Mark is no stranger to Exotica music. He spent the '90s as co-leader of one of San Diego's top salsa bands. After relocating to Los Angeles, Mark was the first member recruited by the Tikiyaki Orchestra, where he played vibraphone and was the front man. Mark has played with countless bands as a side man. He has recorded with Tiki Joe's Ocean, Jason Lee's Dark Entities, Joe Bataan, Mr. Moai & The Tikiheads, The Tiki Delights and produced for Alika Lyman and Angelyne. Mark's recent recordings focus on dark, vintage-styled Exotica that is at home in any Tiki bar. In addition, Mark hosts the long running Quiet Village Podcast. Mark has also been featured in Tiki Magazine and Exotica Moderne Magazine.
An exotic expedition of the mind. We land on the strange shore of an uncharted island and quickly discover we are not alone. The fear of the unknown creeps into our thoughts just like the tribal drums we hear echoing in the distance.
While my previous album Lahaina Sunset presented a relaxed, dreamy view of paradise, I took a very different approach with this project. The music integrates the Afro-Cuban and jazz influences that are the foundational characteristics of classic Exotica. It is my hope that you will enjoy this exotic walk on the wilder side—the darker side.
AUDIO PREVIEW:
Available for digital purchase from Bandcamp here.
Also available for listening on most streaming platforms worldwide.
Relax to the classic Exotica in the grand tradition of Arthur Lyman and Gene Rains. A travelogue of Mark's first visit to the town of Old Lahaina. This album features vibraphone, hand percussion, upright bass and piano, and slow tempos creating a soft, exotic mood of an island paradise.
Audio preview:
Available for digital purchase from Bandcamp here.
Also available for listening on most streaming platforms worldwide.
"Your soundtrack of tropical escapism - a much needed musical vacation"
- Sven Kiersten, author "Book of Tiki"
"One of the best Exotica album to come alone in a decade"
- Rory Snyder, producer of Tiki Caliente
"Classic old school Exotica at its finest"
- Jeff Chenault, author, music historian
Review of "Lahaina Sunset" on 'Tiki Your Ears Off'
Watch the video. The host of Lagoon of Mystery does a deep dive review into Mark Riddle's 'Lahaina Sunset' album. Its a really great look at the record.
Check out the YouTube video review and check out his other reviews of some really great Tiki albums!
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DigiTiki Productions is very proud to present an E.P. of 5 all new original songs in a festive Ultra-Lounge style. This new E.P. comes on a custom hot pink flash drive containing five all new songs--each song presented in lossless FLAC format and 320kpbs high resolution MP3. The drive is compatible with all computer, tablet and digital devices that accept USB--even many new car stereos with USB ports will play the music directly from the drive. Songs are: (1) "Aloha Caftan Society Theme", (2) The ACS Theme (Tiki A-Go-Go Mix). (3) Sun Hat Cha Cha Cha, (4) Walter Goes Shopping, (5) The ACS Theme (The Long Walk Mix).
WHY A USB DRIVE?
The classic song reimagined as an Exotica anthem. Step back in time with this track featuring the rare instrument Boobams--rods of bamboo with drum skin heads, cut to various lengths for pitch. Not available anywhere else except as a digital single.
CD's are great, but they are limited. Most computers and automobiles today don't have CD players. New cars have USB ports and virtually every computer and most mark pads do too. With USB flash drives, gigabytes of additional information can be included (videos, hours of audio, photos, etc). CD's only hold up to 700 megabytes of music. The "Midday Mai Tais" drive, for example, holds music and videos equivalent to 7 CD's!
Our flash drives typically have bonus tracks, videos, photos and audio in multiple formats at once. And best of all, you don't have to rip the CD to get the audio on your phone and computer. The USB drive can also deliver audio in higher quality and multiple formats.
Why USB Drives?