a surprisingly smooth transition into a Korean rap. That’s right I said Korean rap. Check it out!

Piano Guys and Alex Boye – Peponi (cover of Coldplay’s Paradise). Behold, two covers for the price of one! This is both an instrumental cover AND a translation of Coldplay’s Paradise by internet sensation the Piano Guys and Alex Boye. Alex sings in English, Yoruba, and Swahili in addition to his own version of scat. All this combined makes a pretty epic cover song.

Coeur de Pirate – Ain’t No Sunshine (covering Bill Withers). It’s hard to beat Bill Withers’ original but French singer Coeur de Pirate brings a whole new haunting and tragic element to this classic song.

Which do you prefer the covers or the originals? Any good international covers I missed? Add them below.

Mix Tape Monday: Feel Good

Posted on by Get Set Go

You know Mondays mornings can be kind of a drag.

Alright let’s face it 90 % of the time they stink. Who wants to say good bye to the weekend and get up early? It’s hard to wake up happy when you have the rest of the work week staring you in the face. But don’t let those Monday blues get ya down!

Start your week off right with these tunes and it will fly by in no time.

Jung Yong Hwa with JJ LIN – Checkmate. The first step to surviving the work week is knowing that you are not alone. When you feel like the working world is against you these boys (from Korea and China respectively) have got your back!

Atif Aslam – Jeena Jeena –  Waking up Monday morning can’t be that bad with this gentleman by your side. I can see it now, me drowsing on a boat rocking to the waves in the sunshine with Atif Aslam crooning my stress away.

Also a former flautist (7th and 8th grade represent!) I fully endorse songs that rock that flute.

Nazim Ziryab – Tchakchouka. Get yourself outta bed and put on the coffee with this rollicking tune. Who can say no to the blues guitar with a berber feel by this UK based Algerian musician?

C2C – Happy. Words cannot express how much I love this song by French DJ collective C2C. Listening to this song I feel like I can conquer any work week drudgery thrown my way. Plus dancing is pretty much required. Dancing before work (or at work) will make your day better. I guarantee.

Songhoy Blues – Irganda. Are you dancing yet? This Malian band’s joyous song is great for commuting because you can bob along to beat and maybe fit in an inconspicuous shuffle or two on the train.

Anybody  have songs that make you feel prepared for the work week ahead? Put ’em in the dooblydoo below!

Mix Tape Monday: Springtime Daydreams

Posted on by Get Set Go

Hi everyone sorry for the missing post last week! I started my TEFL certification course and I got really busy (lesson plans are hard!). To make up for it I added more tracks than usual to this mix tape.

Spring has finally arrived in Boston! The snow has melted, the birds are singing, squirrels are back to stealing hot dog buns, and I can officially see the grass. In celebration of the new season here is a mix tape of dreamy upbeat tunes to put a spring in your step.

The Radio Dept. – Heaven’s on Fire. This song by Swedish band The Radio Dept. reminds me of looking at dust motes in sunbeams. You know, sparkling and soothing all at once. If you don’t know what I’m talking about just ignore my poetic leanings and listen to You Stopped Making Sense or their album Clinging to a Scheme.

The Fin – Night Time.  Another band whose whole album I love! Japan why must you be so far away from me? I like to think of this as my “staring out the car window as the world passes me by” track. For more of their dreamy tunes try  Without Excuse and Faded Light.

Alpaca Sports – Just for Fun. Spring means cute, fuzzy animals and sweetness. Behold! I have found both in one song. Let’s all go to Sweden and snuggle an alpaca or two (They’re so fluffy I’m gonna die!).

The Pony – Good – Bye. If your daydreams need a little edge try this shoegaze track from Korean group The Pony. Listen to 왼편에서. Want more rock? I also adore their other track Disturbance.

Highasakite – Leaving No Traces.  A Norweigan band with gardens, Adam and Eve, nature sounds, and Victorian poetry references what what more do you need?

Thornapple 쏜애플 – 낯선 열대. This song starts out dreamy and slow like a whisper in your ear and then BAM! It changes pace. I always enjoy listening to this. Listen to Why for more by this Korean band.

 

What songs scream spring to you? List ’em below!

 

 

Mix Tape Monday: Sounds of SXSW

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Spring is here and its the start of music festival season. In honor of the SXSW music festival that just finished up this weekend here are my favorite picks from both their international day stage and from their general line up. While I wish I could have been there in the flesh (why must you be so cold Boston?) these picks were curated and selected from my online investigations. If you got to see these bands live be sure to comment below!

Levante – Alfonso. No one will tell you that your life is shit quite as charmingly as this Italian songstress. Need more quirky doses of reality? Give Memo a try.

Toffee 太妃堂 – Vintage Love. This group of classically trained Taiwanese artists mix modern styles with traditional Chinese music. If you’re more in the mood for a power ballad, fear not! Listen to 首波抒情主打《斷》and be amazed by the sets.

Indevotion – Pretty Little Liar. Paramore and Hayley Williams fans should check this band out because (as other netizens have pointed out) I’m pretty sure this is her long lost Swedish sister.  Listen to Go Go Go Go Go! and Beating like a Drum.

La Guacha – Matorrales. I love this Chilean band! It makes me feel like its socially acceptable to tango on the subway. Listen  Tanta and Amor Platónico if you need to add spice to your morning commute.

Fuel Fandango – New Life. I cheated a little bit this Spanish duo is from last year’s festival but I had to sneak them in. Check out  Read My Lips as well.

Anyone I missed from the lineup that you loved? Or any favorite music festivals for international music? Add your comments below!

Mix Tape Monday: No Rules

Posted on by Get Set Go

 

You gotta break the rules sometime and today’s theme is no theme! What?! Anarchy! Madness! You say? Well we all need a little shaking up sometime.

Theme or not, I still love all these tracks so give them a shot and let me know what you think!

きのこ帝国 – 海と花束 (MV). I believe this band’s name translates roughly to Mushroom Empire but I’m not expert at Japanese (cough – I used Google translate – cough) so don’t hold me to it! I love their combination of dreamy lyrics set to some amazing guitar. It’s almost like hard rock shoe gaze…or shoe rock if you will. If you like this combo try 東京.

Madjo – Le Monstre.  I listen to this and wish that I could sound this sultry in French without trying (or just this sultry in general).

Tree Of Life 生命樹樂團 – I just discovered this Chinese band and I absolutely love this track (I’m a sucker for violins, guys.)  I’m hoping to find more by them soon!

Bradio – Fever. This Japanese band is just plain fun plus the lead singer has an afro that inspires my admiration. Flyers and Golden Liar are also must listens.

SALTNPAPER (솔튼페이퍼) – 완벽해요 (Perfect). Do you want your ears caressed and soothed with dulcet Korean lyrics from the inside out? Then do I have the perfect song for you.

Leningrad – Fish. Just because I can. Yes friends. I have found a Russian ska version of Tom Waits singing with a full band. There are sailor outfits, there are fabulous hats, and there may even be a tuba involved (or a sousaphone I never can tell). Want more? Here you go! Фиаско (без цензуры)