Edwin White’s Top 5 Pieces of Musical Inspiration

I spent the last month living in the “Wallet”, a dingy Brooklyn loft space where the White Brothers, Edwin and Andy, are currently holed up. The two of them play together in the sibling duo Tonstartssbandht, Edwin on the drums and Andy on the 12-string guitar.

I wanted to learn more about Edwin’s music taste because over the last year I’ve been (obsessively) listening to his solo project Eola. I can’t seem to find anyone making similar music to Eola, it’s a sound that can’t fit into any genre and which he describes as “choral-bluesy.”

Edwin sent me his top five pieces of musical inspiration, giving us some insight on his unique sound as well as a sweet little summer playlist. Above are some photos I’ve snapped over the past year of Edwin performing Eola. Below Eddy annotates his youtube influences.

1. Blind Willie McTell – Dark Night Blues (69 RPM version)

This guy’s music makes me feel every emotion, and i’m very thankful for that. Here someone slowed down the 78 to 69rpm because I guess they think it’s closer to what he would’ve actually sounded like in speed and key. Accurate or not, I love this version so much.

2) Chem Chem Yetu – Ngonda Zole

I just found this in the sidebar. Hell yea. Mellow beauty

Eh Kiesse Yaya is also great. That’s the one i’d heard before.

3) Dar Jazz Band – Hayo Yote Ni Ya Dunia

Such a beautiful thing. This is beautiful. This compilation, any song I’ve heard from it, I have loved. I need to get a hold of it, I haven’t heard the whole thing. I’ve fallen in love with 60’s Tanzanian music this past winter.

4) The Beatles – Norwegian Wood (take 2)

This version of the song is my favorite. Demo style, more sitar’d out, perfect simple drum beat. Thanks youtube and it’s users.

5) Zaïko Lang Langa – Ma

Well now this song makes me feel happy. The verse is so sorrowful/joyful. I found it on spotify somehow. hello tech-mology.

Posted by: Claire Milbrath

Claire is the Editor in chief at Editorial Magazine, she lives in Montreal.

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Rory Seydel is a musician, writer and father who takes pleasure in touring the world and making records. Creative Director at LANDR.

@Rory Seydel