Just in time to soundtrack the holidays: our annual An Ensemble Summer playlist. Befitting this past year of chaos, this summer’s vibe is mellow and a little wistful – with some underlying optimism, too.

We’ve continued our tradition of asking cool people to create their own sound of summer playlist to share with Ensemble readers, including designer Wynn Hamlyn’s “chill collection of songs” and DJ Jess Fu’s “progression of a summer’s day”. There's something for every taste, with over four hours of music to play loud and on repeat - whether you're at the beach, the bach, on a road trip or at home.

An Ensemble Summer 2023

Vercetti (aka Kordell Cameron), DJ

Why these songs - what’s the vibe?

I feel like the playlist captures the moments I love about the summer. Drinking in the sun. Golden hour. The silent car rides home after a beach trip with friends. Stoned at my friend's house. DJing out and about. Everyone around me seems to lose their inhibitions in the summertime which is a beautiful thing to see. I guess the playlist is about being carefree in all forms.

Where will you be listening to it?  

I’ll be playing some of these songs this summer across Aotearoa! Otherwise this is getting blasted in my friends cars, backyards or garages 🥂🤭

How would you describe summer in Aotearoa? 

Humid. Sweaty. Sunburnt in minutes. I honestly used to hate summer and would stay inside. It’s not until recently that I appreciated the Aotearoa summer experience. Yes it’s still humid, yes it's sweaty-ville population: me. No I don’t get sunburnt in minutes (sorry if you do) But the bright blue cloudless skies, the blooming of pōhutukawa.

Your best summer music memory? 

In a rare instance where I left the house on my own accord, I went to Laneway in 2017 and saw NAO, Glass Animals, Flight Facilities and Tame Impala. Hearing some of my favourite songs like Inhale Exhale, Gooey & Crave You was second to none.

Getting denied entry at SZA in 2018 was a fun one too 🙃 (I didn’t have ID).

What’s your favourite summer song or album?

Usually these are songs that bring forth a sense of nostalgia in different stages of my life. Songs like Little Secrets by Passion Pit and Maybe Tomorrow by Goldenhorse remind me of carefree childhood summers. Songs like 3005 by Childish Gambino, Prom by SZA & Hillside Boys by Kim Petras, on the other hand, take me back to teenage/young adult summers, a Kordell where he didn’t know his place or path in the world and for better or worse, he didn’t care. When I hear those songs I always get reflective which was cringe at first, however I now embrace reflections with the same warmth as a summer's day. ☀️

Wynn Hamlyn, fashion designer 

Why these songs - what’s the vibe?

To be honest, I don't really know. This is a very random collection of songs I am listening to right now. For me, it's quite a chill collection of songs. Way less intense than what I would have been listening to this time last year. I'm not sure what that is in response to.‍

Where will you be listening to it?

Probably on my parents' stereo in Te Puke.

‍How would you describe summer in Aotearoa? 

In NZ it feels like it's everyone's 'one chance'. One chance to get together for the year, one chance to party, one chance to go fishing, one chance to holiday. 

Your best summer music memory? 

The Kooks at Rhythm and Vines 2008, when I was 18.

What’s your favourite summer song or album?

What’s Luv by Fat Joe featuring Ashanti.

Jess Fu, DJ 

Why these songs – what’s the vibe?

The playlist captures the progression of a summer’s day. When you wake up, and feel a bit soft, maybe a bit sentimental. And then as day turns into night, you get freaky and just cut loose. I’ve featured some of my favourite songs of this year and past years, and some tracks I love to pull out on the dancefloor when I’m DJing!

Where will you be listening to it?

In the car. Or at home when I’m cooking/gardening/cleaning, or chilling out in the sun on the grass. 

How would you describe summer in Aotearoa? 

Hot, sticky, humid. Temperamental at times. But special!

Your best summer music memory? 

DJing at Potter’s Park in January 2022, it was a dreamy sunny day with lots of beautiful dancers. It was also the day before we moved into Red because of Omicron cases! So it felt like the last dance of the summer.

What’s your favourite summer song or album?

Of all time, it’s probably Range Life by Pavement.

Jack Young, of Auckland’s No.7 bar

Why these songs - what’s the vibe?

Just pretty much anything that I'd blast while driving with the windows down on a hot summer's day.

Where will you be listening to it?  

Ideally smashing a cold beer at a beach house somewhere over the break, but in reality on my walk to and from work.

How would you describe summer in Aotearoa? 

Spending heaps of time with family and friends, and pretty much trying to get out of the city as much as possible. Have just bought a hibachi for summer so I will be doing a lot of cooking with friends I reckon.

Your best summer music memory? 

That's a hard one! I'm not really a festival guy but I do have good memories of seeing Future at Auckland City Limits when I first moved to Auckland.

What’s your favourite summer song or album?

Ooosh. Hard to look past Beautiful Thugger Girls by Young Thug. Bit of a mixed bag of rap/country/pop.