This week the tracks on the playlist feature…
- Podcast by Von Wegen Lisbeth
- German indie-pop band Von Wegen Lisbeth was formed in 2006 and released this song in 2021. The humorous song is a critique of the modern-day obsession with digital media, and the lyrics are about someone waiting for half an hour while their companion listens to a podcast!
- Hue by Red Axes and Music Academy Students
- Red Axes, a Tel Aviv electronica duo, travelled around Vietnam, collaborating with music students in the country to create this fusion of traditional music and contemporary. This fusion is the second in the group’s Trip series.
- Bonnie Shetland Isle by Mike Devine
- This country music love song to one of the islands of the Shetland archipelago comes from Scottish singer-songwriter, Mike Devine. It mentions some of the iconic sights and sounds of the islands, including Up Helly Aa, the islands’ fire festivals.
- Zydeko Bayeaux by Chris Ardoin
- Zydeco is a style of music that comes from Louisiana and is a blend of African, Caribbean, blues, and R&B influences. Chris Ardoin is one of the innovators of the style, blending traditional with contemporary R&B, hip-hop and reggae.
- Māwherangi by Dillastrate
- Another duo, this time hailing from Ōtautahi Christchurch, Dillastrate (Henare ‘H’ Kaa on lead vocals and drums and Tim Driver on keyboard, bass synth, loops, and vocals) sing about a solitary hawk’s flight and its search for belonging. The song is about bringing people back into the fold of whānaungatanga (pronounced f-AhnO-ngA-ta-ngA), kinship with the Māori world.
- Ethiopia by Teddy Afro
- This praise song to the country of Ethiopia is the creation of Tewodros Kassahun “Teddy Afro” from Addis Ababa. In it he sings of national pride and celebration, calling on his countryfolk to remain united and positive.
- Haptic by Alex Benson
- This Washington-based animator and musician creates original music cartoons entitled Dang. You can see some of his work on his website here.
- Abbaa Gadaa by Andualem Gosa
- A track that celebrates the democratic system of governance, Abbaa Gadaa, this song’s lyrics can be followed on YouTube here. The musician, Andualem Gosa, is from Ethiopia and is known for his contributions to both traditional and contemporary music from the country.
- Holi by Alex Heffes
- A celebrated composer who has been nominated for his scores for such films as Last King of Scotland and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Alex Heffes wrote this music for the television series, A Suitable Boy.
- West Coast by Coconut Records
- Rory Scovel is probably best-known for his role in the television series Parks and Recreation but he is also a musician. His musical indie-pop project, Coconut Records, has been a hit, with this song being released on the album Nighttiming in 2007. The track is about escaping to the more relaxed atmosphere of the West of the USA.
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