This week on Around the World with Davy Sims, we’re taking a gentle journey back to the beginning of the year to revisit one of the standout musical highlights: Luminescent Creatures by the remarkable Japanese artist, Ichiko Aoba. First featured in the early weeks of the year, this deeply atmospheric and emotionally rich album left a lasting impression on listeners around the world—and it’s well worth another listen.

Ichiko Aoba is renowned for her ability to craft minimalist yet deeply evocative soundscapes. With nothing more than her voice, guitar, and a delicate sense of space, she builds entire worlds from silence and sound. In Luminescent Creatures, she offers a collection of beautifully soft, introspective pieces that feel like whispered lullabies or long-forgotten dreams coming gently back to life.

As always, Davy features four carefully chosen tracks from the album, each one showcasing a different facet of Ichiko’s artistry. From delicate acoustic melodies to subtly layered arrangements, these songs embody a rare kind of beauty—fragile yet powerful, understated yet unforgettable. Davy also shares insights into the album’s creation, Ichiko's unique musical philosophy, and why this particular body of work continues to resonate so deeply.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Ichiko Aoba or hearing her for the first time, this episode invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly listen. It’s a reflective, soothing hour of radio that reminds us of the quiet magic found in the gentlest of sounds.

Around the World with Davy Sims—your passport to global music, one extraordinary artist at a time.

Embark on a thrilling musical adventure with Davy Sims as he presents Around The World, a show that celebrates the rich and diverse tapestry of global music. Each episode is a magical journey across continents, exploring vibrant rhythms, soulful melodies, and captivating stories that connect us all. From the bustling streets of Latin America to the serene landscapes of Asia, from the heart-pounding beats of Africa to the melodic wonders of Europe, Davy takes you beyond borders and into the heart of the world's musical cultures.

Discover hidden gems, iconic anthems, and new sounds that will inspire, move, and entertain you. With his unique storytelling and deep passion for music, Davy invites you to experience the power of sound as a universal language. Whether you're a seasoned traveler of global music or a curious newcomer, Around The World offers something for everyone. Tune in and let Davy Sims guide you on this unforgettable journey!

Get ready to journey across continents and cultures with Around the World with Davy Sims—your passport to a rich and diverse musical experience. Each week, Davy opens the door to a new country or region, introducing you to the unique sounds, stories, and traditions that shape its music. From ancient folk songs passed down through generations to modern global fusions that defy genre, this is a show that celebrates the depth and beauty of musical expression around the globe.

Whether it's hypnotic rhythms from West Africa, soaring vocals from the Middle East, intricate string work from Asia, or pulsing electronic beats inspired by Latin America, Around the World is a showcase of sonic diversity. Davy brings context, history, and heart to every track, offering insights into how music connects people across time and place.

This week, we travel to the intersection of Finland and Taiwan through the hauntingly beautiful album The Garden of Otava by Barbora Xu. A truly captivating work, this album blends Nordic and East Asian musical traditions, marrying the gentle tones of the Finnish kantele with Taiwanese poetry and nature-inspired themes. Barbora’s voice and instrumentation create a meditative, almost spiritual listening experience that reflects the changing seasons, inner landscapes, and the shared human connection to the natural world.