Freeform Fridays: Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon shares her life story through exclusive mix

This week on Freeform Friday, KCRW is thrilled to welcome Yukimi Nagano, the brilliant frontwoman for Swedish electro-pop headliners Little Dragon. Since their slinky electro-soul debut in 2007, the band has continued to be incredibly creative, with their genre-bending sound warming hearts and dancefloors around the world. Nagano keeps that versatile flow with her exclusive guest set for KCRW — showcasing her influences and sonic identity through songs that tell her life story, both past and present. Read on for Nagano’s advice on how best to listen to the mix for the full effect, who her dream collaborator is, and what track she calls her “happy-pill.”

Yukimi’s ‘life story’ playlist:

Yukimi on her dream collaboration:

D'Angelo’s “Voodoo” album came out when I was in highschool. At the same time I met the guys in the band. It was a music high school, and I recall kids talking about the album and how good it was before I had heard it. I had been a fan since “Brown Sugar,” but I was in no way prepared for the “Voodoo”album.

It's timeless and touched me so deeply. It acts as a reminder for me of what it means to be an artist. I choose special moments to listen to this album, and it always gives me goosebumps. “Africa” in particular always brings me to tears. I saw D'Angelo live in Paris before his release of “Black Messiah.” He is on my list of dream collaborations.

Yukimi’s pick-me-up track:

This track pairs well with...

This playlist works anywhere for me, but If I had to make it specific, I would be in the following locations:

“Playground” by Steve Lacy: It would be perfect in good company, on an amazing road trip, driving through beautiful scenery in an epic car

“If I Was Your Girlfriend” by Prince:Dressing up, letting go, dancing on your own at home

“California” by Joni Mitchell:Listen while cooking a delicious meal

“Baby” by Ariel Pink: A weird sunny day, when you feel grateful in love with everything you see on a morning walk through your neighborhood

“Unfinished Sympathy” by Massive Attack:A walk in the rain with this track playing loud in your headphones

“Cloudbusting” by Kate Bush:Sing-along in any blooming field or rose garden

“Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac:A bit tipsy on anything with your best friends

“Unthinkable (I’m Ready)” by Alicia Keys: Light candles and romance with your special person

“American Tango” by Weather Report:Under a starry night in the desert with three grams magic mushrooms

“Africa” by D’Angelo:Listen to this song on your own to be reminded of how much music can make you feel

“You're Gonna Need Me” by Dionne Warwick: Summer party!

“Big Fun” by Inner City: In a NYC club at 2am