Yakumo

Yakumo combines organic African rhythms with driving techno beats. After many years of playing in bands, the duo developed an extensive live approach to electronic music. Yakumo: “After our previous band came to an end, we felt a great urge to play around with our synthesizers and drum computers in an unconstrained way and reinvent the way we had been making music. At the same time we became interested in African polyrhythmic drumming, which is very loop-based but still has this organic, free feeling to it. We set out to create these vibes and sounds electronically.” Yakumo’s tracks are produced live on stage with analogue synthesizers, effect pedals and a mixing desk. Slowly layering deep basses with flute melodies and marimba loops, Yakumo builds towards a tropical hypnosis. Yakumo made their debut at the world famous Amsterdam Dance Event in 2014. Without an official release and strictly on word of mouth they managed to play key festivals, like Grasnapolsky, Smeerboel, Welcome to the Village, Oerol and Damaris. They also did the support for German pioneers Kraftwerk. Yakumo: “We were very surprised to get all these opportunities to play at great festivals and clubs, but it was great to notice how positive the responses were everywhere we went. I think people like the fact that they actually see how the music is made live and feel that every one show is different from the other”. In 2015 Yakumo is part of the traveling festival Popronde, for which 3voor12 (largest online platform for alternative music) named them as 'one to watch'. As part of this festival the duo has played 21 shows in 2 months. In October, after a new performance during ADE, the group inked a deal for two tracks with Subjekt Recordings, a division of Armada Music, one of the biggest Dance labels in the industry. In February, Yakumo will release I Feel and Congo Hills on Subject Recordings. I Feel is based on a driving minimal pulse and a vocal sample that feels like a repeating mantra. The repeating patterns slowly draw you into the track, and literally make you feel the music. I Feel is exemplary of Yakumo’s jam-based live approach, in which they build the groove element for element. Here, the dark bass-heavy beginning transforms into an euphoric peak in which glowing synth chords fill the room. Congo Hills, with its African vocals and percussion, feels like a walk through a warm African forest. The driving percussion and slow techno beat form an exciting contrast with the sweet and melancholic chords. When the chorus kicks in with its catchy vocals, you know you want to play it again.