The Music That Made Me [Part 2]

The Music That Made Me [Part 2]

Having the privilege to see one of my playlists be shared by my good friends at Brooklyn Vegan, I decided to look into the music, community, and social stance that have influenced the person I am now and that had an undeniable influence not only on what I give life to artistically, but also why I craft it the way I do. I hope you enjoy discovering (or rediscovering) some of those songs and bands!

My playlist will be updated as often as possible along with a brief story/explanation associated with every one of those songs.

PINK FLOYD – CAREFUL WITH THAT AXE, EUGENE (LIVE)

I don’t know if it’s because I couldn’t stand a song like “Money”, that used to play almost every 2 songs on the only anglophone radio station I could tune to, but I never had an interest in Pink Floyd before meeting my friend Jeff, bass player in my band The Long Shadows, who is a die-hard fan. It’s difficult for me to say where I presently stand in terms of my personal involvement in the 200 different versions of every one of their albums, but since I promised Jeff to add a Pink Floyd song, here’s my favorite so far!

KIKAGAKU MOYO – DRIPPING SUN

I’ve been obsessed with Kikagaku Moyo’s musical universe the very first second I had the wonderful joy to put the needle on the Masana Temples album. It’s dreamy and introspective while being groovy and uplifting. There’s a sense of intangible and impermanence that inspires me to dwell on it completely. It’s a must-listen.

BRIGITTE FONTAINE – COMME À LA RADIO

The mother of a friend introduced me to many French artists, and I really found something ecstatically liberating in Brigitte Fontaine’s music. It’s only when I went deep into Sonic Youth’s side projects that I remembered the grande dame and found myself back in one of those experimental Friday nights spent listening to that fantastically weird music. I can blame that mystic woman for being a fan of everything my friends won’t commit to calling music…!

JOSÉ GONZALEZ – CYCLING TRIVIALITIES

I discovered José in pure delighted randomness, as I watched Sonic Youth’s “From the Basement” video. That guy sitting on a chair suddenly appeared on the screen, and I was hypnotized by the way he was playing guitar, wondering who he was. I ordered his album right away, along with all the other 7” he had previously released. Oh, yes, Sonic Youth was very good too…!

SHARON VAN ETTEN – DON’T DO IT

I was so surprised to realize that Sharon’s album “Epic” has already turned 10… Time does fly by pretty fast when you don’t pay attention! But I think that Sharon’s timeless craft has that fabulous sensation of eternity. Listening to her music has always brought me such a magnificent sensation of blissful weightlessness. I often play her music in venues before getting on stage, it just sets a perfect tone for anyone willing to dwell in the moment to embrace what is about to happen on stage.

Make sure to purchase a ticket for her upcoming live stream and “Epic” album documentary, which will take place on April 16 – same day as my album release! What a treat that day will be for you all! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the LA venue Zebulon. Great music and a great reason to join the moment… it’s most definitely a win-win here! https://nocap.show/sharonvanetten