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Mahuna
Hailing from the vibrant and complex tapestry of Andersonstown, West Belfast, Mahuna’s journey into the world of music began amidst the backdrop of Black Mountain and the tumultuous era of the Troubles. As a shy and intensely emotional child, Mahuna found solace and inspiration in the music of the 50s and 60s, which played constantly in his home. The early impressions of iconic acts like David Bowie, T-Rex, and Elton John, combined with the stirring memories of his family’s resilience, formed the foundation of his musical passion.
Growing up as the sixth of seven boys in a family of nine, Mahuna’s formative years were steeped in the raw and unfiltered experiences of Belfast’s streets. A poignant memory of being excluded from a Beatles listening session by his older brothers marked his first transformative encounter with music, sparking a lifelong journey of exploration, intrigue and creation. The magical power of music to transport and transform left an indelible mark on Mahuna, setting him on a path of musical discovery.
Despite pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University, Mahuna’s heart remained tethered to music. His mother’s untimely death and his father’s expectations created a tumultuous emotional landscape, yet these experiences fueled his creative drive. His early musical ventures included forming a band called the Deceivers, which saw moderate success in London with a deal from Hit and Run Publishing and significant radio play. However, the disintegration of the band and personal setbacks led Mahuna to focus on his songwriting and solo performances.
Mahuna’s journey took him to Berlin, where he embraced fatherhood and continued to hone his craft. The construction of a home studio allowed him to experiment and evolve, resulting in several albums and EPs. Despite the challenges of the music industry and the geographical disconnect from his Irish roots, Mahuna’s determination never waned. His time in Berlin was marked by creative breakthroughs, even as he battled the industry’s ageist barriers and financial struggles.
A pivotal moment came during a solo performance at the Roisin Dubh in Galway, where Mahuna experienced an overwhelming positive reception that reignited his passion. The intimate and appreciative audience’s response was a testament to his music’s potential to resonate deeply. This experience spurred him to simplify his approach, focusing on the pure essence of songwriting and performance, ultimately leading to the creation of his most compelling work to date.
Today, Mahuna stands as an artist who has weathered life’s storms with resilience and creativity. His latest album, a culmination of years of growth and introspection, is his finest work yet. Mahuna’s music, deeply rooted in personal experience and emotional authenticity, continues to captivate and connect with listeners, fulfilling the promise of that young boy entranced by the sounds emanating from behind closed doors.
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Release date: NOVEMBER 29TH, 2024
Mahuna Returns with the Enchanting ‘Dream Winter’s Day’ – Release Date November 29th, 2024
Hailing from Andersonstown, West Belfast, Mahuna weaves a rich tapestry of sound and story with his latest single, ‘Dream Winter’s Day’, set for release at the end of November. Known for his deeply personal and evocative music, Mahuna’s journey from the foothills of Black Mountain to the world stage has been shaped by the resilience of his family, the stirring echoes of 50s and 60s music, and the poignant backdrop of the Troubles.
Following the success of his critically acclaimed debut single, ‘Underneath a Hazel Tree’ – hailed as an “absolute masterpiece” by Beach House and praised by CLOUT Magazine for its absorbing folk-pop depth – Mahuna continues to captivate audiences with his distinctive blend of nostalgia and storytelling. This latest release transports listeners to a vividly imagined winter day in Berlin, inspired by an unforgettable walk to a train station with his son during the snowy winter of 2010-2011.
Recorded live at LowSwing Studio in Berlin with producer Guy Sternberg, Dream Winter’s Day brings together the haunting sounds of Doron Segal on grand piano and Miles Perkin on bowed double bass. The track captures a cinematic moment in time, blending the magic of snow-draped streets, the bustle of a delayed train platform, and the dreamlike perspective of a plane rising above the clouds. With lyrics polished on the eve of recording and an intimate live performance into an iconic Neumann U47 microphone, Mahuna delivers a song that is both timeless and deeply personal.
Dream Winter’s Day is a testament to Mahuna’s ability to turn moments of quiet beauty into profound musical experiences. As an artist who has faced life’s challenges with unwavering creativity, Mahuna invites listeners to immerse themselves in his evocative soundscapes.
Release date: September 6th, 2024
Mahuna’s single, “Underneath a Hazel Tree,” is a poignant and evocative piece inspired by a family walk through the ancient woodlands outside Sligo near Lough Gill. During this walk in 2010, Mahuna was struck by the beauty and tranquillity of the setting—a hilltop trail canopied by treetops, the shimmering stream, and the ruins of an old house with a tree growing through it. The interplay of light, the sound of birds, and the murmuring stream created a deep sense of awareness and connection for Mahuna, blending memories of his late father with the joy of watching his own children play.
In “Underneath a Hazel Tree,” Mahuna masterfully captures this moment of historical connection and emotional resonance. The song’s verses paint a vivid picture of the walk and the old house, while the chorus and instrumental sections convey the powerful, wordless emotions that he felt. The recording process, which took place on May 25th in Berlin’s Tritonus Studio, was a return to the artist’s roots, featuring a live recording on 2-track analog tape. With Guy Sternberg producing, Mahuna’s vocals and guitar were accompanied by Miles Perkin on double bass, Hauke Renken on vibraphone, and Carola McMahon on backing vocals.
This single is a testament to Mahuna’s ability to evoke deep emotion through his music, and it stands as a significant milestone in his ongoing artistic journey.
Mahuna’s latest release, “Underneath a Hazel Tree“, is an absolute masterpiece...The chorus and instrumental sections are simply breathtaking, and the way the double bass, vibraphone, and backing vocals intertwine with Mahuna’s voice makes the song feel timeless and deeply emotional. It’s one of those tracks you can listen to over and over, and each time, you discover something new that pulls at your heartstrings.
On his stirring debut single ‘Under a Hazel Tree’, Belfast’s Mahuna has done a really moving job of establishing the absorbing and thoughtful nature of his distinctive folk-pop sound...perfectly setting the tone for an artistic journey that seems to be just beginning with this debut release.
Simple, supple, and expressive through and through, Mahuna delivers a performance that’s equal parts sombre and hopeful on “Underneath a Hazel Tree”...The way he sings still I see my father standing is so hauntingly beautiful, echoing the metaphorical majesty and emotional bedrock of the song. It’s a song that’s resilient and emotionally resonant on a deep deep level.
Mahuna’s lyrics are soul-filled, the metaphors deep, and the delivery consistently brilliant. There’s much to appreciate about the fact that this song retains just as much simplicity while still delivering a deep sound that punches an emotion far beyond what its ways would suggest.
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For PR and Press Enquiries please contact: linda@goodseedpr.com
For booking, sync and all other enquiries please contact: contact@mahunamusic.com