The Occurrence - Category: Music

A chain of islands that is home to almost as many people as the United States has, Indonesia has a lush variety of music and dance. Its epic poetry of ancient times informs the effusive...

It’s no wonder why Alanis Morissette expressed her gratitude toward India in her 1998 song “Thank U.” It’s a subcontinent whose culture has influenced the Beatles and No Doubt (thanks to Ravi Shankar’s sitar and...

For a country of only about 330,000, there sure are a lot of talented musicians in Iceland. Bjork, Sigur Rós and Of Monsters and Men are among some of the most celebrated artists in the...

Disclaimer 1: The hit song “Budapest” is not by a Hungarian; rather it is by Englishman George Ezra. Disclaimer 2: Your humble writer is one-quarter Hungarian, so today’s feature on the best Hungarian artists right now...

Los Angeles-based alternative artist Eli Raybon releases the fun, surreal visual for his new-wave inspired single "30 Cents" that's bursting with infectious synth-pop energy. Directed by Markus Thorington, the video is a retro spy thriller that...

The Hawaii-born, Los Angeles-transplant known as J.Lauryn brings the summer heat on her refreshing, tropical-rhythmic single "Rum & Ting" that cleverly references the sweet and sour Jamaican drink.  The song is brimming with island beach vibes...

In our continuing quest for the best in world music, we’re skipping the next alphabetical country, the Holy See, which is another name for the Vatican. We’re guessing Pope Francis and his posse are not...

Stateside, most of us are familiar with Haiti because of its devastating 2010 earthquake or because of the Fugees’ Wyclef Jean launching an unsuccessful bid for its presidency. Beyond the tragedy and beyond the political...