Bantum
Ruairi Lynch, aka Bantum announces the release of his new self titled album, “Bantum” set to drop on October 3rd, 2024. His third album after Legion (2012) and Move (2016) marks a return to his electronic roots while incorporating a diverse range of influences across multiple genres. In anticipation of the album, Bantum will release a single titled "Bamboo" on September 5th, 2024.
Known for collaborating with and producing artists across the country spanning multiple genres, Bantum has decided to go solo with this 8 track instrumental record.
Blending elements of electronic dance beats, old school funk bass and electric guitars, driving house rhythms and hip hop samples, each track offers a unique sonic take while blending seamlessly with the other. Known for his innovative approach to electronic music, Bantum continues to push boundaries here, blending genres and styles to create a distinctive and immersive mix.
Speaking about the forthcoming release, Bantum expressed his excitement, stating, “Having consistently released music every year since I began producing, I really was not expecting to have an album's worth of material for this year. I made a conscious decision to return to where I started in terms of instrumental music, and once I set myself the challenge everything came together naturally.
I gathered a ton of ideas and gradually started to mold them together into a cohesive set of songs, almost like a mixtape. A common thread throughout is guitar, bass and piano effects used on previous releases and funk beats/samples gathered over years of work. Bringing these elements together was probably the most fun I’ve had on a release in years. Each track represents a piece of the musical journey I’ve been on over the past year and I can’t wait for people to hear it. Though this is a solo album I took direct influence and inspiration from working with Daithi (Daithi/Houseplants) and Mark O’Brien (Royal Yellow/Enemies) in West Clare alongside working with my friends Jack O’Rourke, Suil Amhain and Callas in Cork. I’ve never pinned myself down to one genre here, and I think that contributes directly to my own sound in a way. As always I have collaborated with Shane O’Driscoll for the artwork which references J Dilla's Donuts album cover alongside a number of French house influences like DJ Mehdi and Cassius in particular. I’m also really excited to work with longtime friend and collaborator Abe Neihum who will be creating visuals for a number of album tracks, starting with Bamboo”
"Bantum" by Bantum is scheduled to be released on October 3rd/24th, 2024, and will be available on all major streaming platforms.
Kelly Lee Owens - Arpeggi
This is a cover of maybe my favourite Radiohead track by one of my favourite electronic artists. Listening to this by chance on a break between jams with friends last year pretty much lit the spark for this album.
Daphni - Ye Ye
There’s a pretty obvious reference to this on the album when you hear it. Ye Ye is probably the most well known track from this Dan Snaith (Caribou) project and it’s got this really captivating, strange vibe to it. He goes all out on this project and it's a joy to hear.
Goat - Run to your mama
Just sheer attitude here. I love the punky guitar with the weird African rhythm guitar(?) on top. This is groovy, weird and cool as hell.
Moderat - Reminder
I’m constantly listening to Moderat and trying to figure out their mixes, so this is a big influence. They have a knack of using the simplest basslines, beats and rhythms and somehow making something completely unexpected every time.
J Dilla - Two Can Win
A massive inspiration. He had a great ear for taking melodic samples from pretty much any genre and re-contextualising them. There’s too many tracks to choose from but I throw this one on often. The yellow circle on the album cover is a little nod to the Donuts cover.
Cassius - Feeling For You
The “French Touch” house sound had been a big part of my life since my teens. “1999” got me into Cassius but "Feeling For You" just slaps. I’m constantly trying to emulate this sound. Emphasis on trying! Special mention to the 1999 album cover which I adore.
Sault - Wildfires
I don’t know much about this crew, and I love that! The sparse funk sound adds to the mystery. They have some of the coolest, subtlest basslines going. I get lost jamming on my bass to Sault songs and their presentation as a whole is a real inspiration.
Bicep - Atlas
I love the subtle arrangement here; the building filtered synth with the vocal samples adds an ominous air to this track which I love.
U2 - Mysterious Ways
The guitar sound here is just ridiculous. It still sounds so futuristic now and it’s just incredibly funky and confident. It's another track I remember just being on all the time as a kid but I came to really appreciate it more as I got older. Gwan The Edge.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Necessary Evil
I spent a month or two just playing along to various UMO tunes, figuring out that weird, timeless Beatles style chord structure he uses. ‘Carousel’ from my album is a direct result of this little odyssey.