Joshua Samuels is a London-based designer doing things his own way. Over the years Samuels has honed and finely tuned his craft, becoming widely regarded and praised across the country, and beyond, for his immaculately produced sustainable streetwear. Focused on ethically manufacturing up-cycled clothing, with the aim to sell it at an accessible and affordable price, Samuel’s designs are dominated by loose-fitting silhouettes, evident with his infamous baggy jeans and trousers, specifically tailored for the customer. Creating planet friendly clothing has been Samuels’ main mantra over the years, aptly summed up on his ‘About Us’ page, stating ‘fuck brand new clothes’ and ‘we make new stuff from old stuff’. With no two days the same in the world of Joshua Samuels, and fresh from his sleek Season 13 drop, we asked the multi-hyphenate to put together some songs that are on his rotation in the studio right now…
“People are going to hate me for this but I don’t make playlists. I mostly listen to albums, or if not I ‘like’ songs and use it as one huge playlist. It means that the vibe in the studio can change in an instant from one song to the next. There’s something cool about how erratic it is. I think I wanted to reflect that in this playlist. No real theme here at all, just music I really love.”
“God Gave Me Feet For Dancing” – Ezra Collective, Yasmin Lacey
My song of the summer. Impossible to sit through it without it lifting the mood. Yasmin Lacey is keeping soul alive. Ezra Collective is some of the most fun I’ve ever had at live gigs. Also love to see people from my bit of North London (Enfield) pushing forwards.
“If You Want Me To Stay” – Sly & The Family Stone
There was always going to be a Sly & The Family Stone song in here and it was really hard to only keep it at one. The best.
“Spirit 2.0” – Sampha
My friend Sav (who features in this playlist later on!) showed me the Sampha & SBTRKT songs in the Heath when we were like 12. I hadn’t really heard someone sound like him before and he’s been an absolute mainstay ever since. His voice is so warm!!!
“Liberation” – Outkast, Eryka Badu, CeeLo Green
This whole album changed what I thought Hip Hop could be. I think it’s quite easy as a designer to worry about whether or not people are going to like what you’re doing next. This song is a great reminder that it doesn’t matter so long as I like what I’m doing next. It’s about the freedom to trust yourself and let go of other people’s opinions I think.
“Know Better” – India Shan & Jake Elliott
I’m really lucky to have grown up around some extraordinarily talented people. India & Jake are perfect examples of this and their flowers are coming.
“Rock On” – Gregory Isaacs
My dad used to drive WAY too fast and play reggae WAY too loud as he did it.There was something weirdly euphoric about the adrenaline rush combined with the slow smooth sounds to go alongside it. This song is almost hypnotic.
“Simply Beautiful” – Al Green
This song really is hypnotic. I feel genuinely rude sewing over it. Shows a complete lack of decorum.
“Tezeta (Nostalgia)” – Mulatu Astatke
What??????? This song makes me need a long tight hug.
“TRUTH” – Feux
Max has recently become a close friend and is one of the most reflective/ introspective people I’ve ever met. He manages to put this into his music in a really honest way.
“Thirsty Thursday” – Hak Baker
Makes me want to leave the studio early and head to the pub. Maybe I’m purposefully missing the point of the song. Maybe. Either way I love it.
“Vidual” – King Krule
I love him.
“I Did It For You” – Tom Misch, Yussef Dayes
This whole album has had a lot of playtime in the stu. Whenever this song starts all the old jeans and dickies slowly start levitating.
“2010” – Earl Sweatshirt
Andre 3000, Kendrick, and then Earl Sweatshirt in my opinion. Argue with your nan.
“untitled 02 | 06.23.2014.” – Kendrick Lamar
There had to be one. I couldn’t pick, and I went with this. This whole album apparently is just throwaways from TPAB. Do you know how silly that is lol.
“Kiss of Life” – Sade
I love her.