Playlist: Paul Mathew, Drinks Consultant, Flamme

What would be your dream cover of a song?
For me it doesn’t get much better than the Reel Big Fish cover of A-Ha’s “Take on Me.”

What is your favorite music video?
I (very) rarely watch music videos, but Mark Ronson shot the video to “The Bike Song” around the part of London where I have a bar and used to live and cycle, so that’s always good if I’m feeling nostalgic.

What record are you most embarrassed about having on your iPod?
I have a 2-year-old daughter – there is a lot on there that would be highly embarrassing if it came up on random shuffle. But there are a fair few ’80s numbers I’m not proud of either.

What is your favorite TV theme tune?
RJD2 on Mad Men (see below) or else “Peppa Pig” (see the daughter comment).

Which artist would you most like to go for a drink with?
I’ve been enjoying Carlos Santana’s tequila brand over at Q Mex recently (Casa Noble) – I wouldn’t mind sharing one or two with him. What song would you want to have played at your funeral? I’m not sure I’d mind too much by that point.

If you were a boxer, what would be your entrance music?
“Just Dance” by Lady Gaga. If I was fighting in Beijing, at least the crowd would be more likely to be on my side after that!

PAUL MATHEW’S 5-SONG PLAYLIST

“Insomnia” by Faithless
Came out on the White Label during my first year at university and was a prelude to some great nights. The original version at almost nine minutes is epic.

“A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2
I played a lot of RJD2 when I opened my cocktail bar in London, so found it quite fitting when this track was used for the series Mad Men and became synonymous with classic cocktails.

“Stuck” by Caro Emerald
A modern take on ’40s/’50s jazz that’s just great fun and brightens your mood.

“Boy Lilikoi” by Jónsi
Icelandic pop that is on my running playlist – never fails to put a bit of a spring in my step.

“Cocktails for Two” by Spike Jones
Crazy 1940s version of a 1930s cocktail-time song. Full of chinking glasses, glugs and hiccups.

Click here to see the Beijinger July issue in full.

Photo: Judy Zhou