Triple Mango NL06: Vegynism
The Brazilian Future Islands 🥭 Francis of Delirium 🥭 Elsy Wameyo 🥭 and some gems from the archives
Hey there!
Back in 2012, I visited my good bud Andrew in Athens, GA for Valentine’s Day and we went to a restaurant called The Grit, owned by R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe. Upon receiving the spinach grilled cheese that I ordered, I looked across the table and told Andrew ‘I think this is the first time I’ve eaten spinach.’ I was 22 at the time and later confirmed with my mom that it was in fact the first spinach consumption of my life. My use of the term ‘vegan’ began shortly after this.
I’ve dabbled with being vegan throughout the years but if you’ve spent time with me throughout those years you’re likely aware that I’m a horrible vegan. I’m not sure if I can claim to be a bad vegan, I’m just not vegan, but for some reason it makes me feel better to answer ‘sometimes’ to the question when someone asks me, which is essentially saying ‘yes, I often eat vegetables’.
That new Vegyn album that I mentioned a couple letters back dropped this past week and it’s really been nailing the transition into Spring over here. After listening to it a couple times I shuffled back a bit into his discography and re-discovered the producer tag that he uses in some of his earlier rap productions, which is a sample of a valley girl saying “did I ever tell you that I’m vegan”. Sometimes.
Here’s what I’ve been listening to and digging up this week 🥭🥭🥭
Tune: Elsy Wameyo - Piny Lara (2024)
Scorching new track from Kenyan-Australian artist Elsy Wameyo blending RnB and gospel elements with traditional Luo lyrics from Kenya. Got a feeling a big album is coming from her soon.
Album: Francis of Delirium - Lighthouse (2024)
I’ve always had a soft spot for sad-girl indie rock and this album out of Luxembourg has really been hitting said spot. It stands on its own but if I were to make a comparison it feels like Phoebe Bridgers fronting Explosions in the Sky.
EP: K-Lone & Wilfy D - On The Down Low (2024)
At this rate there’s gonna be a K-Lone feature in every one of these but it’s hard not to toss them in here when he keeps putting out tracks like these. UKG fit for the club or the couch.
EP: Retromigration - Cloudin (2024)
Deep dusty house cuts from the Netherlands out last week on the always trusty WOLF Music label. Sunny springtime afternoon open-air energy.
Tune: Lewis Berry - What Am I Gonna Do About It (1986)
Massive disco-funk cut from the 80s that I mined from this mix this week. A nice entry into many a Summer playlist (if YouTube Music is your playlist platform of choice). Also a cheap one on Discogs if you’re looking…
Album: Pizza Hotline - Level Select (2022)
90’s/early aughts-tinged liquid DnB album that’s been a cruisey companion for some cloudy Berlin days as of late.
Archive: The Cat’s Miaow - Songs ‘94 - ‘98
One of my most well-loved discoveries from last year. A gorgeous collection of gentle underground indie pop from Australia. Finding this also led me to their other band Hydroplane, which leans a bit more ambient and ethereal a la Mazzy Star.
Archive: Grant - Cranks (2016)
Deep, melancholic house record that I’ve shared around a good bit since getting put onto it a couple years ago. If you’ve been here since NL01, you’re probably now aware that this kind of record is my wheelhouse. For more: see The Acrobat.
Archive: Terno Rei - Violeta (2019)
My darling Andrew put me onto these guys last year and it’s one that I consistently turn to when it’s headphone time, often on a walkabout or on the train. Excellent transit music. His original description was ‘the Brazilian Future Islands’, which feels apt so gonna stick with it.
Archive: Pender Street Steppers - Life in the Zone (2013)
A classic, breezy mixtape filled with chilled-out, hazy house tunes from ‘the Canadian Riviera’ aka Vancouver, and a fav label of mine, Mood Hut. Life in the Zone.
🥭 Here’s a Spotify playlist that has a taste of everything mentioned 🥭
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See ya in a couple weeks for NL07!
Nick
🥭🥭🥭