This Playlist Will Get You Partying Across Europe Without Leaving Lockdown
by Megan Slack
It's getting to the point it’s hard to remember that there’s a world beyond the four walls of your home. The days are long, the banana bread has been consumed, and your plans to party around the streets of European cities have probably been rescheduled…
Although you can't physically leave the house, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t feel as though you’re off on the city break of your dreams. Be transported to these enticing destinations by checking out some of the coolest upcoming artists from across Europe.
Okay, so life in lockdown isn’t quite the roaring 20s we all had in mind. Still, at least you don't have to invest in travel-sized toiletries to get there (who are we kidding, we're crying, and we miss travel-sized toiletries too).
Paris: Clara Luciani
Let's start with the city of light, love and (red) lipstick, sweet Paris. If you haven't been to Paris, it's on your list. Why? Because it's iconic. Prior to the Covid-19 era, you would hit up The Marais area, which is one among the hippest neighbourhoods in the entire country. In one of The Marais' many bars, you would come across tunes which sound very much like those of Clara Luciani, who is just one of a whole host of French singers who you need to know about. Her most famous track 'La Grenade' is the best place to start, and sounds great on a Friday night (or any night of the week, since we are, in fact, in isolation). While listening to her Sainte-Victoire, don't skip 'Les fleurs' which is bringing out the chilled WFH soundtrack vibes, and 'La baie' which mirrors Dua Lipa's current 90s sounds.
Milan: Vhelade
Unless you are starting your morning by streaming Vhelade over your morning coffee (or caffè if you want to do it the Milanese way) then sorry, but you must know, you're doing the AM all wrong. Begin, instead, with Vhelade's album 'AfroSarda', which is the perfect soundtrack to listen to post-shower while deciding which outfit of the day you should debut over Zoom. Let us not forget, Milan is a fashion capital, so there is no better album to dress to. Favourites include 'In biblico' which brings out all the calming vibes you could need to see you through the stress of this crazy time. Also, look out for 'La notte' and 'Nuovo inizio' which you know is simultaneously playing in a hip loft in the creative neighbourhood of Tortona amid this northern Italian haven. We can deliver the tunes, but the Fendi wardrobe is, unfortunately, not included.
Barcelona: Rosalía
The Catalonian Queen, Rosalía, has over 10.8 million followers around the globe, who already dance the day away to her groovy anthems. So, why not make it 10.8 million and one, and join in on this Southern European party? You'll wish you had known about her sooner. We challenge you to stream the entirety of 'El Mal Querer' without dancing around your kitchen. Be sure then to move onto the funkiest single of all time, 'Millionària' which will indisputably become your new favourite. As a pro- tip: Rosalía is best paired with homemade sangria, which will truly bring out the best of La Rambla to your kitchen on a rainy weekday on your eight thousandth week of lockdown.
Berlin: CÉLINE
So you can't make it to Berlin. Fear not, as simply shuffling a few of CÉLINE's dance-infused beats will bring the very best of this party city to your bedroom. Remember to also take note of this highly stylised individual. She is the freshest sound to bless 2020, as she has released only three songs, all of which came out this year. Her singles, 'Tränen aus Kajal', 'Für Mich' and 'Was machst du da?' are the funkiest tunes to get down to over the weekend, as you raise a glass to the fact that we are another week closer to freedom. Cheers to that. PS: CÉLINE, if you're reading, please release more music in the meantime. We need you to get us through this lockdown.
Antwerp: Angèle
Angèle is a Belgium superstar. The 23-year-old showcases a uniquely sweet voice through youthful female anthems, and always offers something unexpected. Just take a look at the artwork for her 'Brol' album cover, which is a young girl who has lost her teeth. Does anybody know why she picked this? No? But that's completely fine. While on the subject of listening to 'Brol', remember that 'Tout oublier' and 'Jalousie' are equally as appropriate for an evening of Angèle appreciation. At the same time 'Oui ou non' stands out as a fan favourite on her most recent album, 'Brol La Suite'. Okay, so we can't go to Antwerp, but we'll always have the angel that is Angèle.
Title image by @studio_jonesy.
Megan Slack is a MA International Journalism student at the University of Leeds, who has written for Likibu and The Tab. Read more by Megan on Harpy.
