International Sad Hits: Volume One introduces four singer-songwriters from Asia to the English speaking world. All four are veteran musicians in their respective homes, with decades-long careers, large discographies, and devoted followings. These are not pop stars or traditional folk artists, but singer-songwriters in the tradition of Bob Dylan, Tim Buckley, and Nick Drake. As a result, their music has, for the most part, never traveled beyond their national or linguistic cultures. This compilation is intended to take the music across those borders, and introduce it to the wider audience it deserves. The tracks were selected by 20/20/20 owners Damon & Naomi, who first encountered these songs when touring the world themselves. These four singers are among the discoveries closest to their hearts. And while the title points out that these artists are linked by a linguistic family (Altaic) as well as a continent (Asia), what truly connects them is their love of melancholy.