Playlist: The J-1 Mixtape

Ever wondered what indie music from all around the world sounds like?

Written by Wayne Lim

Illustrated by Micaela Galvez

As the suffocating grasp of the pandemic loosens, exchange students are finally gracing campus grounds again, and J-1 visas in hand, they’re here to share some tunes from their homes with the Live Music Capital of the World. 

To begin your voyage across the musical landscape of the world, float through the mellow psychedelics of Australia’s King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and levitate to the alluring dreaminess of France’s Pomme. Dance to the anthemic choruses of Singapore’s Sobs and the emotive vocals of South Korea’s The Rose. Finally, close out your journey, by banging your head to the grungy garage sounds of Switzerland’s Annie Taylor and the distorted riffs of Germany’s Odd Couple.

Take a trip around the world with this playlist while you plan your summer getaway. You might also hit up your nearest international Longhorn for more recommendations. Global indie music is a smörgåsbord waiting to be discovered by one and all.

*Visitors participating in exchange programs in the US hold the J-1 visa.