A great playlist isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a living timeline of who we are, where we come from, and the moments that shaped our ears and minds. For Mayan, this Lifeboat Playlist is a rich, vibrant tapestry woven from family heritage, childhood heroes, groundbreaking live shows, and pure sonic craftsmanship.
From the meditative brilliance of South Asian classical music that provided an unmatched foundation, to the iconic pop mastery of Michael Jackson that filled the family home, Mayan’s selections reflect a deep appreciation for rhythm, performance, and boundary-pushing arrangements. Whether tracing the explosive energy of UK tastemakers like Tinie Tempah and Labrinth, uncovering new levels of musical experimentation through Pink Floyd, or connecting with the intimate storytelling of Ed Sheeran, this collection captures the heart of a true music lover and musician.
Press play and step into a journey shaped by legacy, inspiration, and timeless sound.
Mayan is playing a launch show @ venueMOT on the 30th,
W: Karl Watson
Zakir Hussain + Rakesh Chaurasia - Live in Krakow (July 2015)
I grew up with South Asian music playing all the time. I’ve listened to this performance on loop, these are some of the best musicians I’ve ever come across and gave me the best musical foundation I could ask for. Not to mention Ustad Nasrat Fatih Ali Khan, Ravi Kumar, Hariprasad Chaurasia, as well as Arjit Singh, Jubin Nautiyal, Vijay Prakash, Ravi Kumar, etc.
Michael Jackson - Smooth Criminal . ............................. .
My parent’s were huge fans, and raised my sister and I on Michael Jackson. This music video is one of my all time favourites. He’s the definitive best, I don’t really have to say any more.
Tinie Tempah ft. Labrinth: Pass Out
Labrinth ft. Tinie Tempah Earthquake
Tinie Tempah and Labrinth were icons to me as a kid (still are), and are huge tastemakers to me now. These songs for me sit hand-in-hand, their respective projects are still on constant rotation. Whenever I go out, best believe I’m requesting them.
Pink Floyd Shine On You Crazy Diamond
My parents took me to the Pink Floyd Exhibition in 2017, and it blew my mind. At the time I was predominantly a drummer, so I picked up a pair of pink signature Nick Mason promark sticks in the gift shop which I used for ages. Pink Floyd introduced a whole new level to arranging and experimentation (this song obviously being only 1 example in an insanely stacked discography).
Ed Sheeran Lego House
My parents always played Ed Sheeran around since ‘+’, but we managed to get 2 tickets to a warmup show for his ‘=’ tour at St John’s Hackney Church in 2021. Blew my mind again; up to this point I knew I loved music, but this show helped me realise I wanted to pursue my own music/artistry professionally. (Lego house is such a good song)
Jon Bellion: Kid Again
Like most people, I was already subconsciously a fan of Jon through all his work with other artists. Discovering his artist project clicked instantly. Huge fan of his, Kid Again is a standout for me just because of knowing his story with labels/industry and this song being his comeback after
a hiatus. GSP and the Human Condition have soundtracked so many moments for me too though, he’s one of the best/my favourites.
Kendrick Lamar : The Heart Part 5
One of my personal favourite albums of all time, impossible to choose a single standout from Mr. Morale. Saw him tour this album at the O2 in Nov 2022, the project hit harder as it caught me on a low after lockdown. Kind of a same situation where, I’d grown up with his hits, but never experienced his artistry truly until then (very late, I know- my fault). Also this was a first notable time where the show was one of the best I’d ever experienced, but it was the worst part (as in, with every relisten afterwards, my experience with the music got even better and better and
better.)
Shady Nasty: Screwdriva
One of my current favourite bands, hugely influential for me at the moment. Saw them play the Windmill in Oct 2025 then MOTH Club in June 2026. Being pushed around in their crowds is a feeling I haven’t been able to find anywhere else, I reach that point where everyone’s moving in slow motion and I could just stay there for days. For me, it’s that combination of mellow reflection alongside the genre-blending of jazz, post-punk, and electronic music. Insanely good. (HM:
I.D.W.L)
Lancer: Rain
Also one of my favourite’s at the moment, I’ve listened to this song too many times, would definitely recommend. Very excited for whats next from Lancer. Underrated.
Mk.gee - Dream police
Saved for last, Mk.gee is one of my favourites ever ever. Saw him play Brixton Electric on Halloween 2024, one of the best shows I’ve seen. The live setup with Andrew Aged and Zack
Sekoff is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. Similar to Kendrick, I love when you already love an album, but seeing it live completely enhances the listening experience again. Also he played through the album, but it’s like everything was so much heavier with more distortion and grit and maybe even slightly faster? Or it felt that way in the room anyways, sign of a great show though. And of course Dijon, also one of the best out. I feel like we all know this already, I couldn’t not put
them in though.
HONOURABLE MENTION: Bon Iver Re:stacks
If you can’t tell, I approached this list chronologically. But, I could’t find a specific place for Bon Iver and Justin Vernon just because they’ve kinda always been around, and probably always will be as a blueprint for the music I aspire to create. There are no misses on the discography. That combo of experimental production alongside earthy mellowness and collapsing hope are feelings I really hope I illustrate as well as they do one day.