Music Monday: Caswell Shares Her Inspiration
Caswell grew up in Tulse Hill in South London, surrounded by music. Armed with her first microphone at just two years old, she subsequently taught herself the piano and began to formally study music. Drawing from her influencers such as Kate Bush, Jeff Buckley and Nina Simone, to Bjork and Erykah Badu, Caswell has honed herself a signature sound; downtempo electronic soul and pop mixed with a tangible jazz influence.
So when Listen! It’s Vetrano asked her to share her playlist of favorite songs and inspiration, it was no surprise that many of those influences showed up on the compilation. The singer also explores many of the facets of her inspiration on the new EP The Shadow Aspect, which drops later this week (October 26).
In the meantime, get prepared by taking a trip through Caswell’s inspiration in the handpicked playlist and find out why she picked each of the 10 tracks below.
LIV PRESENTS… CASWELL’S PLAYLIST
1. “Oceania” by Bjork
I love the layered vocal arrangements- beatboxing and intricate choral harmonies create an oceanic world you can’t help but be swept away in.
2. “Love/Paranoia” by Tame Impala
There is no shame in declaring I am a fan girl! If I’ve overplayed anything in recent years it’s been their album ‘Currents’.
3. “Hounds of Love” by Kate Bush
Bush is a storyteller, and the stomping beat, string arrangements and her signature vocals are suitably theatrical. She loves the drama, the drama is fun to her.
4. “Reckoner” by Radiohead
Emotions. And nostalgia.
5. “Maybe I Love You Too Much” by Al Bowlly
This is an example of where sometimes the most simple lyrics are the most impactful. And you simply can’t beat the crackle of a live recording of a crooner and orchestra.
6. “Between the bars” by Elliot Smith
These haunting lyrics weave you into a sense of such intimacy with Smith, their ambiguity keeping me curious a decade after hearing them for the very first time.
7. “Play” by iamamiwhoami
Playful Swedish synth goodness.
8. “White Foxes” by Susanne Sundfør
My obsession with this song and Sundfør’s operatic vocals refuses to wane.
9. “Wild is the Wind” by Nina Simone
The first song that ever made me cry.
10. “Pentitiary Philosophy” by Erykah Badu
This song is fire — a genre defying, dynamic journey that showcases Badu’s typically underplayed vocals. She slays.
Did you like this playlist by Caswell and want to hear more from your favorite new artists? Head over to my Spotify and follow for more Music Monday playlists curated by your favorite artists. Plus, come back here often to hear more about why they chose the tracks featured on their compilation.
