Pōneke musician Sam Fowles shares his perfect weekend playlist.
“Punchy”, “psychedelic” and “introspective”: Pōneke singer Sam Fowles describes his debut album, After Dark, as a genre-bending “musical exploration of my inner world” driven by groove. “It’s a modern take on the blues – today’s blues, just dressed up differently. These songs are born from my life experiences,” he says. “I hope to share some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way, connecting with anyone going through something similar.”
Co-produced by The Black Seeds’ Barnaby Weir, the 10-track album record (available now) bounces between reggae funk and psychedelic rock, transporting the listener between a dive bar and the beach: there’s the stumbling to the park in ‘After Dark’, and the cicadas chirping away in ‘Sitting On Top of The World’. In Fowles’ words: “it’s an album that invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys while moving to the rhythms and getting lost in its sonic textures.”
He reckons the best place to enjoy his music would be a road trip mish somewhere with the windows down, and volume up. And to create the perfect weekend vibe, Fowles says all he needs is a slow morning, good coffee and tasty kai. “I’d spend time hanging with friends, cruising around the coast with tunes we’ve been digging lately,” he says. “Throw in a sunset bonfire, followed by shooting some pool with a couple of cold ones, and then heading out to catch some live music. If I’m feeling it and the groove is just right, maybe even a bit of a boogie.”
From naughty grooves to rock’n’roll that refuses to sink into the swamp, here are 10 tunes that make Fowles’ weekend perfect.
Khruangbin – ‘May Ninth’
The morning birds are tweeting outside, coffee’s brewing, I’m chilling in my favourite chair in the sun. This track’s nostalgic vibes set the scene perfectly for a slow morning of coffee and contemplation.
Takuya Kuroda, José James – ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’
A good friend of mine showed me this track a few years back and it’s never been far from my rotation. A naughty groove and an epic re-imagining of a classic tune. Perfect for Saturday morning brunch with the homies.
Jimi Hendrix – ‘Highway Chile’
I’m a massive Jimi Hendrix fan so he’s a natural inclusion into any weekend playlist for me. I particularly dig this one for its bluesy swagger and ferocious lead guitar. The day’s starting to get a bit of momentum now.
Leon Bridges – ‘Coming Home’
What’s a cruise around the bays without a good singalong? Leon provides here with what has become a classic for me.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – ‘Layla’
Something about this tune hooked me when I first heard it. I still can’t put my finger on it, I promise it’s not just the tasty guitar solo. Perfect for watching the last of the day’s rays fade into the night with the warm crackle of a beach bonfire.
Arctic Monkeys – ‘R U Mine?’
Jump back in the car and we’re starting to ramp things up a bit now, with a bit of rock’n’roll innit.
Groove Armada – ‘Suntoucher’
This tune is tuff. I love the heavy vibe and that bass line … it’s hard. Perfect pace for shooting the shit, while shooting some pool.
AHoriBuzz – ‘Turnaround’
This tune is an absolute stonker, the intro, the riff (What a riff!) and the epic journey that it takes you on. It’s one of my all time favourites. We’re really starting to have a good time now.
Bill Withers – ‘Kissing My Love’
I’ve gotten into Bill’s music in a big way over the last few years. He’s such a great songwriter. I’m a sucker for a groove and this tune is chock full of that. Featuring possibly one of my favourite wah-wah guitar parts of all time. It’s so funky here, you can smell it.
Busty and the Bass, Macy Gray – ‘Out Of Love’
Things are getting a bit silly here, in a good way. Perfect tune to boogie down into the night.