The top song of last year was officially and unanimously PSY’s Gangnam Style. You just couldn’t stop listening to the catchy beats or watching that addicting video. It seems like more and more music from around the world, is becoming more popular. It’s interesting to listen to other languages and the different styles that other countries have to offer. So I’ve compiled a list of some of my favourite artists from different parts of the world (in no particular order)!
- Kyo
http://www.youtube.com/embed/aU_TQcyGkvY
Danière Danse is definitely one of my favourite songs from Kyo, a popular band from France. Fabien and Florian Dubos, Nicolas Chassagne and Benoît Poher are the four members that make up Kyo. They’ve won numerous awards and sold countless albums. One of their charm points are their lyrics. It’s easy to sing along even if you don’t know much French like I do. And although the members decided to take a break from the band in 2006, there are three albums you can immerse yourself in. Their old songs are gold; it always goes to show how music can withstand the test of time.
- Nell
http://www.youtube.com/embed/a6AzbOupbxk
It’s hard to describe how much I love this band. Nell, an indie band from South Korean, is actually named after the film, Nell. The members are Kim Jong-wan, Lee Jae-kyung, Lee Jung-hoon, and Jung Jae-won. They’re the kind of band that keeps evolving without ever changing their true style. Each album is glorious in its own right but every time they release a new album, their sound gets better and better. They are extremely popular as their albums were No. 1 on the Korean album charts.
- Yemen Blues
http://www.youtube.com/embed/vEG2SQ_BlAU
Last summer, I had to the chance to hear Yemen Blue perform at the Habourfront. I’ve been hooked since! Their sound is complex, full of layers from blues and jazz and Aftrican . The group, founded by Ravid Khalani, includes top musicians from around the world. Kahalani ensures that music is to be enjoyed regardless of the language it is sung it. I wholeheartedly agree.
- ONE OK ROCK
http://www.youtube.com/embed/C-xF2MAFw5s
Japan may be known for its idol groups and vocaloids but I’ll contest that its rock scenes are one of the world’s best. I’ve been following this group for a long time but it’s only been a couple of years since they’ve really hit it big and landed on the Japanese Oricon charts. The members include Morita Takahiro, Yamashita Tōru, Kohama Ryōta, and Kanki Tomoya. Takahiro’s brother also is part of another band called My First Story.