Get to know the Potato Heads featured in our lookbook and learn more about their roles at the Desa
Can you share your name and your role at Potato Head?
My name is Note Panayanggool, or my artist name, NOTEP. I’ve been working with Potato Head for two years now, mainly focusing on music and wellness.
Where do you call home?
Thailand, for sure.
What does a typical day at The Desa look like for you?
It depends. If I’m working, it might involve meeting with the team, doing a sound check, or preparing for a workshop. If I’m not working, I’d wake up for breakfast and order, like, almost everything on the menu—just kidding, but most of it! I love breakfast at the Desa; it really helps with my mood and digestion. It’s the best way to start the day. After that, I’d head to the beachfront, chill at the pool, check out the concept store, walk around, go outside, and meet friends.
What’s your favourite spot at The Desa and why?
I really like the temple. It’s so peaceful and so well-hidden that sometimes you don’t even notice it’s there. But when you’re inside, you feel such a sense of calm, and you can almost forget you’re actually at Potato Head. I also love Headstream, it’s such a cool spot, and the whole walkway there feels like a really special entrance to the beach club.
What has been the most exciting project you’ve worked on at Potato Head so far?
Definitely Merasa last year with Erykah Badu. The closing performance was one of my favourite projects—and one of the highlights of my year, too. Getting to work so closely with Erykah was like a dream come true, something I’ll always cherish. Just seeing her perform was so inspiring.
Looking ahead, which upcoming project excites you the most?
So many things! 2025 is going to be amazing. I have lots of projects coming up, both in Thailand and internationally, and they’re all things I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. For example, in Thailand, I’m working on an immersive sound curation project in a theatre, with actual beds! It’ll be a visual and audio-visual sound healing experience. I’m also planning a tour in Europe, looking forward to Merasa again, and even a residency at LSV next year. And, of course, I can’t wait to come back to Potato Head.
Do you have a favourite word in Bahasa Indonesia? What does it mean and why do you like it?
I really like enak. It means “yummy,” and it’s such a useful word, it never hurts to know it! You’ll never go hungry because if you say it to an ibu, you’ll be fed very well. I also like terima kasih. It’s a lovely word to know because it shows respect, and I really believe in being respectful wherever I go.
What’s your top tip for Bali? It could be a hidden gem, a favourite restaurant, a bar, or any special place you’d recommend.
Oh, Bamboo Indah in Ubud for sure—it’s such a fairyland. For food, I like Bokashi for food. And Warung Melati is amazing for local food—I remember Kim took me there, and it’s so good.
What’s a memorable guest experience or interaction that stands out to you during your time at The Desa?
One really memorable experience was actually from when I first came to Potato Head with my mum and my brother about 10 years ago. It was our first time in Bali, and Potato Head was just a beach club back then. It was so inspiring to see what they were doing even then. I remember thinking, “One day, I want to come back and work here.” And 10 years later, I did! I really appreciate all the sustainability and mindfulness efforts they’ve put in over the years. It’s shaped me as an artist and as a person. Coming here 10 years ago left such a lasting impression on me.
If you could describe the vibe at Potato Head in three words, what would they be?
Chill, balanced, and yummy. It’s chill because the atmosphere is so relaxed. Balanced because you’re conscious of yourself and your surroundings while still having fun and enjoying good times—it’s that “good times, do good” kind of vibe. And yummy because the food at Potato Head is incredible—all the restaurants are amazing!
Follow NOTEP on Instagram @notep