LIVE EP
This summer, Mèraque embarked on a tour, performing at numerous festivals and venues: Wildeburg, Landjuweel and de Lievelinge. Their live shows allow for extensive improvisation, resulting in many exhilarating moments. To share these moments with a wider audience, Mèraque releases these highlights in this Live EP in collaboration with KROOKS Records.
In the live version of “Kabanova,” a marvelous guitar solo enriches the experience, and the crowd’s harmonious singing echoes at the track’s conclusion. “Volci,” a standout piece, underwent a significant transformation during the last summer tour. With the addition of Talal Fayad to the band, enchanting ud solos now infuse the track with unprecedented color.
Inspired by a tribe from Papua New Guinea, featuring artist Aroma composed “Huli.” In this live version, Mèraque adds their signature touch with clarinet and saxophone melodies, oriental guitar patterns, and dynamic rhythms, creating an exotic and danceable vibe.
The new track “Isla” is a captivating journey with flowing percussion, where the guitar and saxophone seamlessly groove. Warm vocals add depth, building tension until a soulful saxophone solo emerges, leading to a melancholic climax where all elements harmoniously converge.
Band:
Electronics/ Percussion: Jorick Bronius
Clarinet/ Alto-Saxophone: Martin Grozdanoski
Guitar: Onur Kaletas
Ud: Talal Fayad
Percussion: Gino Bombrini
Percussion: Omar Beganovic
Vocals: Elena Somacal
RELEASED December 7, 2023
// RECORD LABEL: KROOKS RECORDS // PUBLISHER: THE MISSING SYNC X KROOKS // DISTRIBUTOR: THE ORCHARD // ARTWORK: Mirko Della Monic // MASTERING: Noraj Cue
© all rights reserved
TRAILER VIDEO
LIEVELINGE
Camping de Lievelinge has been a significant source of inspiration for the musical project Mèraque. The accommodations at Camping de Lievelinge are delightfully original, with converted trams, buses, gypsy wagons, and tipis, providing a unique and memorable stay. Amidst their time there, they found themselves immersed in the natural beauty of the surroundings, with opportunities to swim in the lake and leisurely wander through the enchanting forest.
Soul Safari Studio, located at the campsite, proved to be an ideal haven for Mèraque to explore and develop their musical ideas. It was within this paradise-like setting that they brought to life tracks like “Isla” and “Kabanova,” often collaborating with guest musicians who joined in on their creative journey. The videoclip of “Isla” also was in the Spiegeltent, a tent which was used by Belgian circus in the early 20th century.
WILDEBURG
In between the bamboo forests and calm water pools there is a festival called Wildeburg. It is famous for its broad experimental music and art program. Mèraque played here two times at the Kas, a stage hosted and decorated by House of Chi collective. Both live recordings of Kabanova and Huli took place at the Saturday night in the Kas.
The light artists of Beeldjutters masterfully crafted a breathtaking atmosphere through their ingenious light installation, meticulously recreating the awe-inspiring beauty of a sunset.
RUIGOORD, LANDJUWEEL
Landjuweel is the annual, multifaceted celebration of Ruigoord, an artist village with a rich history. This unique event carries a profound tradition, marking the 50th anniversary since the village was originally squatted by a collective of artists. Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam’s western port, Ruigoord has valiantly resisted industrialization for many years, preserving its distinctive character.
For Mèraque, Ruigoord is a cherished haven, offering a place to experiment on stage and collaborate with other inspiring artists to craft innovative, multidimensional art performances. The village generously accommodates 50 ateliers, encompassing a diverse range of creative pursuits, from music production to light art and fine arts. Ruigoord’s thriving creative community continues to be a source of inspiration and a fertile ground for artistic exploration and collaboration.
CLARINET & SAXOPHONE
In Mèraque’s vibrant sound, the clarinet and saxophone take centre stage, influencing the melody significantly. These instruments play a crucial role in the folk music traditions of Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey.
During weddings, the clarinet player leads the dance, captivating the crowd. This musical tradition dates back to the late Ottoman era (19th century) when folk ensembles started incorporating Western instruments. Urban Chalgia ensembles embraced modern instruments, while rural musicians continued with native wind instruments like the gajda (bagpipe), kaval, and zurla (flutes).
In the present day, Balkan musicians, blend both worlds, merging traditional and modern elements to create contemporary compositions. This innovative approach ensures the survival of cherished practices and traditions, resonating with the lives of the new generation.
This image was captured during the Galicnik wedding in Macedonia.