Dominik Kowalik, the man behind Dominik Woods, was once a guitar craftsman, so we predicted an interesting, informed playlist.

What we couldn’t foresee was this eclectic, jazz-heavy mix. Kowalik’s playlist, featuring Eddie Lang, Django Reinhardt, and Wes Montgomery, takes the Los Angeles-based designer from buoyant, easy mornings to contemplative late nights. “Django and the French jazz that originated in the 1930s are big references for me,” Kowalik says. “I grew up in Paris, and I probably listen to this style because, deep down, I would love to be there more often.” Another commonality is “songs without lyrics,” he says: “Words on melodies force you to go a certain direction. Without words, a song is more open to imagination.” Consider this, then, the perfect soundtrack to a day full of dreaming … and diligent design.

Spotify Playlist: Dominik Woods

Morning
Eddie Lang – Blue Room
Django Reinhardt et Josette Dayde – Coucou

Django Reinhardt – Improvisation #1
Matelo Ferret – I Surrender Dear

Afternoon
Django Reinhardt – I’ll see You in My Dreams
Mano Solo – Dis-moi
Tchan-Tchou Vidal – La Gitane
4 To Go! (André Prévin – Herb Ellis – Shelly Manne – Ray Brown) – No Moon at All
Boris Vian – La Java des Bombes Atomiques

Late Night at work
Wes Montgomery – Round Midnight
Bill Evans – Waltz for Debby
Tchavolo Schmitt – Seul ce Soir
Eric Satie – Gnossienne 1
Ludovico Einaudi’s – Lady Labyrinth

Photographed in his studio in Los Angeles by Cydney Puro

Listen to Dominik Woods’ playlist on Spotify

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