While there's an endless variety of great music in the United States, sometimes it's nice to dip a toe in the international pool of talent.
After all, the United States is no stranger to British Invasions and K-pop fandoms, among other international waves. Likewise, I've been expanding my taste in international music over the last several years and there are plenty of international acts that I just don't think get enough recognition.
Let's highlight a small sample of the international music roster I've been diving into. Here's a short list of international music to check out in no particular order.
Shervin Hajipour
Iranian singer-songwriter Shervin Hajipour's "Baraye" received a Grammy for Best Song for Social Change. The category was just added this year, and it was presented by First Lady Jill Biden. Hajipour was briefly arrested for the song in 2022, and he's now on Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people in the world.
The song was inspired by a trend where Iranians posted why they were protesting after the death of Mahsa Amini, specifically with phrases starting with "for," as "Baraye" literally translates to "for" in Farsi. Tweets that inspired the lyrics are included in the music video.
Examples of lyrics translated into English include: "For feeling peace of mind / For the rise of sun after long-lasting nights / ... For man, homeland, prosperity / ... For woman, life, freedom."
Even when you can't understand the lyrics, the passion with which Hajipour sings "Baraye" is palpable, and both the vocals and instrumental are high quality. The song is worth listening to on all accounts.
Little Mix
Little Mix is a British girl group that won the eighth season of the British version of "The X Factor." While they're quite popular across the pond, the group wasn't promoted particularly well in the United States. The group consists of Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jesy Nelson.
Little Mix is on indefinite hiatus at the moment, but the roster of music the group built up spanning its 11-year run is evergreen and showcases a fun evolution of the group's style.
Each of Little Mix's six albums has hit songs, and they've collaborated with plenty of other artists including Nicki Minaj, Jason Derulo, David Guetta, Missy Elliot, Anne-Marie, Machine Gun Kelly, Charlie Puth, and Ty Dolla Sign, among others.
Likewise, two of the girls have released solo singles. Jesy released "Boyz" with Nicki Minaj and "Bad Thing" on her own. More recently, Leigh-Anne released her debut single "Don't Say Love." I'll always recommend listening to both Little Mix and each of its members' solo careers.
Kiki Rockwell
Kiki Rockwell is a singer, songwriter, and producer raised in New Zealand. I've only listened to a handful of her songs, but they all have a unique appeal to them. Based on her Instagram bio and some of the lyrics in her songs, there's an element of German, Swedish, Irish, and Baltic influence involved.
Some of Rockwell's songs seem to be an acquired taste, but if nothing else, I suggest listening to "Burn Your Village (Same Old Energy Pt. II)," which is the video I included above, and "Cup Runneth Over."
Admittedly, "Burn Your Village" is still a bit intense and features explicit lyrics, but it's a well-written earworm with a video that's reminiscent of the witch trials from a more feminist point of view. Fitting since Rockwell identifies herself as a pagan witch.
In contrast, "Cup Runneth Over" is a much softer LGBTQ+ narrative and features a more medieval sort of setting with swords and royalty. Either way, Rockwell's music and creativity aren't something to sleep on. Everything is worth listening to once.
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