Life is about mood and rhythm and setting. It has a soundtrack.

You can find that soundtrack here, in The Culture Lounge.

VOL. 1: BRASIL

Following the release of our interview with Ben Nicholas (which you can view here), we wanted to bring some accompanying Brazilian vibes. Close your eyes and kick back on Ipanema beach with a caipirinha, a scantily-clad pensioner doing rainbow flicks and some wonderfully selected Brazilian tunes.

De nada.

VOL. 2: ITALIA

A vibrant and eclectic exploration, weaving from iconic classics to the unsung heroes of Italy’s music scene. From Napoli to Torino, we’ve tried to capture the depth of Italian sound through a variety of relaxing and euphoric moods. It’ll stave off the summer nostalgia, and prepare you for the tranquillity of autumn.

To be paired with our interview with the ever-dazzling Venezia FC, or with our excitable journey through the landscape of Serie B. Serve with espresso.

Prego.

VOL. 3: NAPLES

Walking through the streets of Naples is a musical experience. Rising higher than the car horns or scooter engines whizzing by, speakers sit on window ledges, front doorsteps, shop stalls, and just about anywhere they’ll fit. Right now they’re playing Napoli classics: like Nino D’Angelo’s gorgeous club anthem Napoli, or Ciccio Merolla’s Malatìa – a recent addition to the long playlist of feel-good, pre-match tunes.

Even where speakers cannot reach, like the Piazza del Plebiscito, you will still hear Neapolitan classics like ‘O Sarracino and ‘O surdato nammurato from buskers or street performers.

There’s no way we’d be able to capture the vast lineage of Neapolitan music in a single effort, but we’ve done our best to distil the essence of the city. From the serenading ballads of Antonio Sorrentino and Mario Merola, to the world-renowned classics of Renato Carosone, to the Italo Disco floor fillers like Cerrone’s Supernature and Pino D’Angio’s Ma quale idea, to today’s rediscovery of underground classics, a movement led by trailblazing duo Nu Genea – our playlist breezes through the history of Neapolitan music.

Accompany with un caffe (con zucchero, of course).