Bantum is back on the Carousel
Cork electronic music producer Ruairi Lynch, who releases music as Bantum, is releasing two new singles this autumn.
Known for collaborating with and producing artists across the country spanning multiple genres, Bantum will release two tracks, one old and one new to coincide with some exciting upcoming festival performances.
Out today, the first single ‘Carousel’ is taken from his self-titled album ‘Bantum’. This lines up with his performance at this year’s Sounds From a Safe Harbour festival. Catch Bantum in a double bill with Arveene on the opening night of the festival tonight Thursday 11 September, at The Pav.
The second single ‘Big Flute’ will be available on 9 October in conjunction with Bantum’s performance at the Common Threads festival in Clare with Daithí, Morgana, Róis and more.
“Having played numerous live shows since last year's album release, I noticed that ‘Carousel' kept getting a reaction from the crowds. I felt that this track deserved an extra boost as a single. I've reworked it for live shows, but the single remains the same,” explained Bantum.
“It definitely acts as a great segue into the next single 'Big Flute' which feels like a natural progression for my sound. It started with a pretty simple flute loop and progressed into more of a funk dance belter. The working title stuck! I've been listening to a lot of Nicolas Jaar, Darkside, Daphni, Bonobo, and Four Tet lately, and you can tell the influences are there. Once these are out and played in a live format, I'm itching to work on more Bantum material next year."
Blending elements of electronic dance beats, old school funk bass, and electric guitars, driving house rhythms and hip hop samples, each track offers a special sonic take while blending seamlessly with the other. Bantum blends genres and styles to create a distinctive and immersive mix.
Both singles will be accompanied by all new artwork from fellow Corkman, artist Shane O’Driscoll. “Taking references from Ruairi’s own musical influences was the brief for the album artwork. There is a nod to a favourite music video and album covers in there,” said Shane.
“It can be a challenge to find images that are clear indicators, that evoke a connection and for it all to work together within the style we have established over the last few releases, but we always get there and it’s always interesting to learn about the influences in each new release.”
‘Carousel’ and ‘Big Flute’ will be available on all major streaming platforms. Catch Bantum live tonight at the Pav as part of Sounds from a Safe Harbour. He also plays Common Threads in Co.Clare on 10 October.