Manu Delago shares unique new single and video ‘Curveball’

By Shaun Quinn

On August 3, 2021

In News

Manu Delago

Album ‘Environ Me’ out September 24th via One Little Independent Records

New single and video ‘Curveball’ out now

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“A masterful and sensitive musician” – The Telegraph

“Virtuoso” – The Times

“Dreamy acoustics” – XLR8R

World renowned handpan player and composer Manu Delago will release his unique new album, ‘Environ Me’, via One Little Independent on September 24th. Constructed using his signature percussive skills as well as electronic manipulation and sounds recorded directly from an array of natural sources, the LP is a dynamic and poignant exploration which harnesses the best of his adventurous spirit and singular vision.

Delago uses the sound of Velcro paddles and balls thrown in perfect timing to create the artificial and kinetic atmosphere on his latest single ‘Curveball’, which harnesses a pulsating, energetic array of syncopated rhythms.

Manu tells us “For my album Environ Me I was looking for interesting sounds of our surroundings. Nature provided lots of great options but I also wanted to include some urban aspects. On one of many socially distanced walks around London parks I saw and heard two people playing that famous velcro ball game. I decided to not only use that sound as a beat, but also make an advanced choreography for three percussionists (which turned out to be very difficult to perform). I paired that playful but steady Velcro beat with a very physical handpan pattern, mainly consisting of upward arpeggios which give the track a driving feel, always moving forward. We all have been thrown a curveball in life at some stage but 2020 has clearly been a big one.”

On upcoming LP ‘Environ Me’ Manu Delago asks his listener to join him on a multisensory adventure with their eyes wide open, an intriguing experience that constantly evolves over the course of its 12 tracks, through electronica and ambient, and carries with it an important environmental message at its core. An audio-visual journey accompanied by a collection of expertly made films, each track also represents a different element and contains its own inspired and individual concept, varying from the use of wildlife, fire and water to the manmade steel, gears, Velcro and more.

In May this year, for 35 days surrounding the release of his ‘ReCycling’ single, Delago along with his band and crew travelled around central Europe by bicycle to perform and raise awareness for environmental sustainability. On this unique adventure all the musical instruments and the required equipment for the live performances were transported in specially built bicycle trailers. As well, the ReCycling team ensured that sustainable products were used throughout, they sourced local, organic and vegetarian food on their many stops and they innovated when it came to setting up their various stages including their own solar powered LED lightshow. In total they cycled over 1500km.

Manu Delago has performed in prestigious venues in more than 50 countries around the world. The Grammy nominated artist runs his own band and has collaborated with various artists such as Björk, Anoushka Shankar and Olafur Arnalds and has appeared as a soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Art and photo credit: Simon Rainer

Track list