Trek Sounds

After my recent trek to Europe and a family visit to Washington, of course I came back with a long list of songs that I needed to get my hands on as soon as I got home, or at least give them some more ear-time. (See what I did there?) I thought I'd share a few of them here with you. Not all of these songs are new, but they were all new to me, and if you haven't heard them before, take a listen!

Note: I've also included some little facts that could possibly be used as trivia if you are ever in the need to get ready for a high stakes musical trivial pursuit game. Because it just might happen. And if it does, know these facts and you WILL walk away with all your limbs still in tact... and definitely the confidence that only comes from being called The Honorable Master of All-That-Is-Clearly-Important Knowledge.


Bernhoft - "C'mon Talk"

Bernhoft is a Norwegian artist living here in the good ol' U.S. of A. He first appeared on The Ellen DeGenerous Show back in 2011, and then on Conan in 2013. Seems like he's been pretty good at staying under the radar. But no more! How could you not love his soulful voice, beatboxing and remixing, and the looping? Also, did I mention he is Norwegian? ;)

Bernhoft also just released a new single on February 14 called "Come Around" and his new album, Islander, will be released April 28 followed by some US Shows in June. Jump on the Bernhoft train quick, and maybe we'll catch the cheaper shows before he gets expensively big! (Hope to see you at The Troubadour in June!)

More of Bernhoft's music can be found on Embassy of Music's YouTube Channel.

Milky Chance - "Stolen Dance"


So this music video is quite awful, and I'd rather not ruin the song for you by making you observe it. My friend told me, "This kind of music is really big in Switzerland now. We like the chill music now." This gave me a good laugh. Sounded like I was getting the "This is what the kids listen to nowadays!" line. I'm glad that the Swiss enjoy music that just goes perfectly with a cold drink and warm sun beaming down on your face. Milky Chance's folky (folksy?) voice and smooth arpeggios take me to another place when I close my eyes. And that, to me, is the essence of a good song.

If you liked that, also check out Milky's "Down By the River."

Flume & Chet Faker - "Drop the Game"

Probably one of my favorites on this list, this song reminds me of a slow jam of Rudimental & John Newman collabs. And these dance moves are reminiscent of my friends during a Saturday night living room dance off. A couple of electronica connoisseurs, Flume and Chet Faker both hail from Australian. Chet Faker (birthed as Nicholas Murphy) did a cover of "No Diggity" that you might recognize from a 2013 Superbowl Commercial. It's quite a classy cover. Flume (more recently born as Harley Streten) has only released his self-titled debut  album and is already topping charts and winning awards in Australia for his notable production, mixes, and collabs.

Visit Flume's SoundCloud here.

Visit Chet Faker's SoundCloud here.

Disclosure - "You & Me" (Flume Remix)


Say hello to another work of Flume; this time a remix. Disclosure consists of two English bros (as in truly related brothers). Without the remix, this song sounds more like the typical Euro electro-pop songs. In my opinion, Flume did it a favor. So another Flume Fact! Only twenty-two years old, his music career is off to a great start, winning multiple ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Gold and Platinum awards.


We the Wild - "Body Electric (Blue)"

A little bit of electronic. A little bit of rock. A little bit of ballad. A little bit of blue. UK band We the Wild tries to get us to understand the body in electric blue. Still not sure what they mean, but I'll take the song, if at least for its bridge.

You can visit We the Wild's SoundCloud here.

Stromae - "Papaoutai"

Have an annoying song stuck in your head and need to get it out? Just listen to this.
Want French hip-hop dance lessons? Just watch this.
Need some fashion inspiration? Just take notes.
10 million trivial pursuit points for knowing what Papaoutai means!

Ok, I already did the research for you. "Papaoutai" is actually "Papa, où t'es?" which means, "Papa, where are you?" in French. Let's thank Louis for that valuable, game-winning information. According to those that edit Wikipedia, Stromae revealed that this was inspired by his longing for his Rwandan father who was killed in the Rwandan Genocide.

Remember "Alors on Danse?"

Visit Stromae's SoundCloud here.

Boy & Bear - "Rabbit Song"

If it there was a three-way love child from Alt-J, Fleet Foxes, and Noah and the Whale, Boy & Bear would be it. This Australian indie band knows how to blend the folk, electronic rock, and vocal styles of their ancestors. Boy & Bear has won five ARIA awards. Keep an eye on them, because they are sure to pop up in your life soon. Maybe even in your kitchen. Serving up some Vegemite on toast and Weet-bix. Because Australians love those high-fiber cardboard squares. All good things come from Australia (except Weet-bix). ... Is that a saying yet??

Visit Boy & Bear's YouTube Channel here.

I hope you enjoyed at least one of these songs. If not, at least you are that much closer to being The Honorable Master of All-That-Is-Clearly-Important Knowledge in your next musical trivial pursuit game. Which might be tomorrow. You never know. So be ready.


Peace.
-K.JOHN