Musician Paul Mayer

Paul Mayer, a creative director and musician, has been collecting “Exotica” music on vinyl since he was just 12 years old. In the 70s, his parents took him to Hawaii where, at a young age, he saw the great Martin Denny perform at the Surf Room in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel at Waikiki.

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That music made an impression on Paul, and years later he would become a staple at record fairs and record stores, “digging” for vinyl throughout the US. His obsession with the exotic music and “tiki culture” led him to build a 1958 tiki lounge at his home in Lisbon, Connecticut. 

What do you collect, and why?

When I was young and exposed to Martin Denny, it was all about the “cool” bird calls and the percussion. As I got older, I realised that exotica music is like a “musical cocktail” that transports its listeners to mythical and mysterious lands conjuring up images of paradise. I’ve collected exotica vinyl from all over the world and listening to this music “brings” me to paradise every time I hear it!

 “THE COVERS ARE WORKS OF ART AND CAPTURE THE WHOLE TIKI MADNESS”

How big is your collection?

I honestly lost track after 10,000 records. It’s an exciting time: many record labels are starting to reissue exotica classics and rarities on vinyl. In fact, Jackpot Records has a very ambitious Martin Denny reissue campaign underway right now, releasing the original albums on audiophile coloured vinyl with the original artwork and packaging. It’s nice that these classic recordings will be available to a much wider, younger audience that will be able to discover this beautiful music!

Non-stop exotic cabaret: Mayer with his collection

What do you think it is worth?