Advancing the fusion legacy, Utrecht-based talent QUANZA delivers a transcendental experience with his new single Neon Noir. The Utrecht-native makes a bold introspective statement, surely to be held in high regard by many.
Okay, admittedly, we might be a little biased here as QUANZA traveled through the Steppin' gates a few times. The musicology scholar made waves last year with a slew of releases, including his Mixed Martial Music album and a highlight on Utrecht-based tastemaker and United Identities head honcho Carista's VA album Modern Intimacies with the tune A Death Supreme.
QUANZA's love for music that is left-of-centre is undeniably recognizable in his own work. The multi-instrumentalist easily moves from Drexciya-esque electro to Flying Lotus style beats or footwork, while Neon Noir ventures into what we feel might be called neo-fusion. Have a listen to his recent live performance below to see the musical culmination of the musician in play.
Neon Noir
At the nexus of Neon Noir lies QUANZA's ability to weave together a story with encapsulating guitar riffs. Extending the traditional merger between guitar and jazz fusion music, the track feels like a mysterious journey with diffuse trails underscored by the scattered drums. The subtlety of the Rhodes piano and bassline provide some serenity to the frantic yet captivating melody and improv by QUANZA. This approach to improvisation draws inspiration from Shabaka Hutchings and Paco de Lucia.
Although in a somewhat different spirit, QUANZA's guitar style reminded us of UK instrumentalist Mansur Brown's way of playing. Both share the unique ability to invite listeners on a journey through sound in rough and gritty jazz aesthetic.
Neon Noir is a true arrival into a journey, serving as an anchor for the cinematic approach in QUANZA's contemporary music productions.
Neon Noir is QUANZA's bold statement with which he aims to enter the global music scene. We're more than excited to hear what's next to come from his musical vein. Neon Noir is a true arrival into a journey, serving as an anchor for the cinematic approach in QUANZA's contemporary music productions.
Beyond the music.
With a musicology MA under his belt, QUANZA's musical knowledge doesn't stop behind the instruments and the studio. His interests also lead him to find the answer to the philosophical questions behind making music, which he'll explore together with Steppin' in the future.
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