Just about everyone you know listens to some genre or variety, but for the most part it’s all in English. With the exception of Gangnam Style and Waka Waka we’re rarely exposed to music sang in a different language. We live in a big world full of all sorts of great bands that we don’t get a chance to hear. After some digging I came back with a few international artists I feel are worth a few minutes of your time.

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Bombino– Niger

Listening to Omara “Bombino” Moctar you can definitely tell he pulls his influence from famous guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, but still blends in some of his Taureg roots. The 34-year-old guitarist from Niger has seen a lot of hardships in his young career after being exiled from his home in Agadez during the Taureg Rebellion in 2007 after the government declared the guitar a symbol of rebellion. His exile ended in 2010, and played a concert at the base of the Grand Mosque to mark the end of the struggle. In 2012 he teamed up with Dan Auberbach of The Black Keys to produce his second solo album that showcases his unique guitar style and his traditional Tamashek language. Even if you don’t like his music you have to give the guy props for all he’s been through just so he can do what he loves.

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Stromae– Belgium

Stromae or Paul Van Haver is a Belgian singer who just recently made the jump into the US with the start of his North American tour. While he’s new to us he’s been a major European pop star since 2010. His music is a great blend of dance, hip-hop and electronic that’s fun and upbeat while still holding a deeper meaning. I don’t want to spoil too much, but his hit “Papaoutai” translates to “Dad, where are you?”

Cro– Germany

Without his mask Carlo Waibel is a typical 24-year-old, but when he puts on his iconic half panda mask he becomes Cro, one of Germany’s most successful rappers. He started making his own music at 13, and has only gone up since. His blend of pop and rap which he calls “Roap” offers a unique take on the two popular genres. He’s definitely an artist that warrants some attention even if the genre doesn’t interest you.

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La Femme– France

La Femme is a young band that’s still growing. While they’ve been playing together since 2010 their first album, “Psycho Tropical Berlin,” was released just recently in 2013. Their music could be described as lo-fi surfpop, and it’s hard to argue with their heavy use of bass guitar player Sam Lefevre, and the smooth catchy vocals from Clemence Quélennec. They’re a young group with a truly unique sound, and after their 2014 win at French Grammy’s for Album revelation of the Year they’re only getting better.

A Tribe Called Red– Canada

Probably the artist with most unique sound on this list is A Tribe Called Red which takes traditional Canadian Aboriginal chants, and blends them with electronic house music. It’s a weird combination, but the three man band from Ottawa has found the perfect balance to make it work. They describe their blend as powwow-step, and if you have any interest in traditional house music or dub step you should really give this trio a shot.

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