Creeping into the surf...

In part two of Glory Days Tiki Oasis report, Claire finds herself caught up in the cult of Dionysus...

One of the stand out parts of Tiki Oasis for me was the music. By the pool, on the stage and in the room parties, bands and their go go dancers created the buzz and it never seemed to stop.

It may have helped that the event publicist also owns a record label specialising in Tiki/surf/exotica music and two of his bands happened to be playing in the room party that won the best party prize. 

That event publicist is Lee Joseph and his label is Dionysus Records. I got to catch up with him at Tiki Oasis recently and find out more about his passion for music.

Lee began Dionysis Records in 1983. Throughout his life he has been influenced by 1960s exotica, from spending a lot of time as a child in Polynesian themed “tiki” restaurants, to an obsession with mid '60s garage punk. One fateful day he picked up a record at a thrift store, Arthur Lyman's ‘Taboo 2’, which launched a fascination with all things Tiki.

Lee rejected the direction that 1980s music was going in and decided to put out records that he himself would like to listen to - an ethos that still applies to his music choices today. He timed it well as there was renewed interest in the genres of exotica, rockabilly, surf, and psychedelic punk rock. 

Today he says he sells records “to people like me”. Lee also explains there are very devoted niche music fans who will attend festivals and sit through 10 hours of strictly one sub-genre of music such as surf.

Lee loves putting out music by new bands. He specialises in pressing vinyl for the authentic vintage experience, although he says the best thing about new bands that play vintage-style genres is that you can go see them live!

Speaking of which, I had the pleasure of seeing two bands from his label play at Tiki Oasis, Creepxotica and Jason Lee and the R.I.P Tides. Both were very different, both nothing like I had heard before! ​

​Creepxotica were a visual spectacle. Dressed in skeleton outfits, the keyboardist was playing from behind a Tiki Bar and they had a spooky fresh sound, adding a Disneyland haunted mansion feel to the smooth tones of exotica.

You can see Creepxotica in action here!

Jason Lee and the R.I.P Tides add another dimension again, with beautifully played Surf guitar and a '60s dancey vibe. Visually you can’t take your eyes of Jason’s hair, and the go go dancers that accompany them!

Check out Jason Lee and the R.I.P Tides and get swept away.

For the skinny on Dionysus Records and to purchase their limited edition vinyl visit their website and while you are at it give them a like on Facebook to keep up today with the daily news.