Music, like smell, is so closely and powerfully linked to memory. Hear a song that was popular during a pivotal period in your life and decades later, it'll transport you straight back.
For the last two years we’ve created Ensemble Summer playlists on Spotify, and we wanted to offer you another to soundtrack the end of a very long 2022. This vibe this year is eclectic (what playlist isn't) with plenty of new discoveries from the year mixed in with the reliable favourites we turn to time and time again to set the mood.
Like last year, we’ve also invited some cool people to create a summer playlist especially for Ensemble and you. There's Grace Ko's playlist made to thrash when she has her "foot on the pedal and my feet in the sand", Abe from Mermaidens' mixtape dedicated to NZ indie and Harper Finn's picks to enjoy with old and new friends.
Whatever your vibe, we hope you’ll find your sound of summer below. Play these playlists loud, play them often, and enjoy!
Harper Finn
Why these songs - what’s the vibe?
These songs are all nostalgic to me. I have summer stories or memories associated with each of them. Most memories come from the first summer after high school; jumping into friends' cars and soundtracking a road trip. The freedom I felt then always resurfaces when the weather starts to change.
Where will you be listening to it?
In the car on a trip out of town.
How would you describe summer in Aotearoa?
Slow and hazy with the constant buzz of cicadas.
Your best summer music memory?
Probably going to a summer New Years' music festival for the first time. The mixture of live music with old and new friends as it all counts down - it’s potent.
What’s your favourite summer song or album?
Daydream by Lakes.
Abe from Mermaidens
Why these songs - what’s the vibe?
Category is NZ indie. Summer is as good a time as any to remind yourself that there are heaps of amazing NZ musicians putting out great music! There are a few nostalgic tracks in there from when I was a little indie kid at Zeal gigs.
Where will you be listening to it?
Driving down a coast road with all the windows down.
How would you describe summer in Aotearoa?
Not wearing shoes for like two weeks until your feet get really strong, and you can walk across a black sand beach like it's nothing.
Your best summer music memory?
Going to 'Camp A Low Hum' for the first time as a teenager and seeing amazing artists play in a giant empty swimming pool.
What’s your favourite summer song or album?
I'm terrible with favourites because my mind goes blank! But the song I want to listen to on repeat this summer is Shadows by Bonobo Ft Jordan Rakei.
Grace Ko, Baobei founder
Why these songs - what’s the vibe?
These songs make me feel closer to the elements and my inner child. The vibe is grounded but playful.
Where will you be listening to it?
Wherever I have my foot on the pedal and my feet in the sand.
How would you describe summer in Aotearoa?
Being surrounded by water and constantly surprised that it's still so bright at 9pm.
Your best summer music memory?
Making a capsule playlist with the bestie for our future children, on the way from Auckland to Wellington, eating blueberries bought from the side of the road and cookies from a random bakery in Bulls.
What’s your favourite summer song or album?
Of all time? Can't Take My Eyes Off of You by Ms. Lauryn Hill! It's me and Ash's love song!
