Barbara Pravi (France)
Photo: Barbra Pravi performing at Eurovision Song Contest in 2021
Favorite song: “CHAIR”
Barbara Pravi had her breakthrough after she performed the song “Voilà” at the annual Eurovision Song Contest in 2021. The song, which is a call for people to accept her as she is, took Europe’s hearts and quickly turned Barbara into the next up-and-coming star. My favorite song by her is the song “CHAIR” which is based on the heavily debated abortion laws in France. If you listen to this, I recommend listening to it in French first, and then reading the English translation!
Tame Impala (Australia)
Photo: Tame Impala performing in Boston in 2019
Favorite song: “Yes, I’m Changing”
Tame Impala is the psychedelic music project of the artist Kevin Parker. His music is often described as an alternative to mainstream pop music, and some even compare it to meditation: “Instead of opening your mind, you’re just trying to silence it.” I watched him live three years ago, and even at a festival with thousands of people surrounding me, I could agree with the statement above. It simply felt like silence. He’s touring this year as well, so keep that in mind when planning your summer!
Karpe (Norway)
Photo: Karpe live with the album “SAS pluss SAS pussy”
Favorite song: “Lett å være rebell i kjellerleiligheten din”
This Norwegian rap duo “Karpe” consists of the rappers Magdi and Chirag and has become a name all Norwegians know about. For many years they have been praised for differing from other rap artists, such as rapping about contemporary political problems Norway is facing rather than sex or drugs. This includes racism, poverty, and criticism of the system capitalism has created. My favorite song came out right after Norway faced one of its worst refugee crises and is meant to portray racism. Their ideology is to not make huge profits from their music but to put the money in making more music and throwing the craziest live concerts you have seen.
Trombone de Frutas (Brazil)
Photo: Trombone de Frutas announcing their new album in 2016
Favorite song: “Me n U”
The Brazilian band came out with its debut album in 2014, and later had its breakthrough with the song “Me n U” and “Bratempp” in 2016. They’re still a small, relatively unknown band, but its six members are described as tomorrow’s “big thing.” The band has taken on the challenge and has given jazz a new light, with a modern and alternative touch to it. If you’re planning a chill day at the beach or a picnic in one of Berkeley’s many parks, you definitely need to bring a speaker and put on one of their albums.
Patrick Watson (France)
Photo: Patrick Watson in may 2009, taken in Southern California
Favorite song: “Je te laisserai des mots”
This is the last artist I discovered my freshmen year of college, and when I listen to him now I can still feel the excitement of moving to a new place and the peace I felt inside of me after meeting some of my best friends in school. The romantic song “Je te laisserai des mots” is his most famous one and is interpreted as a “love-announcement” in regards to anything you have just realized you’re in love with. If you’re looking for a song to calm your nerves down during midterm season, this is it!