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In honor of Potato Head’s new Sunday Circle (more on that soon) we’ve put together a playlist so groovy and so packed with island vibes, you’ll practically feel that tropical drink in your hand and the sand between your toes, no matter where you are.
These 10 tracks, selected by Potato Head’s music director and resident expert on cool vibes, Johnny Hiller, are the ultimate sunset beach soundtrack.
So turn on this playlist, dance to it a little bit, then head over to Potato Head on Sunday Nov. 20 to complete the moment with a cocktail in hand, friends by your side and a Balinese island atmosphere right in the middle of Hong Kong.
Jorge Ben – “Oé Oé”
Here’s your dose of world music with música popular brasileira, a style of Brazilian pop influenced by jazz and rock. Jorge was a popular Brazilian singer and songwriter in the 1970’s and 1980’s, but his feel-good tunes are just as relevant today. 1981’s “Oé Oé” features the unique sound of a vintage Oberheim drum machine, that rare beat that makes you want to get up and move.
Marlene – “Zanzibar Nights”
Marlene is one of the few Japanese jazz singers that glide between Japanese and English. “Zanzibar Nights”, recorded in 1983, is one of her stand-out English tracks. Although some might say it’s J City Pop, with warped steel drums and a calypso beat, it feels more Caribbean via East Africa than Tokyo.
Mariah – “Shinzo No Tobira”
Mariah’s use of different genres, moods and scales meld beautifully in this track. Asian and Middle Eastern influences (namely Armenian) come together with a drum and synth beat. We can just imagine ourselves listening to this song on a rainy day, staring out the window, and feeling very hopeful about the world.
BJ Smith – “Hold On To It (Jonny Nash Remix)”
If there’s one track that embodies the Mediterranean sunset spirit, it’s the blissed-out guitar goodness from Potato Head’s buddy, the well travelled Scotsman, Jonny Nash. This track is a firm favourite with the Potato Head staff, who are especially excited to see Jonny headlining this year’s Potato Head Stage at Secret Island Party and at the Sunday Circle launch event on Nov. 20. Guys, you really don’t want to miss this.
Ned Doheny – “Get It Up For Love”
Remember when music was all about albums? Don’t let the memory of that classic era fade too fast. This track is a great example from the album-oriented rock days of the 70’s. Listen to this and imagine yourself in a convertible, cruising through sunny Malibu on your way to a secret surf spot.
Bo Kirkland and Ruth Davis – “You’re Gonna Get Next To Me”
This funky slow jam works just as well on the dancefloor at the end of a hot, sweaty night as it does during a romantic sunset moment on the beach. In either scenario, you won’t get tired of Bo and Ruth’s soulful singing.
Merge – “Sanfra”
Jo Linen and Harald Karla, two ambient jazz fusion musicians from Germany, make up the group Merge. They recorded their second album in 1994, but it wasn’t really heard until 2013 when Growing Bin Records released the LP on vinyl. The release was limited to just 500 copies, so if you’re into vinyl it’s worth getting your hands on one of the few copies left.
Mop Mop – “Kamakumba”
Listen closely and you’ll hear the artist’s sentiments of longing and joy perfectly balanced in the melody. This groovy vibe comes from Mop Mop’s use of steel drums. This track was released in 2013, but it already feels like a timeless piece of music.
Trepidants Vicente Jr. – “Far Away”
The Caribbean style of this roots/pop/reggae track from Brazil will definitely take you “far away” from the bustling streets of Hong Kong. This track was originally released in 1982, but we see it staying popular far into the 21st century.
N’Nemenika – “Kassiry”
This afro funk track from the Ivory Coast features a playful yet irresistible groove. Although released in 1984, it manages to sound more relevant then ever on discerning dance floors. This one will easily get a beach party started.
Now that you’re in the tropical groove, come satisfy your beach-searching spirit at Potato Head’s first edition of Sunday Circle on Sunday Nov. 20.
Sunday Circle brings the tropical, sundowner ambiance from Bali’s Potato Head Beach Club to Sai Ying Pun every weekend. Potato Head Hong Kong becomes a tropical oasis for everyone from kids and families to the most music-obsessed among us.
Bring your family, grab your friends and reward yourselves with good times and great music in a truly laid back Sunday mood. But it’s not an end-of-week celebration without top international DJs, exciting kids’ workshops and delicious bar specials, now is it?
On Sunday Nov. 20, the fun starts at 12 noon with a kid-friendly workshop by paper artist Linus Hui. (Sorry adults, but you’ll have to sit this one out.) Linus will create animal-inspired, wearable paper art for all kiddos aged 5 and up.
Lunchtime is another chance to indulge, with Kaum’s special set brunch menu and a la carte options. Kaum, recently added to the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2017, serves up modern Indonesian cuisine that blends perfectly with the rustic, electrifying Balinese vibe. Try the Iga Kambing Guling, a slow roasted premium rack of lamb cooked to a perfect pink and crusted with garlic, coriander and nutmeg.
Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for, drinks! Make sure you’re at the bar from 3pm-5pm for a special 2-hour free-flow package. The package is HKD195 per head and it includes beer, wine, sangria and Potato Head’s signature Indo Bloody Mary.
Over on the decks from 2pm, international DJs and Potato Head resident DJs from Bali and Hong Kong will be spinning their trademark tropical and exotic island sounds. Highlights include the UK’s Johnny Nash and Indonesia’s own DJ Dea.
Johnny’s sets are an eclectic reflection of 20 years of experience in music production from Chicago, Detroit, Rimini, Tokyo and beyond. DJ Dea, who can name Gilles Peterson as a fan, is currently a resident at Potato Head Bali, where he blends island disco, percussive dancefloor music, psychedelic rock and world music.
Follow Potato Head Hong Kong on Facebook for more info and updates about Sunday Circle. Get ready to be transported to somewhere nice, sunny and warm, with great music of course! See you there!
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