Phoebe Johnson of the nu-wave, nu-jazz ensemble Revulva shares her perfect weekend playlist.

“Sassy, satirical, and a bit unhinged”: that’s how Revulva (yes, as in vagina) front woman Phoebe Johnson describes the ensemble’s latest release, ‘Beep Beep’. “The music video especially, is like an uncanny home video tape you’d find inside a camera from an op shop, but with clowns – a very different vibe from the refined, chic, and shiny ‘Bush Bash’,” Johnson says. “Each of the 10 tracks from our upcoming album have a personality of their own, a different shade of ‘vuvla they reveal.”

Whichever shade of ‘vulva you’re into, you could probably agree that Johnson’s idea of a perfect weekend sounds universally serene. She sets the scene of her dream weekend scenario: “Sleeping in, music is already playing downstairs. It’s raining, everyone is home and we cook breakfast together and drink some coffee. The day is just pottering and doing crafts. Seamlessly blending into the evening where it’s just playing cards and drinking wine.” If only every day could feel like that.

The group of mostly eight, sometimes nine musicians are preparing to release their self-titled debut album in October, with limited edition vinyl pressing made with the power of crowdfunding. “Some of the tracks date back to the band’s beginnings in 2019, and others just days before recording,” she says. “The process of the band and Lee Prebble bringing these tracks together to form a cohesive project is what made us decide on this album being self-titled. It’s what Revulva is, up to this point.”

Check out Johnson’s picks for the ten tunes that will make your weekend perfect.

Carole King – ‘It’s Too Late’

This song is an important one from my teenage years, and I would often wake up to music playing downstairs. Carole King is a huge nostalgia wave for me and a great way to start the day.

Cécile McLorin Salvant – ‘You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me’

This is one of my favourite jazz standards, and one performed by one of my favourite jazz singers, Cécile. I’ve seen her perform twice live, and I’ve been completely mesmerised both times. She has incredible command of her voice and the room, and always has everyone silent in the palm of her hand. I love how many times they go through the tagged melody at the end and how quiet they get – from the sound of the recording you can hear the audience going nuts.

Glen Campbell – ‘Wichita Lineman’

Wichita Lineman is the most glorious arrangement of all time. So dense, so compelling. This one is a weird one but it’s my favourite car song at the moment and it’s heinously out of my range. This one is for early on in the playlist when I’m only in close company and pottering in the kitchen.

Dawn Diver – ‘Warming To You’

One of my favourite bands in Wellington is Dawn Diver, lead by one of my favourite musicians, Ben Lemi. I’ve actually had the pleasure of playing in Dawn Diver a few times and I’m still charmed by this song every time I listen to it.

Billy Joel – ‘My Life’

Billy Joel is a weekend must. This song goes so incredibly hard – this is a song to get curious about what’s going on tonight. 

Captain and Tennille – ‘Love Will Keep Us Together’

The perfect follow up to ‘My Life’ – we’re in the lounge and we’re crocheting. Someone’s getting a tattoo and we’re sipping on coffee. 

Lauryn Hill – ‘Forgive Them Father’

Lauryn Hill is for cooking dinner and cleaning the house. She makes me feel like I can do anything and those are two things I struggle to do. 

Karate Boogaloo – ‘Little Bit’

A cute one from some very funky Australians – I’ve been obsessed since our guitarist Zane put me onto them. They’ve recently been touring Australia and I was hoping they’d be tempted over the ditch. The kitchen is clean from all the mess and we’re thinking about what to wear tonight. 

Syreeta – ‘I Love Every Little Thing About You’

This one is a getting ready song. Even though it’s just our closest mates coming over and most of them are in the band. I love trying to sing all the harmonies to this at once, and finding ones that Stevie and Syreeta didn’t track. 

Lionel Richie – ‘Love Will Find A Way’

I’ve been loving having Lionel on when we’ve had people over recently. Now I’m a few wines deep and we’re playing cards and forgetting what’s in our hands.