Good morning, friends! I hope your weekend is shaping up to be a good one—whether it’s packed with plans or blissfully unscheduled. It’s been far too long since I last put together a proper music mix, and this summer felt like the perfect time to dive back in. Music has always been a way for me to travel without leaving my living room, and lately I’ve been craving sounds that transport me to faraway places.
So, I decided to make a Summer 2019 mixtape that’s a little globe-trotting journey of its own. Think of it as a passport in playlist form: South African boogie, Brazilian funk, Indian soul, Japanese dub, French pop, and even a few unexpected gems sprinkled in between. This mix is meant to be played with the windows open, the fan whirring, maybe even a cold drink in your hand.
Why a Mixtape?
Playlists are convenient, sure, but there’s something about an old-school mixtape that feels more personal. A good mix has rhythm—it tells a story, builds a mood, and keeps you just off-balance enough to stay intrigued. That’s the spirit I wanted here: songs you may not have heard before, sitting next to ones you know and love, all woven together to create a journey.
This isn’t just background music. It’s a summer soundtrack, meant to color your days in unexpected ways.
The Tracklist & The Journey
Here’s the lineup I put together, along with a little note about why each song made the cut:
- “Oe Oe (Faz O Carro de Boi Na Estrada)” – Jorge Ben
Nothing says sunshine like Jorge Ben. This track is funky, joyful, and full of that unmistakable Brazilian rhythm that instantly sets the mood. - “T’aurais pas vu L’amour” – Patricia Zamler
A dreamy slice of French pop with just the right amount of melancholy. It feels like sipping rosé on a Parisian balcony at dusk. - “The Silver Gun” – Robert Palmer
Palmer may be best known for his hits, but this one is a moody curveball. It grounds the mix with a touch of grit. - “International Funk” – Rim Kwaku Obeng & The Believers
A Ghanaian groove that lives up to its name—funky, hypnotic, and impossible not to move to. - “Aaj Shanibar” – Rupa
A cult classic from India that blends disco, soul, and sheer joy. It’s infectious in the best way. - “Savannah” – The Keyboys
Atmospheric and smooth, this track feels like a lazy golden-hour drive with no destination. - “Jungle Dweller” – Antoine Kogut & Nico Motte
A touch of experimental French electronic to keep things interesting. It has a mysterious pulse that balances the brighter tracks. - “Loveroom” – Frank Harris & Maria Marquez
Ethereal and sultry, with vocals that feel like a warm breeze. - “Aay Mere Dil” – Babla & Kanchan
A sparkling Bollywood disco number—playful, rich, and full of personality. - “Aqua Marine” – Santana
Santana is the glue of any summer mix. This instrumental track is mellow, oceanic, and timeless. - “Losing Time For Love” – Kofi
A soulful track that softens the edges—smooth and heartfelt without being overly sweet. - “Picnicing” – Starlight
Just as the title suggests, this one feels like sunshine, grass underfoot, and carefree afternoons. - “Insomnie” – Sonia
French pop again, but this time darker and more hypnotic. It gives the mix a slightly nocturnal turn. - “Easy Way (Instrumental)” – Wish Key
Pure Italo-disco bliss. Play this one when you need to channel the feeling of neon lights and dance floors. - “Punk Inc (Hiroshi’s Dub)” – T.P.O.
A Japanese dub gem that brings some edge back into the flow. Unexpected, funky, and endlessly cool. - “Save Our Love” – Escape From New York
A perfect closer: slightly haunting, but also hopeful. It leaves the mix lingering in your ears long after it’s over.
How to Listen
I recommend playing this mix in one go, front to back. Let it surprise you. Maybe the French pop catches you off guard, or the Indian disco track becomes your new obsession. That’s the fun of a mixtape—it nudges you into new corners of music you might not have explored otherwise.
Summer always feels like a season that wants its own soundtrack. Long evenings, bright mornings, and everything in between deserve a little musical color. This playlist is mine, but I’d love for it to become part of yours too.
Your Turn
Now I’m curious: what’s been on your summer soundtrack? Do you lean toward breezy classics, indie discoveries, or something completely unexpected? Share your favorites with me—I’d love to add them to my rotation.
Until then, here’s to a summer filled with rhythm, sunshine, and songs that take you far from home even if you never leave your front porch.
