Every Wednesday we ask a creative, artisan, or musician to share what music gets them going from dawn to dusk. This week, award-winning Australian electronic dance duo Peking Duk tells us the indispensable songs that pepped up their day.
Adopting the name of a food dish as a band name might seem like an arbitrary decision but it strangely sticks to Australian electronic music dance duo Peking Duk. Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles settled with the Chinese roasted fowl, not because of its crispy skin or succulent flesh, but its pouty bill instead.
Back in their teens, beers were downed like water. Under the influence of alcohol, "one may start peaking, which can lead to you looking like a duck especially when you do the duck face gurn". Peaking was a word used as a joke between the duo—ala 'Peking Duck'. On that fateful night when the band had to decide on a name, Hyde looked at Styles and said he looked like a duck because he was peaking. The rest was history.
Discerning listeners who followed Peking Duk's career will recognise 'High', 'Stranger', and one of my favourite earworms, 'Fake Magic' (featuring AlunaGeorge). These hit singles have paved the road to the duo's highly anticipated yet-to-be-titled debut album.
No LP? No problem. Experience the stellar sounds created by the Canberra disc jockeys at Neon Lights 2018, which also marks their first ever show in Singapore. The electronic duo's live sets are mood lifters and exude good vibes which will linger into the following days. For a taster on Peking Duk's distinctive music taste, check out their recommendations with this week's 'Dawn to Dusk' playlist.
*Tickets for Neon Lights 2018 is available online at the festival's dedicated website and Sistic.
Morning
"In the morning (during the week) we feel like getting hyped as soon as we wake up so we can do some exercise or get straight to work. Any of these tunes are sure to get you giddy after a good night's sleep."
1. ‘Live SheckWes Die SheckWes’—Sheck Wes
"The ultimate mayhem anthem. Is perfect to bang your head to first thing in the morning. Start your day right and listen to Sheck Wes."
2. ‘Cholesterol Heart’—These New South Wales
"This is a perfect, simple rock song with a punk attitude that's nailed by an amazing and hilarious Aussie band. Keep your eyes out for these legends as they're doing great stuff."
3. ‘Joyride’—Blue Batmans
"The smooth wake up. A feel-good start to any man's day. Also, the ending is a beautiful repeating moment, in particular, detailing the 'morning sun'."
Day
"During the day we'll usually search for new music constantly to get some inspiration or just find some dope new music but here are a few constant go-to songs over the last few months."
1. 'Real Bad Lookin'’—Alex Cameron
"A lyrical masterpiece layed over a boppy beat. What's not to love?"
2. ‘Territory’—The Blaze
"This song paired with its music video is breathtakingly beautiful. These dudes are amazing."
3. 'Chan Chan'—Buena Vista Social Club
"This to me feels like lunch time. Get your tum full with spices and fun foods that'll take your focus off work for a moment."
Night
"As the sun goes down it's either time to have a drink or just relax. Or both. Either way, these tunes are perfect for either."
1. ‘You're Not Good Enough’—Blood Orange
"Sexy disco meets funk with hooky vocals and perfect instrumentation. Blood orange is king. His whole new album is huge too."
2. 'Seasons In The Abyss’—Slayer
This will either take the party to the next level or kill the room. Either way, it's an extreme move. Get amongst it."
3. 'Santorini’—Donny Benet
"A proper yet hilarious party anthem. This gets literally anyone going. Also makes you feel like you're on the coast of Santorini which is where we all wanna be."
Enjoyed the tracks? Check out our other ‘Dawn to Dusk’ playlists curated by guest artists each week and follow our Spotify profile to access our playlist first when it's out.
