“I drink whisky late at night,” Boy & Bear’s Jonathan Hart tells Apple Music. “I love the sensory experience of warm moody lighting, a nice complex malt and music to go with it. It doesn’t work quite as well in summer, let’s be honest—a fireplace, a chesterfield and great company would complete the picture for me, but if we’re honest, we know it works OK alone too.” It’s with this vibe in mind that the Sydney indie-folk ensemble have crafted their winter playlist, Late Night Whisky, designed to provide the soundtrack and evoke the feel of those cold, moonlit nights. “One of my favourite things to do is to sit in a hotel bar late at night, by myself or with a couple of others, and have a quiet drink,” adds drummer Tim Hart, whose selections include tracks by The National and Tycho. “It’s dark, but there’s still enough light to read and people-watch. These songs make provide the perfect soundtrack for just such a pastime.” Singer and guitarist Killian Gavin’s picks reflect his penchant for relaxing away from the day’s demands with dreamy, floaty entries from Air, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Damien Jurado. “That drop of whisky falls on your tongue while the first note of a song beats down into the slowly darkened room over the sunsetting hours,” he says. “Pure heaven. Time is no more, conversations paused, breathing deeper, we calm our spirit.” As you listen, you’ll feel this playlist leaning into both indie aesthetics and intimate vibes, with strong storytelling and distinctive voices to boot. Read on below for commentary from bassist Dave Symes and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Hart about several key tracks. And though a crackling fire and softly rattling ice might be ideal accompaniment, this playlist brings a lot of moody warmth all on its own. Braxe + Falcon (feat. Panda Bear), “Step by Step” “In lesser hands this song could be cheesy and pedestrian, but to me it’s subtly uplifting in a sophisticated French way. A counterpoint to the dark drink in the glass perhaps?” – Hart Aphex Twin, “#3” “There was a period of my life when I used to fall asleep with this on repeat, and just wait for the haunting vocal countermelody at 3:12. It wraps you in a blanket that is both soothing and sad at the same time.” – Hart Beck, “Thinking About You” “I went to see Beck play a solo show in Sydney, after he released [this] acoustic track. It was great to hear him perform in this intimate mode: so honest, true and full of personality. This is a song where the words and music combine perfectly to create a beautiful picture book to the story that resonates with you. The perfect way to end the day reflecting on people and places in your mind.” – Symes boygenius, “True Blue” “Beautiful harmonies, clever lyrics, nostalgia, melancholy and contentment mixed with swirling warm tones and, like many of my favourite songs, a bridge that makes me go back to the top and listen again so that I get to hear it again.” – Hart Brian Eno & Harold Budd, “Against the Sky” “What does one say about the man who, with help, put the ambient genre on the map, and had a hand in some of the greatest pop records of all time (IMHO)? If this song doesn’t make you pause and think deep thoughts about your life, your loved ones, your future, past and present, nothing will.” – Hart

Boy & Bear: Late Night Whisky

Featured Artists