Sometimes, there is music that makes you feel like you are somewhere else, chasing waterfalls. Great songwriters and artists use ethereal instrumentation and whispery, faded vocals to create a natural ambience that leaves you either more immersed in the landscape, or transporting you deep into one. If you are looking for a road trip play list or something to put on when you are wishing for a wilder existence, these five artists should be at the top of your list.
1. Bon Iver
Bon Iver is an American indie band created and lead by Justin Vernon. Justin Vernon's experiences living in wintery and sometimes desolate Wisconsin have led him to write music completely fitting for the forested and mountainous environment. From lyrics like "sky is womb and she's the moon" and "I could see for miles, and miles, and miles" to hits like "Skinny Love", Bon Iver captures attention with unique falsettos and keeps it with the fitting fragile notes of guitar and drums.
2. The XX
The XX is a group of younger artists from the UK that have a knack for creating perfect night time music. If you are ever driving late after sunset or before the sunrise, let The XX pull you in and keep you under. While they are not implicitly about nature like Bon Iver might be considered to be, The XX's stripped down, quiet sound makes the perfect stargazing, bonfire and camping music.
3. Daughter
Daughter, another English band, makes the kind of music that makes you question your existence. For lovers of existential crises, this is a must listen. Closely comparable to the XX with much deeper undertones and a harmonic, heart wrenching female vocals, this is another stripped down, lonely night time band.
4. Iron & Wine
A folk rock musician, Sam Beam makes beautiful music that will leave you yearning to be somewhere else. This is the kind of music to listen to in an unfamiliar town or just when you want to be in one. Sam Beam's quiet folky lyrics and guitar make you wish you were "walking far from home". His collaboration with Jesca Hoop is also greatly worth a listen.