Songletter

Share this post

the Balkans 🇽🇰

songletter.substack.com

Discover more from Songletter

We are always on the lookout for exceptional music. We share our top discovery every week.
Over 4,000 subscribers
Continue reading
Sign in

the Balkans 🇽🇰

Songletter #32

Songletter
May 12, 2023
8
Share this post

the Balkans 🇽🇰

songletter.substack.com
1
Share
Elai. Photo: Soundcloud

Happy weekend, all!

Today, our friend

Chris Dalla Riva
from
Can't Get Much Higher
will be sharing this week's song. We've been following Chris for a while, as he makes interesting posts about the intersection between music and data. We highly recommend checking out his work.

On to Chris:


I work for a music streaming service called Audiomack. One of the cool things about working for a music streaming service, especially one with tens of millions of users around the globe, is that you get exposed to vibrant music scenes that would otherwise elude you.


Recently, we noticed an influx of artist and listener activity in Albania and Kosovo, so I felt compelled to dive into the music of the country. Given the prevalence of hip-hop in the Balkans, it’s clear that the West has influenced the popular music of the region. That said, what’s so intoxicating about what I heard during my deep dive is the local twist artists are putting on historically Western genres. And no artist’s local twist is more interesting right now than Elai’s.

Born in Kosovo 1999, Elai has made a name for himself as both an artist and producer over the last few years. His music is at its best when he is smashing together unexpected styles. On “Joti”, for example, he both raps and sings over a production that unites acoustic guitars with hip-hop rhythms. It’s a sound that somehow feels both familiar and unexpected.

Did you enjoy this? Subscribe to Can't Get Much Higher here on Substack.

Can't Get Much Higher

The intersection of music and data
By Chris Dalla Riva
8
Share this post

the Balkans 🇽🇰

songletter.substack.com
1
Share
Previous
Next
1 Comment
Share this discussion

the Balkans 🇽🇰

songletter.substack.com
Chris Dalla Riva
Writes Can't Get Much Higher
May 12Liked by Songletter

Thanks for having me!

Expand full comment
Reply
Share
Top
New
Community

No posts

Ready for more?

© 2023 Songletter
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing