Fresh from the release of their stunning sophomore album, The Way You Talk Reminds Me Of Home, Antwerp trio BLUAI continue to prove why they’re one of the most exciting names in European indie-folk right now. Since emerging with their acclaimed debut Save It For Later in 2024, the band have built a reputation for crafting beautifully intimate songs, pairing rich harmonies and heartfelt storytelling with a sound that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.
The past couple of years have seen BLUAI share stages with legendary artists including Neil Young, while also making memorable appearances at some of Belgium’s biggest festivals, including Rock Werchter, Pukkelpop, Cactus Festival and Lokerse Feesten. With a growing international audience and a tour alongside The Clockworks underway, the trio are reaching new heights while staying true to the warmth and honesty at the heart of their music.
BLUAI take over the 1883 playlist and show a few of their favourite songs at the moment.
‘Vivid light’ – Blood Orange
Caitlin: I love how Dev Hynes has his very own way of writing songs and mixing genres. His songs always sound like nothing else to me and I was really looking forward to this new album.
On this specific song there’s a great sounding cello outro and I can’t stop listening to it. I also love the fact that Zadie Smith sings on this track, she’s one of my favourite writers. This summer we played a festival in Belgium and got to share the line up with Blood Orange, that was very cool.
‘Two Elevens’ – Lizzy McAlpine
Mo: I love the way Lizzy translates feeling into sound. The record feels intimate, explorative and real.
‘Bobby’ – Phoebe Bridgers
Cath: I love how in the lyrics you can feel she found the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with. In her whole discography this is a song that just radiates happiness and love for someone but without losing her edge. It’s my favourite song from the new album.
‘Robin in the Rain’ – Laura Marling
Caitlin: This is an old children’s song originally written by Raffi, I got to rediscover through Laura Marling. A dear friend of mine just had a little girl named Robin, so it feels extra special. She did a whole album of children’s songs covers, which I think is such a bold but great choice. I’ve been a big fan of her music since her first album and always kept track of what she did ever since. Maybe it’s creepy to say but it feels like we’ve grown up together.
‘So Far Away’ – Carole King
Cath: This is real songwriting to me that we don’t hear too often anymore. I put this one on in the morning. She talks about how people she loves don’t stay in one place anymore.
That’s kind of what growing up feels like to me. Everybody’s finding their own way and in the process you might lose some people or come back to them after some time. Some people just stick around without too much effort and sometimes all you need is for them to show up at your door.
Listen to the playlist below.
The Way You Talk Reminds Me Of Home is out now.
Photography Anneke D’Hollander
