Music for...
Mali and Texas by Khruangbin

‘Music for...’ is one of two Opera House Spotify playlist series where we ask friends of the House to curate playlists based on a theme of their choice: music for a particular moment, place or feeling.

Texan psych-rock band Khruangbin will make their highly-anticipated Sydney Opera House debut this month with three sold-out performances in the recently renewed Concert Hall. Ahead of their upcoming shows, the trio collaborated with Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré on an album that pays homage to Vieux’s late father Ali, one of the most influential and talented guitarists that Africa has ever produced. Ali Farka Touré’s sound combined traditional Malian musical styles with distinct elements of the blues, creating an innovative new genre now known as the desert blues. On the album Ali, Vieux and Khruangbin recreate some of Ali’s most profound work, giving it a contemporary twist.

To celebrate the album’s release and their upcoming shows, Khruangbin have put together a playlist and are also offering six lucky listeners the chance to win a vinyl copy of Ali. Fittingly, Khruangbin chose to pay tribute to the lands that inspired them and their music - Mali and Texas.  

Take off on a musical adventure with this curated selection of sounds by globe-trotting trio Khruangbin.