Kuna Maze, the Brussels-based producer, multi-instrumentalist, and DJ, teams up with keyboardist Midva from Strasbourg’s Emile Londonien to deliver a captivating new single titled “Don’t Drop Dead.” This track serves as an enticing teaser from Kuna Maze’s debut album, ‘Night Shift,’ which explores the nocturnal realm in all its enigmatic glory.
“Don’t Drop Dead” wastes no time in grabbing your attention. The song bursts into life with a bang, immediately immersing you in its infectious beats. The carefully crafted synth chords gradually increase in amplitude, building tension in a classic, old-school manner. Overlapping synth melodies add an eerie touch, while a solid beat keeps the groove alive. The track exudes a lively, atmospheric quality that is sure to resonate with club-goers and electronic music enthusiasts alike.
Kuna Maze and Midva’s collaboration stems from their involvement in the improvisation group called ‘House Party,’ which also features Emile Londonien and two dancers. Their chemistry shone brightly during performances, including a memorable opening act for Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Festival in Sète. The duo’s synergy is showcased once again in “Don’t Drop Dead,” blending broken beat and jazz elements with dreamy Rhodes keys. The track captures the vibrant energy and anticipation of live festival experiences, as it was recorded just before the event took place.
‘Night Shift,’ Kuna Maze’s debut album, invites listeners to step into the evocative world of sweaty and smoky jazz clubs, reimagined through the lens of modern electronic music. The album reflects this ethos in Kuna Maze’s live band, which serves as a fusion of jazz and contemporary club culture. Departing from the sunlit imagery often associated with broken beat, house, and jazz, ‘Night Shift’ pays homage to the mysterious allure of the city after dark, taking listeners on a mesmerizing journey into the unknown.
According to Kuna Maze, the album revolves around the nightlife, the party atmosphere, late-night wanderings, and the intriguing encounters that happen in the shadows. The music captures the essence of the nocturnal realm, with its supernatural and sometimes surreal elements, as well as the people who inhabit it, both peculiar and ordinary. Kuna Maze’s artistic vision comes to life through intricate compositions that merge genres and influences, resulting in a hypnotic whirlwind of sound.
With previous successes, including collaborations with Lyon-based producer Nikitch and acclaimed releases on Tru Thoughts, Kuna Maze has established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz-infused broken beat scene. The artist’s evolution and adaptability are evident in his collaborations, remixes, and performances alongside renowned producers. His music has garnered support from respected tastemakers, and his live shows and DJ sets have graced prestigious stages and festivals.
Tru Thoughts, the revered Brighton-based label, has become a fitting home for Kuna Maze, where he continues to explore the resurgent sounds of jazz-infused broken beat. With two EPs already under his belt, Kuna Maze’s music has resonated with discerning listeners and influential figures in the music industry, further solidifying his position as an artist to watch.
