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.

Davy Sims is back, ready to take you on a breathtaking musical journey across the globe! From the hypnotic rhythms of Africa to the passionate melodies of Latin America, the cutting-edge sounds of Europe, the rich traditions of Asia, and beyond—this show is your ultimate passport to the world’s most exciting music.

With Davy at the helm, expect a mix of classic gems, hidden treasures, and contemporary beats that showcase the incredible diversity of global sound. Whether it’s folk, jazz, electronic, or something entirely unexpected, every episode is a deep dive into cultures and stories told through music.

And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, you might stumble upon a cheeky tune from the one and only Janis Joplin—because great music knows no borders. So tune in, turn up the volume, and let Davy take you Around The World!

Around the World with Davy Sims

This week on Around the World, Davy Sims takes you on another unforgettable musical journey across continents and cultures. The Featured Album is Angel by the extraordinary Welsh harpist Cerys Hafana, blending tradition with modern creativity in a way that’s both intimate and striking.

Along the way, you’ll hear a rich mix of sounds from every corner of the globe — from the rhythms of Brazil and Nigeria, to the melodies of Finland, Hungary, and Slovakia, and the soulful textures of India, Lebanon, and Sudan. There’s music from Australia, Canada, California, and Ireland, as well as discoveries from Portugal, Puglia, Sicily, Romania, North Macedonia, Sweden, Denmark, Gabon, and Rwanda.

It’s a sweeping, diverse playlist that celebrates how music connects us all, no matter where we call home.