MEUTE is one of the more refreshing things we’ve come across lately. Made up of a collection of 11 talented, traditional drummers and horn players, this German-based group delivers eye-opening, smile-inducing, and thoughtfully crafted renditions of some of the world’s largest dance anthems, including Flume, Deadmau5, and Solomun.
In the midst of their first North American tour and debut album release, we had a chance to connect with Founder/Trumpeter Thomas Buhorn to see how this intriguing outfit came to be.
TMN: Thank you for taking a moment to chat! Let’s start with your ‘origin story’ so to speak. Did this project start off with the intention to do what you’re doing now?
TB: To be honest, yes. We were convinced, that the combination of hypnotic techno music played by an acoustic marching band in a very distinguished and energetic way has the potential to be very explosive. Due to the fact that techno music is international and without borders, we always hoped, that we can travel around the world with it. Now we do, and it’s big fun!
TMN: This tour is your first in the States. What does it mean to you guys to be able to fly across the pond in support of your debut live album?
A: It means a lot to us. The US has a big heritage of brass bands, jazz, and also electronic music. We love all that stuff and combined it with our European way of playing music. So we are very proud to show it to the folks here and are very happy that the people seem to like it a lot.
TMN: You’ve already hit a few cities already. How has the reception been so far?
A: The people went crazy – so did we.
TMN: Backing it up a bit — are you traveling with the full ensemble?
A: We always do!
TMN: That has to be quite the undertaking for a travel planner. Are you bringing instruments with you, or renting some over here?
A: Our Tour Manager is working very hard and very good. So it’s possible to bring our own stuff. Most of the instruments are custom made, so we are happy to have them.
TMN: One of our favorite renditions is Flume’s remix of Disclosure’s “You & Me.” Talk us through that day in Görlitzer Park. It seemed like such an experience for those who were there.
TMN: Looking back, how did you come about choosing larger-than-life dance tracks for your interpretations?
A: Just because they invite people to dance, and we can bring something new to the world. The sound that arises out of that combination is quite special.
TMN: Have you ever received any love or kind words from the original artists?
A: We always ask them, and luckily they’ve always liked it. We already did stage performances together with Laurent Garnier, Solomun, and Stephan Bodzin.
(btw you can find some quotes from some of them here: www.meute.eu/about)
TMN: What’s next for you beyond this tour?
A: We will release a new studio album next year. And hopefully, we go on touring around the world!
