Sounds International

New favorite song by Japanese band Ykiki Beat! As much as I love J-Pop, I also love finding music by Japanese artists that doesn’t fit the normal mold. “Forever” is a fun, upbeat chilrock song, and the main singer’s voice and accent is very reminiscent of Bastille... ? 

I love "Senyum"! The more I listen to it, the more it makes me smile (which is, incidentally, what senyum means in Malay). Listen to it and you'll see what I mean.

Listening to Kovacs is kind of like watching a show about serial killers. It's dark, a little uncomfortable, and incredibly fascinating. Kovacs has a rough, melodic voice that lends so much dimension to this song, it's no wonder that it's a hit in Greece and the Netherlands these days.

 Read the full story here.

Plus, how can you not like an artist who describes himself with "I sing. I am brown. I have a slightly wonky face. I like soup."?? Super endearing.

Victoria Modesta - Prototype Channel 4 Latvian electro pop singer Victoria Modestas latest music video is not only incredible, but a powerful statement.

Need a happy chill reggae song? Here’s one that’s been stuck in my head lately. American artist John Forte teamed up with Ukrainian group SunSay back in 2011 while touring through Ukraine and Russia to do charity work for orphanages there and made this awesome song. The music video is pretty cool too, shot in the style of the classic movie “Russian Ark” (all done in one take through rooms in a museum!)

For anyone who’s been a bit wary of the Asia-pop scene, Galilieo Galilei is a GREAT way to transition in. This upbeat, indie-ish, Two Door Cinema Cub - like band (10 points if you know who that is!) from Japan will make you fall in love with Japanese music, promise. 

Ximena Sariñana - Sin Ti No Puede Estar Tan Mal  Mexican actress/singer-songwriter Ximena's breakup song is sure to sooth any broken hearts. 

The trio thala Ajith, Gautham Vasudeva Menon, and Harris Jayaraj are coming together for the first time with a leg tapping Indian folk number that's as fun as it's catchy.  I'm sorry, but this will get stuck in your head. 

Javier Blake Ft Natalia Lafourcade - Cuenta hasta diez - No sé si cortarme las venas... Mexican singer-songwriters Natalia Lafoucarde and Javier Blake join in a ballad as dramatic as the name of the movie they wrote it for. " I don't know if I should cut my veins or grow them out".  

Gökhan Türkmen - Sen İstanbul'sun Turkish pop singer songwriter Gökhan Türkmen's sound is pretty soothing and chill. 

British  indie singer songwriter Ezra Vine's video for Celeste is as dreamy as his latest single Celeste.

Norweigan composers ( Members of E.S Posthumus) started Les Friction in 2010.  Their take on modern classical, orchestral rock, rock opera is ingenious.  If you  thought Muse adding  Rachmaninoff in the middle of KoC was cool, prepare to be blown away.  Louder Than Words  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F1d0gW3V30 And their latest single, Who Will Save You Now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXea1ijrBPo Also, look up all their music ASAP. It's incredible. 

Moonchild Sanelly - Rabubi South African former child model turned fashion designer indie afro-pop Moonchild has a very radio friendly song with Rabubi. 

AURORA- Under Stars Aurora Asknes is a 17 year old Norweigan teen that self taught herself the piano at the age of 6.  Her crystalline voice in layers combined with her electric sound are quite soothing and invigorating at the same time.  She’s starting out and I hope to hear much more of her in the future.