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For my Runelords campaign I've prepped a little songlist for Ameiko to play at various times in the Rusty Dragon.
I've decided to use the Yorkshire folksinger Kate Rusby as a stand-in for Ameiko for a couple of reasons (not least of which is I love her work and have a good deal of it).
1) Rusby works exclusively acoustically.
2) Her repertoire being primarily traditional folk songs, it's in keeping for a fantasy game. Rustic songs, old love songs, sea shanties.
3) She has an amazing voice, which is very much in keeping with Ameiko.
The downside is that Rusby doesn't play the samisen. ;)
I'm not planning on overdoing it, because not all my players share my taste in music. Just enough to give them a taste and do some scene-setting.
Here's a description of the songs I'm planning to use (including the version; Rusby's done several recordings of some of her songs), and links to YouTube performances in case anyone else wants to follow suit.
I'm planning this as a kind of pre-session so PCs can meet and interact with Ameiko and other Sandpoint locals before the festival.
Sir Eglamore (studio version from the Hourglass album)
An upbeat nonsense song about a knight fighting a dragon. Cheerful, and sets the scene for what happens to Sandpoint later. YouTube link to this version.
Matt Hyland (studio version from the Little Lights album)
Heaps of foreshadowing. A story of a beautiful young noblewoman whose father disapproves of her choices. There was a lord, who lived in this town, who had a handsome lovely daughter... The secret love angle helps introduce one of the rumours about Ameiko (and I have no hesitation about having an NPC turn round as Ameiko's playing it and telling the PCs the rumour). It could have been written for Runelords. YouTube link to this version
Optional addition: Sho Heen (re-recorded studio version from the 20 album)
This version has a gentle banjo backing that's about as close to a samisen as anything in my music collection. It also lets Rusby's voice soar. However, it's optional because it's just a beautiful song and doesn't serve to foreshadow or introduce any background. YouTube link to an earlier version without the banjo
Who now will sing me lullabies? (studio version from the Hourglass album)
A deeply emotional song of mourning and grief. Grown men will weep. An NPC will turn teary-eyed to the PCs and explain Ameiko wrote it after her mother's death. Ameiko will play this song, then close the Rusty Dragon early. Since the PCs are staying at the Rusty Dragon, that gives them a chance for some interaction time with Ameiko and Bethana.YouTube link to live version
Let Me Be (studio version from Underneath the Stars)
A jaunty song about a woman wishing suitors would leave her alone fits Ameiko quite well. (They say a girl like me should wed, take a man to lay in my bed, but I would rather stay young and free and, oh, I wish they would let me be...) YouTube live version.
The Duke and the Tinker (Studio version from Sleepless)
All the slow, sentimental stuff needs a lift. A bit more upbeat and funnier. YouTube link
The Wild Goose (studio version from Sleepless)
A rousing sea shanty that Rusby, in her own words, "coloured pink and made girly". If you want something closer to the original, you'll find your pirate crew singing it in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. YouTube link to live version
Bring me a Boat (studio version from Underneath the Stars)
Just a lovely song. This version has the samisen-like banjo. The disadvantage is that there's an inappropriate geographical reference, to the River Tyne in England. I think I'll get away with it. YouTube link to this version