Somewhere Between Boracay, Olivia Dean, and 2,000 Records
From city pop summer getaways to dream conversations with Olivia Dean, Richard's picks reflect a listener who treats music as something to collect, share, and celebrate.
Richard (@thejoyoficha) joins us for the August 2 to 4 prompts as someone who naturally weaves music into the moments that matter most. Whether through travel, collecting records, or sharing the experience with the people closest to him, his answers reveal a listener who rarely separates music from the memories it creates.
The prompts explore those connections from different perspectives. The first asks which album cover makes him think of summer, leading to a reflection on the places and memories that become intertwined with certain records. The second turns toward his top song from last month, opening a window into the music that has been closest to him in recent weeks. The final asks which artist he would love to spend the day with, becoming a reflection on the people behind the music that means the most to us.
Which album cover makes you think of summer?
Lately, my husband and I have been curating a J-pop playlist, and one of our best discoveries has been ANRI’s Timely!!. It has become the soundtrack to our summer getaways, especially during trips to Boracay in the Philippines. Every song on the album perfectly matches the island's vibe with crystal-clear waters, warm sunshine, endless blue skies and relaxed atmosphere-an ideal album in a picture-perfect island.
Timely!! beautifully captures the essence of an idyllic seaside summer. With its upbeat tempo, crisp drums, bright guitars, smooth bass lines, and shimmering synths, the album creates a breezy, feel-good sound that instantly transports you to a coastal paradise. Listening to it feels like taking a scenic drive by the ocean with the windows down and the sea breeze filling the air. That is why summer is our preferred season, nothing can beat that!
Our favorite track, "WINDY SUMMER," perfectly embodies the carefree spirit of the season. Its vivid imagery of 80’s sunshine, sunset and ocean breezes evokes nostalgia, freedom, and the simple joy of escaping the city life and everyday worries. For us, it's more than just a song, it's the soundtrack to unforgettable beach memories and a reminder of the happiness that summer brings.
What was your top song last month?
My favourite song for July 2026 was “Someday Somewhere” by Jungle. From the moment I heard it, I was obsessed by its infectious groove and polished production. Jungle's signature blend of funk, soul, and electronic elements creates a sound that feels both fresh and timeless, making this track an instant pick.
What makes “Someday Somewhere” stand out is its uplifting and hopeful energy. The lyrics and soulful vocals offer a gentle reminder that brighter days are always ahead, even during uncertain times. Paired with warm melodies and irresistible rhythms, the song creates an impression that's both soothing and inspiring.
Throughout the month, it became the soundtrack to my daily routine. Whether I was commuting, working, or simply taking time to unwind, the song never failed to lift my spirits. Its smooth, feel-good vibe made every listen as enjoyable as the first.
More than just my most-played track of the month, “Someday Somewhere” became a reminder to embrace the present while staying hopeful for the future. Its uplifting message, combined with Jungle's signature sound, made it the perfect anthem for my July and a song I'll continue returning to long after summer ends. I feel so ecstatic and I cannot wait for the full album to be released.
Which artist would you love to spend the day with?
If I had the chance to spend a day with any artist, it would without doubt be Olivia Dean. I've been a devoted fan of her music for years and proudly own all the vinyl variants of The Art of Loving. Her records are some of my most treasured possessions, and her music has become the soundtrack to many meaningful moments in my life-from success and heartbroken. Her album and voice is such an emotional healer.
One of the highlights of my 2026 was seeing Olivia perform on The Art of Loving Live tour in San Francisco with my husband and our friends. Watching her live was an unforgettable experience. Her vocals were effortlessly beautiful, and the sincerity and emotion she poured into every performance created such a warm and intimate atmosphere.
What I admire most about Olivia is her genuineness. Her songs speak honestly about love, heartbreak, personal growth, vulnerability, and self-discovery, making them deeply relatable. She has a extraordinary ability to connect with her audience, making every lyric feel authentic and every performance feel personal.
If I could spend a day with her, I'd love to enjoy a coffee together, hear about her creative journey, and learn what inspires her songwriting. Most of all, I'd want to thank her for creating music that has brought so much joy and comfort into my life and everyone else’s. It would be a truly unforgettable experience and a memory that will stay in my heart forever.
Richard’s music collection started in 2000, when he and his husband began collecting vinyl together. More than two decades later, the shelves hold over 2,000 records, but the number is almost secondary. Their music room is where all of those stories live. It is not a showroom or a place where records sit untouched. Richard describes the process almost like a ritual: choosing an album, placing it on the turntable, dropping the needle, and letting the record play from beginning to end. The small details matter. The warmth of vinyl. The physical act of listening. The feeling of spending time with an album instead of moving through it.
That same instinct is what brought Richard and his husband to share their collection online through @rainbowmusiq and @thejoyoficha. The accounts became a digital extension of their shelves, documenting the records, discoveries, and artists that have found a place in their collection. A collection that started between two people slowly became a conversation with thousands of others. For Richard, music has always had a way of attaching itself to places. A summer trip to Boracay can become connected to an album like ANRI’s Timely!!. A song can bring back a chapter of life years after the first listen. The record eventually goes back on the shelf, but the memory attached to it stays.
A record collector and music enthusiast who finds memories in every album, from vinyl shelves and travel moments to the artists that continue to inspire him.
