International acts to know
Everyone whether in the United States or in a far distant land has a love for music. Depending on where you are in the world, there are numerous genres that house household jams. Unless you are a fan of Western culture music, there are not too many people who are familiar with international artists. Fear not, because this list I have created are for five international acts you should definitely listen to.
FLOW
Now the first act is one I promise is definitely worth turning up the volume for. FLOW, based out of Japan has been a huge help in defining music for anime and giving the push the shows needed to reach the popularity appreciated today. This band has some deep roots, created in 1998, and primarily focus on Alternative Rock, Rap Rock, Pop Punk, and Indie Rock as their main genres. They have made classic hits for popular shows such as the Shonen tv show Naruto with “FIGHTING DREAMERS”, “Colors” for the show Code Geass, and even “1/3 no Junjou na Kanjo” from Rurouni Kenshin. Currently, the band is on tour promoting the release of their album Voy.
LiSA
LiSA, another powerhouse, is coming out of Thailand this time, and is the reason why music from anime just hits differently when you hear it. There’s so much emotion, drive and character from this artist, it makes you want to click the links just to see why words alone aren’t enough. LISA is a Thai rapper, dancer and singer, currently in a South Korean girl group called BlackPink, that debuted in 2016. She has recorded tracks for Demon Slayer’s first season opening theme with Gurenge (Red Lotus). She also has made a song entitled “Homura '' for the movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train (2020)”, which was used for the ending theme.
「Homura (炎 ) - LiSA」KAN/ENG/ROMAJI LYRICS (Demon Slayer the movie: Mugen Train theme)
ALFIE JUKES
As big as Youtube is in its inability to create stardom from creating covers of our favorite songs from even bigger artists, there are a few people who can genuinely hit record, have a well known song in front of them and breathe new life into it. Alfie Jukes is no exception, being a 20 year old out of the United Kingdom. He provides a fresh introspective of covers with his baritone voice with “When Your Gone” originally by Shawn Mendes receiving 1.4 thousand views. His own work of art with his latest single, “Little Omens” however, after listening reminds me of Charlie Puth with the pop beats and heartfelt charm.
https://youtube.com/shorts/Ow8qYOtt1ZA?feature=share
KAYE-MARIE
Kaye-Marie is a singer/songwriter from London who has uses her soothing, silky vocals to be accompanied by Neo-Soul and Christian R&B as her genres. Her latest single, “Love Never Ceases” takes us on a journey that advocates the love of God despite her flaws. The inspiration from this song comes from many biblical verses but more pivotal is from Lamentations 3:22- “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.”
Kaye-Marie - Love Never Ceases
Yoni Charis
For the last act on this list, we’re heading back to Youtube for less vocal ability and more vibes, with Yoni Charis. This artist from Bermuda, is passionate about God and shares his love for God by creating sounds that are usable for all facets of life whether that is preparing to study for an upcoming test, cleaning around the house, or just needing to clear your mind of all the hustle and bustle of the world. With titles like “Child of God”, “Serenity” and “Oh Grace”, coming from his latest project Mercy, these sounds are perfect with beats accompanied to take you to another world or just reconnect with God.
Sure, you may have a ton of music in your playlist now that you are confident that you can get through today, but try these artists out and see how they flow throughout whatever you’re going through and don’t be surprised if their music makes your day.