SIX60 know all about making the most of long, leisurely summers in Aotearoa. The soulful Ōtepoti ensemble have been topping the charts in their home country for more than a decade now, thanks to a sound that’s equal parts breezy and emotional. A similar balance informs SIX60’s Apple Music playlist, soundtracking the hottest season with an easygoing mix of local and international music. You’ve got hip-hop and R&B icons like Nelly and Drake alongside indie artists like Lime Cordiale and Tired Lion, plus poignant throwbacks from Bob Marley and Paul McCartney. Read on as each of the band’s five members explains their personal connection to a particular track. Bob Marley, “Waiting in Vain” “It’s always been my favourite Bob Marley song. You can’t have a summer—especially a Kiwi summer—without Uncle Bob.” – Matiu Walters (vocals/guitar) Redbone, “Come and Get Your Love” “The song just takes me back to my childhood. It’s hard to imagine a summer BBQ of my youth without someone playing ‘Come and Get Your Love’.” – Eli Paewai (drums) The 1975, “She’s American” “The guitar riff at the beginning of ‘She’s American’ just grabs you immediately and I love the melodies in the chorus. A great summer vibe.” – Ji Fraser (lead guitar) Fat Freddy’s Drop, “Flashback” “When we think of summer in NZ, Kiwi music is such a big part of it and Fat Freddy’s has always been one of our favourite groups. ‘Flashback’ is a big summer fave of mine.” – Marlon Gerbes (synth) Ruby Fields, “Dinosaurs” “This song came on Triple J one morning a few years ago and I loved it. Then a few days later when I couldn’t stop thinking about it, I had to get online and figure out who it was and I haven’t stopped listening to it since.” – Chris Mac (bass)