Following the release of ALANA's new track 'Counting Sheep', we caught up with the singer-songwriter to find out more about the music that inspires her sound. You'll find a mix of Brazillian music and nostalgic pop songs. If you like the sound below, be sure to check out ALANA's new track which you can find at the end of the article!
1. Maria Gadú - Shimbalaiê
If I were to ever get a tattoo, it would be it would surely be of the word “shimbalaiê.” This song has such a catchy riff, I remember the first time I heard it, I was 14 years old and glued to the tv watching a Brazilian soap opera with my mom. I instantly fell in love with the song. Even though I didn’t fully understand the lyrics, I memorized them and they’ve stuck with me to this day. I come back to it every now and then and it still gives me that tingly feeling.
2. Augustine - Prom
This song makes me feel nostalgic and I didn’t even have a memorable prom. My boyfriend showed me this track when we were on a road trip and I remember just listening to it on repeat for weeks. It’s the kind of song you can just live in and listen to over and over again.
3. Kacey Musgraves - Follow Your Arrow
When I think of artists and the songs that have defined me, Kacey Musgraves and Follow Your Arrow are at the top of that list. When the song came out, the message was progressive for country music and its lasting power has reverberated through the years. Her songwriting never fails to inspire me, she is always pushing the boundaries of what songs can do and this track will always be one of my favorites.
4. The Mamas & The Papas - California Dreamin'
When winter rolls around you can guarantee I will be listening to this song at least once a week. It’s another track that has such a nostalgic energy for me and it’s one of those songs that is always stuck in my head.
5. Elis Regina & Tom Jobim - Aguas de Março
Growing up in a Brazilian household this song was often playing in the background. It’s such a relaxing track, the poetic lyrics, the conversational flow, it’s just really something special. It’s a song that I know will always be with me and if I’m ever down I can count of it to put me in a better mood.
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