Emulov is a jazztronica and lo-fi duo from The Netherlands. They’re back with a new single titled “Mute”. Fusing live instrumentation with old-school hip-hop influences, the track features a unique blend of Wurlitzers, Rhodes, and analog synths. Having performed at renowned festivals like North Sea Jazz and Sziget, Emulov brings their passion for organic hip-hop to the forefront, offering a rich soundscape of intricate beats, vibrant keys, and funk-infused live bass. We caught up with the duo to learn more about their artistry, latest release and upcoming plans.
– After two decades in the music scene, what inspired you to dive deeper into the lo-fi, jazztronica space? Was there a specific experience or inspiration behind this shift?
We toured with a live hip hop band(Relax) in the 00’s and an indie electronic act in the 10’s. In 2014 we stopped touring and making our own music. Ivo got into the music business and Bart worked as a (ghost) producer for others.
Discovering Lofi Hip hop made us think about why we started with music and felt inspired to get back to our roots, hip hop, with real instruments and all for the love.
– Your use of live instrumentation in electronic music feels unique. What drew you to combine jazz, blues, and hip-hop elements into electronic music, and who were some of your earliest musical influences?
We are inspired by George Clinton, Prince, Hendrix, d’Angelo on one side, but also heavily by (mid 90s/early 00’s) hiphop like A Tribe Called Quest, J Dilla, Wu Tang, everything Dre etc.
Bart has a background in producing electronic dance music and that might be of influence to the music of Emulov. Ivo started playing and studying piano after almost 10 years and brings the jazz influence to the table. We have been playing together on and off since we were 16 and it feels totally natural to blend all of our past and future.
– You’ve seen music trends shift over the years. How has your own sound evolved and are there aspects of your earlier work that still influence your current style?
Yes, it feels like a very natural continuation of what we do, like and want to bring. But we can imagine that it feels a bit eclectic
– Your new single “Mute” features a vibrant mix of jazz, soul, and lo-fi beats. How did the idea for this track come together, and what was it like working with MONODUKE for his impromptu solo?
It felt like a funk jam when we started and, as we always do, we went all out with multiple basses, Fender Rhodes, layering drums with live drums etc.
Ivo visited MONODUKE in the studio just for a coffee and listening to some music. At the end he played Mute and asked if Daan (MONODUKE) would be open to give it a try on the Yamaha CP80. He was in for it right away and did a solo in a one take recording. It was to epic to make edits from so we left it as it was played, right there and then.
– Your music blends live instruments like Wurlitzers and Rhodes with electronic beats. Can you tell us more about your approach to mixing analog and digital elements?
Our sound-making philosophy starts with how you record the signal in your DAW. We try to make a choice that determines 80 percent of your sound. So then you have to think about choosing a very good clean pre-amp or deliberately choosing a cheap, bad pre-amp. We often immediately record musical parts with effects so that we make that choice and are not allowed or willing to go back on it. This way you ensure that the mixing of your track does not only start afterwards, but during the creative process.
– The collaborative work on “Mute” with MONODUKE seems very organic. What was the collaborative dynamic like in the studio and did any spontaneous moments shape the final track?
As said above, it was a one take pianosolo, and very spontaneous. Absolutely more coming with Daan in the future
– What’s coming next for Emulov?
We have a couple of releases lined up together with Sebastian Kamae and Louk. We did a camp recently in a small greenhouse, dragging all of our old stuff there including live drums. We just kept recording and jamming with Pim (Sebastian Kamae). The last day Louk joined and brought his sax and flute and absolutely nailed it. Can’t wait to get it out there.
For 2025 we are looking to do some of our work live for the first time, so that’s exciting too, getting back to our roots even more…
Upcoming releases:
Sebastian Kamae & Emulov – So Blue feat. Loud (November 12th)
Emulov & Sebastian Kamae – Take A Swim (One Dollar Dave, January 17th)
Follow Emulov:
Instagram
