The Playlist: Designer Matt Singer

This week’s Playlist comes with a bonus: an extra set of songs from Matt Singer, creator of the eponymous line of shirts, bags, and assorted accessories (including a cheeky shave kit that inspired his list of additional tunes). Take a listen (or two) to this Jack Spade alum’s happy work mix.

What do you listen to while you work? I like to make playlists in iTunes; normally I put one on and let it go. I recently introduced a canvas shave kit that comes with a custom comb imprinted CUT THAT HAIR YOU HIPPIE and a book of illustrations of my favorite NYC barbershops, so I made a playlist about hair: Long Haired Child—Devendra Banhart; Cut Your Hair—Pavement; Love Plus One—Haircut 100; Hairy Trees—Goldfrapp; Hairdresser of Fire—Morrissey; Whip My Hair—Willow Smith; 
Almost Cut My Hair—Crosby Stills Nash; German Haircut—Flying Lotus; Black Haired Girl—Sebadoh; Don’t Cut Your Hair—The Pretenders; Cut and Run—Electrelane; Cutting It Up—Wu Tang
.

How do you listen? I have speakers attached to my computer.

Do you have any favorite music websites/providers? I like saidthegramophone.com and indierockcafe.com.

Does music influence your work? Music is a huge influence but I can’t really point to an example and say there is a direct correlation between this band/song and this product. Music creates the environment and fosters creativity, and like lots of other things, it inspires me and keeps things positive. The closest example: I just introduced a beaded keychain that was sort of inspired by a bracelet I saw Devendra Banhart wearing.

Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste? Sometimes I’ll get a recommendation from a friend. I also love going to record stores—Other Music in NYC and Amoeba in LA are two favorites. I grew up in Baltimore and there was an amazing little record store called Chicks; sadly, it’s not there anymore. It was this perfectly cluttered two-story house with a wonky staircase and band posters covering the walls. It was the coolest place.

What song or artist best represents the work you create? That’s a hard question. I’d be really stoked if Binky Shapiro from Little Joy or Kristian Matsson from Tallest Man on Earth were to wear one of my shirts.

MATT’S PLAYLIST

I Can’t Wait, Twin Shadow
I’m in Love With a German Film Star, The Passions
Pretty Bombs, Guided By Voices
Dinner, Blood Orange
I’m Not Ready, Surfer Blood
Trials of the Past, SBTRKT
My Mistakes, Eleanor Friedberger
Turning Blue, Jay Reatard
Samba da Benção, Bebel Gilberto
Where’d You Go, J Mascis

County Line, Cass McCombs
Ceremony, New Order

Images: Matt Singer

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