David Einmo and Asya have a musical connection that goes way back: He released the first album from her band Smoosh on his Pattern 25 label, she’s provided guest vocals on many tracks for his project Head Like A Kite, and they even performed together at the 2011 Sasquatch Festival. It would seem, then, that their union as Daydream Vacation could have easily been predicted. This week, the prophecy becomes reality as the duo self-released its debut album, Dare Seize The Fire. Below is the mix tape Asya made for MAGNET.
“Dare Seize The Fire” (download):
Tom Waits “2:19”
This song has the coolest percussive feel to it and this great rough energy to it. Makes me want to live life in the moment! Video
Julia Holter “Goddess Eyes”
This is a new artist I found out about, and I love the way she blends different, contrasting musical elements together. You can tell this song came from an important, personal place just by the raw and vulnerable sound it has. This is one of my favorite types of song right now. Video
The Roots “Dynamite!”
I listen to this when I jog. My sister Chloe showed it to me. The beat’s awesome! Video
Cat Power “Still In Love”
This song reminds me of walking through the woods in Sweden in the summertime. The song has an American-countryside feel to it and being in Sweden listening to it gave me a different outlook on things Amerikansk. Video
The Physics “Love Is A Business”
Seattle has got great indie hip hop going on! There’s many new talented people in that community right now. I saw the Physics live in New York recently, and they put on a pretty great show. Video
John Lee Hooker “Boom Boom Boom”
I watched an inspiring documentary on the roots of blues and looked up all the amazing musicians in it, John Lee Hooker being one of them! Video
Deerhoof “Secret Mobilization”
We’ve toured with Deerhoof. Such an amazing band live, on record and as people! Video
Dr. John “Ice Age”
I was lucky enough to get to see him perform at BAM in New York recently. I actually had not heard of him before, but I love how he brings many different types of musicians together to create this lively, adventurous atmosphere. I love seeing musicians take music to a new place. Video
THEESatisfaction “QueenS”
Another great new band from Seattle (I think they’re from Seattle). These two women take risks and are not afraid to do what they are passionate about—and it shows. They will amaze us because whatever they do, it is with intensity. Video
PJ Harvey “Silence”
I’m obsessed with PJ Harvey. She challenges herself and takes risks with her music. She never holds on to what she knows she has. Instead, she recreates herself with every project. I like exploring her music because she explored the unknown when she wrote it. Video
Tricky “Christiansands”
Dave, the other half of Daydream Vacation, showed me Tricky. He’s inspiring to me when I’m working on Daydream Vacation because he does a similar thing: beats with a girl’s vocals on top, all in a playful and moody way. Video
Busta Rhymes “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See”
Busta Rhymes! I love the simplicity of his songs and how everything is just enough when put together; there’s never too many layers. I also love the sounds he chooses to pair together. Video
Shabazz Palaces “Blastit”
OK, another awesome Seattle band. So, so creative! I think this singer is kind of genius. Video
Smokey Robinson And The Miracles “Shop Around”
I can only listen to this song in the summer. This is a cleverly put together song! Lyrically and musically, it sounds like a full piece of work. There’s direction, feeling and a great sound! Video
