Indie darling Molly Payton shares her perfect weekend playlist.

Tāmaki Makaurau’s Molly Payton is close to wrapping up a tour across the UK and Europe, off the back of her debut album, Yoyotta. The 10-track record, inspired by the stylings of Big Thief, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell, sees Payton reflect on the music industry, coming-of-age as an independent artist and having a father in prison. “Making an album and a tour happen as an independent artist is a pretty intense undertaking, so the fact that it’s actually happening makes me absolutely ecstatic,” she says. “Playing music live is the best part of what I do.”

When she’s getting some downtime from work, Payton’s perfect weekend can go a few ways. She’s either enjoying a coffee, pastry and book on her lonesome; getting pints at The Dove with friends before sinking cans in a sunny park; sleeping in followed by window shopping the antique stores, and/or cooking a big meal for mates.

Payton’s music – dreamy yet gritty, soft yet powerful – may inspire a similar kind of scenario. To fully enjoy her music, Payton recommends sitting “in your favourite park or on your favourite beach, alone and with a nice hot drink. Arrive early and on a weekday so there’s no one around, and enjoy!”

To step inside Payton’s dreamy, acoustic world, enjoy these ten picks for the tunes that make her weekend perfect.

Big Thief – ‘Little Things’

This will always be one of my favourite songs. It’s messy in the most joyful and satisfying way. It makes me feel so hopeful!

Adrianne Lenker – ‘Fool’

I love anything Adrianne does but this album came when I really needed it. Perfect for a Saturday morning walk.

Pinegrove – ‘The Alarmist’

My boyfriend got me into Pinegrove when we first met a few years ago. Our song is ‘Aphasia’ but ‘The Alarmist’ is probably the one I listen to the most.

Smashing Pumpkins – ‘The Boy’

Smashing Pumpkins was one of the first bands I loved as a teen. Listening to them makes me feel like I have heaps of energy.

Dinosaur Jr – ‘Tarpit’

I’ve always liked Dinosaur Jr but I got seriously into them a couple months ago after listening to an episode about them on my favourite podcast Bandsplain. Another good weekend listen if you’re looking for a new podcast.

Aretha Franklin – ‘Day Dreaming’

Perfect song to listen to when you’re having a beer in the park with your friends on a sunny day!

Neil Young – ‘Lotta Love’

I’m obsessed with Neil Young right now. This song makes me so happy.

Leonard Cohen – ‘Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye’

Nice little Sunday evening number for while you’re cooking dinner.

Alex G – ‘Gnaw’

I used to listen to this song on Soundcloud when I was 15, and then rediscovered it a month ago. Lovely stuff, and it makes me feel the same things now as it did then.

Elliott Smith – ‘Clementine’

Hard to pick a favourite Elliott Smith song but this is my most listened to one right now. He’ll always be one of my favourite songwriters.