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 behind the mic, and he's bringing the world with him. Around the World with Davy Sims is your passport to an extraordinary blend of music from every corner of the globe — from foot-stomping folk to soaring melodies, ancient traditions to modern fusion. Each week, Davy hand-picks an eclectic mix of artists and sounds, weaving a rich and immersive listening experience that connects cultures and stories through the universal language of music.

This week’s journey has a special destination: the featured album Gold and Coal by the award-winning Canadian duo Cassie and Maggie. Drawing on their deep Celtic roots and a fearless modern sensibility, Gold and Coal is a collection that brims with energy, emotion, and elegance. Davy will take a deep dive into the album, exploring its themes, production, and the unique musical bond between the MacDonald sisters. Expect breathtaking harmonies, fiery fiddle playing, and intricate arrangements that breathe new life into traditional sounds.

So whether you're a seasoned world music lover or just curious to hear something new, Around the World with Davy Sims is your place to discover songs you’ve never heard — and fall in love with music all over again.

Get ready for another captivating episode of Around the World with Davy Sims, your passport to the rich and diverse sounds of global music. This week, Davy takes us deep into the southern hemisphere, starting with a spotlight on the vibrant and ever-evolving music scene of Australia—from Indigenous voices to modern indie and folk. Then it’s off to the Solomon Islands, where traditional island rhythms and harmonies paint a sonic picture of life in the Pacific.

But the journey doesn’t stop there. As the musical compass turns once more, we head across the ocean to South America, making a special stop in Ecuador to feature the stunning new album from Gracia Albán. Blending heartfelt lyrics with lush instrumentation, this album captures the spirit and soul of contemporary Ecuadorian music.

As always, Davy curates each track with care, weaving stories, cultures, and sounds into a seamless musical adventure. Whether you're discovering something new or reconnecting with global favourites, this week’s episode promises a rich listening experience that will transport you far beyond borders.

Tune in and let Around the World with Davy Sims take you on another unforgettable journey.