Jungle, the British funk band returns to the country after 4 years: ‘We believe that many artists do not bother to go to places like Ecuador, and that is sad because it is an incredible experience’

With a unique and recognizable sound, Jungle is fully understood. Through exciting melodies created with synthesizers, keyboards, organs and basses combined with electronic elements, they explore genres such as neo-soul, funk and dance She they make music that makes you feel good.

Maybe it’s because this British duo has known each other all their lives (from the age of nine they were neighbors in Shepherd’s Bush, London), but Josh Lloyd Watson And Tom McFarland They have become more than friends through music, as now the connection that unites them as brothers is reflected in every project they do.

It should be noted that although they operate as a pair, they identify as a collective when making creative decisions and at the time of production.

They made their debut in 2014 a Mercury Prize nominationthe annual recognition for the best album released by a British musical act, for which acts such as Radiohead, Amy Winehouse, Black Country and New Road have also been nominated.

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Are latest studio production, which they released in August, mixes funk rhythms from the 70s, melancholic soul and very euphoric disco music. Cohesive and with a sense of sonic urgency, this album pushes them into new musical territories. After nearly a decade on stage, they continue to demonstrate confidence and explosive creativity.

VolcanoWhat is it called, will shake Quito on November 30 in the presentation they will give. After four years, they return to our country with even more innovative and avant-garde songs, full of attractive rhythms that invite more than one to dance.

McFarland, 34 years old, made time last Tuesday, October 31, in the middle of the sound check of the concert they gave in France – part of the world tour they are doing – to chat virtually with Diario EL UNIVERSO about their next planned visit to the country, the essence of their music and more.

How does it feel to return to Ecuador after your trip? Show of 2019?

We had an incredible show in Quito. It is something we remember fondly and we are very much looking forward to returning. It’s a great country, we love the culture, You know? And I don’t say this often, but it was a real surprise for us to see that so many people in Ecuador listen to and love our music.. So yeah, definitely very excited.

What are your expectations for this new show?

I think we experienced a lot of energy the last time we were there; so if there were more it would be incredible. The place or location This time it will be much bigger so more people and fans can hear us. There will be more love. Us shows are really special at the moment, because the fourth album translates very well on stage. The band plays with a lot of passion and energy, so it’s fun to bring it on stage. I know we’re going to have fun.

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Volcano brings more characteristic elements of funk and soul. Did you know from the start that this was the sound or direction you wanted to take with the album?

I think it’s probably something we discovered along the way. For us, every album is a journey and we don’t necessarily like to predict or dictate too early what it will sound and look like. We always want ideas to flow through us in a very natural way, and then they start telling us what they want to sound like.

How was the recording process? The album contains collaborations with various artists.

For this album we did some camps or writing sessions with me, Josh and Lydia. Lydia Kitto is the girl whose voice can be heard in everything Volcanoso she helped us write and record the whole album. So yeah, we’ve done some of these meetings. We always create things along the way, small ideas that we then bring back to the big studio and finish and fully realize.

It was a process of about twelve months. At the end of 2022, in November and December, we rented a large studio in London called Metropolis and went in very focused on bringing together all the ideas that were floating around in our heads. We work together with Erick de Architect, Channel Tres, Roots Manuva, Mood Talk and Bas.

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Known for their vibrantly choreographed music videos, the Londoners have gone a step further for this fourth album: they created a clip for each of the fourteen songs, all linked by a single interwoven story that combines signature funk and radiant warmth. carries himself. .

What is the story behind the images of Volcano?

We made a film for this album, and that was something that came from an ambition that we’ve been trying to achieve for a long time. We worked really hard to get the script right, the concept and essentially the kind of story that the characters had to tell. His name is Volcano: the movie.

We present it as a mystery dance TV show and we are there. So we explored the story that there are different things on and off stage. Everything is interpreted through dance, which sounds very elegant. A vision told through dance was what we wanted to show.

In consultation

Who is part of the team? What is it like to travel with so many employees?

I don’t know when we’ll arrive, I don’t know the schedule at all, but the entire band will be present. We traveled with a great team, as well as the entire lighting department, sound engineers and tour management.

And yes, traveling like this is great, because we are a family; It’s kind of like our home away from home. We are therapists, best friends, and sometimes we can hate each other too, because that’s how families are.. But it’s so good that there are so many of us, because we can find many similar positive things about each other. Everywhere I look I see someone having a good day, and that’s important.

How many days will you stay in Ecuador?

Well, I don’t know either; that’s what’s interesting. We would play in the Funka Fest, but unfortunately it didn’t happenso we’ll be in Quito for the Show on the 30th and who knows what our plan will be. We have to go to the Dominican Republic one day, because we also have a festival there.

The fact that Funka Fest has been canceled is news to me…

Oh well, I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough (laughs). It’s a first. There you have the latest news.

Of all the places you’ve traveled to, which one do you remember the most?

Well, places like Quito are fascinating because you very rarely get the chance to go to those kinds of cities. Normally you always know all the largest cities in other countries. You know, I think a lot of artists don’t bother going to places like Ecuador, and that’s sad because every time we go to these incredible countries and these incredible cities, we have a completely different experience..

It’s much more exciting because there are new things to discover; You feel like you are opening the page of a new book you know. I can’t wait to return.

The first thing I noticed when we arrived was… the very high altitude; That made it hard for us to breathe and we wondered, “What’s going on?”, so it was kind of fun.. It was also a challenge to play such a show, because at three thousand meters there is much less oxygen, but it is such a beautiful thing.

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Remembering satisfying moments is satisfying. How did you feel after you finished? Volcano? What have you learned now that you’re playing it in gigs?

I really like those questions. What we felt was something akin to deep satisfaction and pride, because we love this album. We loved doing it; We found the process very simple and harmonious. Know?, There wasn’t a lot of stress during the recording, so I think we have very good memories.

Now that we are playing the songs live, we see the audience responding to the new songs in a positive way; so it just makes you feel better. We are very happy with it and really notice that the public loves it too.

Jungle visits Quito on the last day of November to sing at the Arena Top Media in Cumbayá at 8 p.m.. This appointment will be for adults only, as indicated on the website. Good planwhere you can buy tickets.

Prices: $65 (general) and $100 (VIP). These values ​​are exclusive of VAT.