The exciting live electronic act out of the Congo discusses their fiery, pulsing, sophomore album, 'BUTU,' the manic sound of Kinshasa, and using improvisation to keep their performances energized. The experimental live electronic group out of Kinshasa β the active, populous capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo β is a reflection of their city. Their shouted and chanted lyrics reflect people's frustration with their government, as well as the sonic signals of industrious local vendors.
Even their DIY instruments are an example of their resourcefulness: Although DRC is a resource-rich country, that wealth has been extracted by and for Western powers for centuries. Locals are left with limited resources and experience regular power outages and intense, ongoing conflict. He was captivated by Bianko's large, nearly daily outdoor performances with his massive dance crew. The group, which also consists of locals Boms and Dido who fashion DIY instruments, incorporate much of Makara's improvisational and interdisciplinary energy into their music and energetic live show, while Thomas brings in synths, drum machines and other electronic elements.
Now, the cutting-edge group is pumping up the BPM and bringing the lively Kinshasa nighttime to the rest of the world via their urgent, high-energy sophomore album, BUTU , on July 5 on Transgressive. Read on for a chat with Thomas and Bianko about their captivating new album, the music scene in the Congo , how their music reflects Kinshasa, and much more.
Editor's note: Bianko's answers are translated and paraphrased from French by Thomas. What energies, sounds and themes are you harnessing on ' BUTU? The album is all about that high energy, specific atmosphere that happens when the night falls in Kinshasa. It's a very loud and crowded city.
It gets pitch-black quite quickly because it's on the Equator. The sun sets really fast all year long. The sounds of the city kind of wake up [at night]; the generators are plugged in and the club music and evangelical church music [start] competing. All the inspirations are from all these sounds and everything that happens in the night in Kinshasa. The band plays a lot of DIY instruments; what instruments are on this album and can you point to their specific sounds?
