We scout out music you've never heard and deliver only the finest. Expect music curiously different, yet simply enjoyable. We are the essential guide to independent music and beyond.
Hailing from Bogotá, Colombia, Los Angeles-based Ariza has been turning some heads as of late. From crafting his own tunes to playing guitar with the likes of The Staves, Phillip Lassiter, and more, it’s not hard to see why.
His latest release, which I have the pleasure of bringing you today, is a haunting collaboration with Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Miette Hope. Titled “Find Me” this sauntering glitch-pop gem is the perfect accompaniment to your Halloween plans, best served for after the after-party, as you wind back down into reality from your imbibing.
…It’s a track heavily inspired by James Blake, Portishead, some trip-hop vibes, but also a very modern sound. I think it’s one of my darkest tracks. It comes at a very interesting time of my life, culminating the first stage of recovery of tearing three tendons in my wrist. I can say about a month ago things were quite more heavy, but putting out a track like this and moving on, is incredibly healing in itself. – Ariza
Past post-Halloween activities, this addictive tune is a dark and twisting addition to your low-key playlists. Make sure to add it on Spotify and Soundcloud.
MEUTE is one of the more refreshing things we’ve come across lately. Made up of a collection of 11 talented, traditional drummers and horn players, this German-based group delivers eye-opening, smile-inducing, and thoughtfully crafted renditions of some of the world’s largest dance anthems, including Flume, Deadmau5, and Solomun.
In the midst of their first North American tour and debut album release, we had a chance to connect with Founder/Trumpeter Thomas Buhorn to see how this intriguing outfit came to be.
TMN: Thank you for taking a moment to chat! Let’s start with your ‘origin story’ so to speak. Did this project start off with the intention to do what you’re doing now?
TB: To be honest, yes. We were convinced, that the combination of hypnotic techno music played by an acoustic marching band in a very distinguished and energetic way has the potential to be very explosive. Due to the fact that techno music is international and without borders, we always hoped, that we can travel around the world with it. Now we do, and it’s big fun!
TMN: This tour is your first in the States. What does it mean to you guys to be able to fly across the pond in support of your debut live album?
A: It means a lot to us. The US has a big heritage of brass bands, jazz, and also electronic music. We love all that stuff and combined it with our European way of playing music. So we are very proud to show it to the folks here and are very happy that the people seem to like it a lot.
TMN: You’ve already hit a few cities already. How has the reception been so far?
A: The people went crazy – so did we.
TMN: Backing it up a bit — are you traveling with the full ensemble?
A: We always do!
TMN: That has to be quite the undertaking for a travel planner. Are you bringing instruments with you, or renting some over here?
A: Our Tour Manager is working very hard and very good. So it’s possible to bring our own stuff. Most of the instruments are custom made, so we are happy to have them.
TMN: One of our favorite renditions is Flume’s remix of Disclosure’s “You & Me.” Talk us through that day in Görlitzer Park. It seemed like such an experience for those who were there.
A: It was the day of an evening performance in a club in Berlin. Sometimes we go outside during daytime and make some surprise performances. So always stay tuned on our social media, sometimes we give some hints in advance!
TMN: Looking back, how did you come about choosing larger-than-life dance tracks for your interpretations?
A: Just because they invite people to dance, and we can bring something new to the world. The sound that arises out of that combination is quite special.
TMN: Have you ever received any love or kind words from the original artists?
A: We always ask them, and luckily they’ve always liked it. We already did stage performances together with Laurent Garnier, Solomun, and Stephan Bodzin.
(btw you can find some quotes from some of them here: www.meute.eu/about)
TMN: What’s next for you beyond this tour?
A: We will release a new studio album next year. And hopefully, we go on touring around the world!
Birthdayy Partyy are usually known for their electro and bass house inspired records, but today they went all out dub. Other than a couple of previous dubstep records, we haven’t had much in this style from the Chicago twins and as of now we’re aching for more of it.
“The Summit” is an inspiring bass original that takes a melodic approach to the genre in a similar vein as Adventure Club and Fox Stevenson. By infusing more musical elements and not simply focusing on aggressive sound design, Birthdayy Partyy took “The Summit” as high as it could go. As always, this BP release has dropped as a free download for anyone who is holding out on streaming.
Starting their project back in 2014, Two Can has been making music for quite a while now. The duo, made up by the Australian born Sach-Haber brothers, has been building the melodic counterpoint to catchy top line vocals and continue to switch up their sound and style.
“Gonna Be” is Two Can’s first release of 2019 and they’re planning on ending the year strong with this one. The Martyn Ell-featured single is a future pop jam that is radio ready due to it’s clear Jack U influence an crossover style throughout. Excited to hear Two Can is back to stay, and am eager to hear more new music by them soon. Listen to “Gonna Be” and keep a tab on new music, due out by the rising duo soon.
