Andrea Curutchet-Stevenson is a trans non-binary and second-generation New Yorker who releases and performs their music under the name ¡Cachabacha!. They take inspiration from Latin Jazz, R&B, and American folk styles, and set off-kilter melodies and jazz chords afloat over a mixture of South American rhythms in their exploration of identity, love, and heritage. Their debut record is set for release fall of 2026.
Hello! My name is Andrea Curutchet-Stevenson and I am so excited to be sharing with you my ListN UP playlist for I Care If You Listen! I’m a trans non-binary New Yorker performing under the name ¡Cachabacha!, and I had a blast putting together this playlist of songs that have taught me so much about how to write, perform, record, and live with authenticity. And to remember the beauty in not always taking yourself so seriously, so I’ve learned a lot from this music, and I hope you enjoy it too.
“São Jorge” by Hermeto Pascoal
The legend that is Hermeto Pascoal requires little introduction. Since my discovery of his music years ago, Pascoal’s songs have changed my perception of levity in music. He is famous for making music out of anything and everything, from accordions, flutes, water, to his own belly. As a listener and artist I would say I am most intrigued by happy beauty, perhaps because it’s the hardest to execute tastefully. This track exemplifies this facet of Pascoal’s genius.
“Northern Valley Daytrip With The Pink Beak Family” by Marcos Villalta
Marcos Villalta is a deeply talented musical and visual artist based in Melbourne. I was a fan of his music for years before we became friends through mutuals. Marcos is an artist who creates and lives deeply true to himself. This freedom is reflected in the meandering whimsy of his songs, his beautiful use of motif, and its eccentricity. Marcos also plays in Koi Kingdom, another wonderful Melbourne trio you should give a listen to.
“Skip Step” by Nate Smith
My first instrument is actually the drums, and I feel those roots when I pick up the guitar. I deeply admire Nate Smith not only as a renowned drummer but as composer and arranger. Songs like “Skip Step” have taught me so much about the melody in rhythm. His infectious play with time has snuck its way into my writing, and subtle unintentional changes in time signature intertwine tracks on my upcoming album.
“Sueño con Ella” by Buika
Buika’s 2013 album is such a lesson in prowess and the freedom that comes with the fluency with which Buika and the other artists can express themselves on their instruments. Growing up 2nd generation and with language barriers within my own family, I learned young to de-center “understanding” in my definition of “love.” “Sueño Con Ella” baffles me in its richness and complexity. I don’t “understand” how this music is felt or played, but I am utterly uplifted and transported every single time.
“The World it Softly Lulls” by Hiatus Kaiyote
Hiatus Kaiyote was a transformative discovery for me in 2015, and this song is my favorite delicate little masterpiece of theirs. While my music ultimately sounds very different from theirs, I feel like we share a lot of the same influences. They find inspiration from such seemingly disparate sources and compost it all into something fresh and authentic. Although the results are different, I think my creativity has a similar composting element.
“Pretty Ugly” by Tierra Whack
One cannot make a playlist about the beauty of silly music without including Tierra Whack, but her zany-ness is not actually why “Pretty Ugly” is here. It taught me a profound compositional lesson in over-development. It’s easy to want to stretch out each composition, but “Pretty Ugly” showed me that quantity in minutes ≠ quality, and sometimes the skill is in knowing how and when to honor the idea exactly how it came to you.
“Fear and Convenience” by Thao and The Get Down Stay Down
If there is one artist that was formative to my development as a young artist since I was a teenager, it’s Thao Nguyen. Although the style of my music has changed since I became her fan many years ago, her extremely idiosyncratic self-taught guitar playing featured on “Fear and Convenience” has undeniably left its mark on my own. Her deeply original and quirky music showed me that my favorite songs are the ones written so honestly you feel like you’ve met the composer.
“Starmaker” by Roy Hargrove
“Starmaker” by Roy Hargrove opened and softened me up to subtlety. This beautiful track taught me about music to be appreciated in the moment with its understated lines and gentle but powerful grooves. This gift of presence in enjoying music now feels indispensable to my practice of listening and composing, but I needed the Roy Hargrove quintet to tell me about it first.
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