I Miss The Way You Swim

Winnebago

Do your call!

What is doubtful?

Presents

Must come down

I’ll miss you

For the 57th installment we welcome Berlin-based Courtney Bailey (@courtneyey) who just released her debut album 'In Dream' with us on Second Circle. Interview (excerpt) below.

www.musicfrommemory.com

MFM: Welcome to the series Courtney. Born in Japan, now living in Germany... Can you tell a bit about your upbringing in Japan and what kind of role music played?

CB: I grew up in a small chill seaside city about an hour away from Tokyo by local train. When I was young, skateboarding and surfing was always around. So when I was 17, I got into skateboarding and used to hang out with friends at a local skate shop. That shop had turntables and a mixer, and the owner often played records. l thought that was cool and started to get more into house music playing with the mixer. Then I started to go more parties in Tokyo! And I started organizing parties and started DJing. I really love DJing,  I’d even mix on a DJ app on my phone while riding the train to Tokyo for work, haha. My parents also love all kinds of music, and when I was little, they used to take me to little beach parties during the summer. Sometimes I would jump in and sing at live shows there! 

MFM: Your voice plays an essential role in your songs, mostly singing in Japanese. How did that start and what is the writing and recording process like?

CB: The music from this album came together after I first listened to Dream Dolphin. I was instantly drawn into the dark but hopeful and deep sound. After that I couldn’t stop making music!  I was also inspired by other Japanese new age artists from the ’90s, like Poison Girl Friend, Nav Katze etc. I come up with the lyrics at the same time as making the track or make the track first and then fit the words to it. All the vocals on this album were recorded with my MacBook’s built-in mic. My younger brother joined for one track, and we actually recorded the voice from the phone through computer mic.

MFM: How do you go about writing music in general and where do you get your inspiration from? 

CB: I don’t have a studio, so I work from home. I don’t really have a routine. I am always having new experiences in Berlin and also doing lots of travel. And also enjoying the party scene a little bit haha. So every day feels different! I am glad that I have moments of high productivity and inspiration during these interesting times!

MFM Mix 057: Courtney Bailey

Shining a deserved light on one of Kenya’s most beloved musical auteurs, Joseph Kamaru. Pulling an hour long special from the vast discography, selected by his grandson, KMRU. 
Find the full tracklist and related episodes on NTS: https://www.nts.live/shows/guests/episodes/kmru-22nd-november-2025

KMRU - Joseph Kamaru Special 221125

Mostly sounds and some instruments and also sounds and some instruments. Song titles are things my three year old has said taken out of context

Winnebago

Anthonythompson

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