Cillie Barnes lives in the Happy Valley neighborhood of Los Angeles. Happy Valley is also the title of Barnes’ new EP, out now via Loma Vista. We just asked to make a mix tape, and she came up a good one. Check it out below.
The Roots “You Got Me” (Featuring Erykah Badu)
If this ain’t a love song, I don’t know what is. Erykah Badu always slays me, and this a prime example of a collaboration gone severely right. Video
Scarface “Girl You Know” (Featuring Trey Songz)
I listen to this when I’m feeling freaky. Video
Lovage “Strangers On A Train”
I used to just drive my jeep around in high school blasting everything Lovage and Elysian Fields. This is the first time I experienced trip hop, and her voice … Jesus Christ. This is just straight up sexy music. Video
Joni Mitchell “I Had A King”
Best lyricist ever. She has an incredible way of putting things. She talks about the nuances, rather than the large picture. She has a way of describing the tiny details in such a way that when the story hits you, it sneaks up and hits you hard. This is one of those songs for me. The moment you know it’s time to get out of town … your lover has changed. Video
Tinariwen “Islegh Taghram Tifhamam”
They’re from Mali and make the sickest music. They’re one of the few current bands that makes L.A. traffic less shitty. Great de-stressers and makes me want to make better music. Video
Blonde Redhead “Misery Is A Butterfly”
Oh, Blonde Redhead. They have yet to do anything I dislike. Have stood the test of time. I once wrote a screenplay while just listening to Blonde Redhead on repeat. They create one of my favorite moods of all time. Video
Bright Eyes “Arienette”
Another of the greats. This was one of the first Bright Eyes songs I heard, and I loved the mood of it. The way his lyrics create tension … everything just works so right in this song. I’m a fan of haunting music, and this one still gets me every time. Video
Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory “Boat Scene”
The best character of all time. The best scene the best character of all time has done. This has taught me a lot about what I want to do artistically. If I told you much more than that, I’d give away my secrets. But big, big inspiration this one. Video
Seu Jorge “The Model”
What a life. This is just part one, but watch it all please. So beautiful. So cool. The epitome of being a chill dude. Video
Etta James “Trust In Me”
My favorite singer ever. She has my favorite voice of all time. And this song hits all the good parts. Video
The Little Mermaid “Poor Unfortunate Souls”
My favorite Disney character of all time. Represents a lot of things to me. Just listen and watch. Video
