The Soon-Another takes a folk/rock sensibility and sets it against a synth-pop backdrop on upcoming debut LP, Autodidact, slated for release in February. The group formed when singer/keyboardist Adele Fournet journeyed to Peru to do research as an ethnomusicologist and met local guitar virtuoso Felipe Wurst. We asked Fournet and Wurst to make us a mix tape, and here’s what they sent us.
tUnE-yArDs “Bizness”
Wurst: This girl is so talented; we love her so much. Now about to release a third album. We were always impressed by how she managed to perform with a floor tom, a ukelele, her voice and a looper and sound like a full band playing! Video
J. Viewz “Rivers And Homes“
Wurst: When we moved to NYC from Peru, we were looking for a drummer on Craigslist. Ofer Levy was the first one to reply, and on his resume said he was currently performing with this artist. When we saw this video, we were were really into it, and since then J. Viewz would be always on my playlists. Video
Aimee Mann “Pavlov’s Bell“
Fournet: When I was a teenager, living in Arkansas, my dad checked out Aimee Mann’s Lost In Space album from the library and handed it to me. I was already a fan of Mann because of the Magnolia soundtrack, and this album sealed the deal. Her genius lyrics and unique vocal timbre were definitely a huge influence on me as both a songwriter and vocalist. Video
St. Vincent “The Apocalypse Song“
Fournet: I first heard Annie Clark’s Marry Me album riding in a friend’s car in Florida. He was the lead singer in my band at the time, and he was like, “Adele, you’ve got to hear this. I know you’re going to love it.” And, well, yeah. St. Vincent has definitely been a north star for me as an artist, in terms of musicianship, songwriting and just her impressive career so far. I love all her albums, but the first one holds a special place in my heart. The highlight of this song for me is probably the clap-stomp devolution in the bridge, right before the key change. Brilliant. Video
Michael Jackson “Starlight“
Wurst: The main reason why I wanted to keep listening to more music from the U.S. when I was a kid, living in Peru, was Michael Jackson. Everybody knows about him already, so here I’m just posting the demo version of Thriller, which was originally called “Starlight.” Later on the song was transformed from day to night. “Starlight! Starlight sun … ” So weird! Video
Sons Of Hippies “Rose“
Fournet: I got to know Sons Of Hippies in Florida in 2008, back when they were still a guitar/drums power duo. I’m always amazed at leading lady Katherine Kelley’s ability to formulate the catchiest melodies and chord progressions that have this totally pop vibe, and at the same time a hardcore rock aesthetic and mentality. “Rose” is a great song off the Griffons At The Gates Of Heaven, only made better by the killer video. Video
Moldes “El Amante“
Fournet: “El Amante” might be the song I’ve listened to most in the past few years. Catchy, punchy, flippant, sexy, bloody. Also one of my favorites from the Lima underground. Video
Dirty Projectors “Temecula Sunrise“
Wurst: I’ve come to think that this is a love-or-hate band. Certainly it wasn’t love at first sight for me. But when it came on at the right time, this song became a unique pop gem that I never expect to find. Lead singer David Longstreth has the weirdest vocal style, African-esque guitars and everything done in such unique way. Video
La Lá “Selva Negra“
Fournet: La Lá is the project of Giovanna Nuñez, a Limeñan composer and vocalist who I consider to be one of the best emerging artists from Peru. Her lyrics and melodies are perfectly crafted and always stick with me. I can’t stop listening to this woman’s music, and am excitedly awaiting her first album, due out in 2014. Video
Raul García Zarate “Carnaval“
Wurst: After 25 years of working as a lawyer in Peru, guitarist Raul García Zarate started to be recognized as one of the greatest Andean guitarist from our country. He is a humble virtuoso from the city of Ayacucho, beautiful place surrounded by Andean mountains. He tells the story of the music he represents. Video
