We’ve been big fans of Sinkane here at Talkhouse. If you missed it, be sure to check him out in conversation with fellow Sudanese-American artist Oddisee on the Talkhouse Podcast. Today, Sinkane releases his much-anticipated album Dépaysé. To celebrate the release, we asked him to create a playlist of songs that helped inspire the album, from the well known to the deep cuts. Check it out!
—Keenan Kush, Talkhouse Operations Manager
Elis Regina — “Águas de Março”
I’m so obsessed with this song. There’s something about Brazilian music that really tickles my fancy. Specifically, how easy it is to feel the meaning of the song without having any idea what the singer is saying. I must’ve played this song every morning before I started working on Dépaysé. It really put me in the mood to make music.
Dur-Dur Band — “Halelo”
Easy African music is so heavily engrained in me. I can’t keep away from it. Hearing this music gives me so much inspiration. Dur-Dur Band is what I want my band to sound like — I always start with that and then I go off into the deep end with my other influences.
Sir Victor Uwaifo — “Kirikisi – Ekassa 24”
I really love the production and simplicity of this song. It helped keep me thinking of the live element of my album. I wanted the record to feel as joyous and funky as this song.
Jorge Ben Jor — “Errare Humanum Est”
Yet another Brazilian artist that I am obsessed with. Jorge’s music is so deep and full of heady ideas. I love that about him. This song makes me feel like I’m happily floating in the sky. I wanted to bring that kind of feeling to my album.
Mulatu Astatke — “Yègellé Tezeta”
I always hear something new when I listen to this song. It’s great music to put on during a dinner party, but also great for deep listening. I wanted to bring that kind of vibe into my album.
Abu Obaida Hassan — “Qamar Al Massa”
I love the call and response vocals and arrangement in this song. It directly influenced my song “Stranger.”
Mor Thiam — “Ayo Ayo Nene”
This song is just so fun! I really like how loose it is as well.
Chosen Brothers — “Mango Walk”
There’s something about the grittiness of Wackies records that really resonates with me. Maybe it’s the NYC influence on the reggae music. But this song has such a mean vibe to it that I absolutely love.
Lijadu Sisters — “Sunshine”
I love the use of synths in this song. It feels so natural and organic within the music.
Chico Buarque — “Caçada”
When I first heard this song I listened to it 30 times in a row. It feels like the best sing-a-long song ever. I love melodies like this.
The Funkees — “Acid Rock”
This song influences every thing I do. It’s what inspired me to write “Mars” and all of “Mean Love.” No different with this new album. I just absolutely love the vibe of this song.
Jabula — “Jabula Happiness”
This song made me realize that I could have power in my music in a different way. It feels so heavy and energetic. Really influenced making “Everybody.”
