Sirens of Lesbos are a group of singers, lyricists, instrumentalists and creatives who are about to revive and modernize the Worldbeat genre with their eclectic and groove-led approach. They draw on diverse backgrounds and upbringings to create an irresistible melting pot of sound. Releasing on their own self-titled label, their music is fast attracting fans far and wide, from BBC 1Xtra’s Jamz Supernova, to BBC 6 Music’s Nemone, to Worldwide FM’s Gilles Peterson and Beats 1’s Ebro Darden.
The group first found fame by accident: the result of a self-imposed challenge to write an Ibiza hit. “All of a sudden we were in talks with almost all major labels and publishers out there” recalls Friede. “In the end we signed with Epic / Sony. But it was like two drunken teenagers getting married in a Las Vegas chapel... once we sobered up, we both realised that we were not meant for each other.” Quickly becoming disillusioned with their situation, they chose to start over and pursue the music they had stronger passions for.
As well as their diverse musical inspirations, their sound and lyrics are also the product of their mixed backgrounds and upbringings. The Serag sister’s parents were political refugees and freedom fighters from Sudan and Eritrea, as were Friede’s Czech parents following the Prague Spring uprising in 1968. Buss’ father is English, and Switzerland proved the perfect place for these different cultures to mix and combine with contemporary influences.
Budakid is a dutch music producer/dj. Coming from a very musical family, it was only a matter of time before young Budakid started playing an instrument of his own. As a drummer in a drum ensemble, the soon-to-be producer/dj got his first taste of beats and he wanted more. Having a good sense of rhythm helped him as a fledgling dj. Before long, Budakid landed his first residency in one of Utrecht’s most popular clubs. Although he wasn’t of legal age, several clubs asked him to perform and Budakid showed his promise by measuring up to peers twice his age.
But as it happens with a lot of dj’s, only dj’ing wasn’t enough for his own musical output. So Budakid sought out to prove his worth as a self-taught producer. Influenced by the likes of Joris Voorn, Stimming, Trentemøller and acts such as Massive Attack, Radiohead and Caribou, the Dutchman developed a very melodic style of his own. A typical Budakid song has floating melodies, the right set of chords and some strong, energetic vibes all mashed together. All this made him a crowd favorite at festivals like Tomorrowland, Sonar Festival, Amsterdam Dance Event and Cityfox Experience Brooklyn and clubs such as Katerblau (DE), Watergate (DE), Cafe D’anvers (BE), Thuishaven (NL) and Melkweg (NL). He regularly tours Europe, Asia, Australia, North & South America.
His music has been already supported by heavyweights such as Bonobo, Solomun, Rüfüs Du Sol, Bob Moses, Keinemusik, Pete Tong, Annie Mac, Tensnake, Sebastien Leger, Sasha, Joris Voorn, Guy J, Kölsch, Catz n Dogz and Deadmau5. That’s something that didn’t happen overnight. Budakid’s tracks have been released on respected labels like Diynamic, Watergate, Exploited, Disco Halal, Permanent Vacation, Last Night On Earth, All Day I Dream, Ajunadeep and Lost & Found. Well-known blogs and magazines including Ransom Note, DJ Mag, Deep House Amsterdam, Dancing Astronaut, Magnetic Magazine and VICE’s Thump are very enthusiastic about the producer’s tracks.
Budakid’s been on fire recently, getting asked by Hot Since 82 to remix Nick Curly for his Knee Deep Recordings label, Moscoman on Disco Halal, a contribution for Frankey & Sandrino’s Sum Over Histories label, plus scoring a Beatport No. 1 with Matthias Meyer on Watergate Records. That’s not to mention more upcoming releases and collaborations with more hot talent...
It’s safe to say Budakid isn’t just another kid on the block. Already regarded as a more than reliable producer/dj by his peers, nothing stands in the way of Budakid to become one of the greats.
