Inspired by the local tradition, Z.E.N. invests in timeless emotions by bringing in contact the classic with the fresh, collective memory with the need for evolution. The thrill of love, the pain of separation, the misery of alienation, and the ups and downs of life are central ideas of his records in a journey toward inner peace. Representing a generation learned in agony, uncertainty, and the constant struggle for survival, Z.E.N. turns music into a transcendental path of redemption. Influenced by Epirus, Pontus, Central Asia, and Crete and from foreign cultures such as those of Armenia, Georgia, Bulgaria, and Russia, Z.E.N.’s songs narrate stories taken from ancient mythology and the mystagogy of nature.

In collaboration with the Beyond team, Z.E.N.’s music adventure begins.  Stay tuned for his debut original album this Fall. 

Youtube | Instagram | Spotify

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Clad in their trademark black coats and boots, the musicians’ iconic brand of polyphonic singing features blocks of unconventional improvised harmonies with wild stratospheric falsetto tones floating above sepulchral bass notes. Drama, ecstasy, and tenderness are at the core of every note IIBERI sings. 

Apart from singing IBERI incorporates elements of dance and traditional instruments into its concerts.

These are songs so beautiful, they were launched into space on Voyager 2’s golden record and declared an intangible cultural treasure by UNESCO.

Since their debut in 2012 IBERI has performed at significant festivals, like Tallinn Music Week, WOMEX, globalFEST, WOMAD, Sori Festival, and at numerous festivals around the world from the USA till Malaysia.

http://www.iberi.ge

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They play talharpas – a traditional bowed lyre, popular in Northern Europe since the early middle ages and played on Western Estonian islands until the beginning of 20th century, when it was declared satanistic instrument and destroyed. However – talharpa acts rather strangely in the hands of Puuluup. It is electrified, looped, and often played in experimental techniques. It reminds the old tradition but definitely has another agenda as well.

The lyrics and melodies are a mixture of their musical memories and improvisation. The music may have a dancing beat, or resemble a dark film soundtrack, spy around in the chambers of ancient talharpa players, or travel to far-away lands. 

They play with music as well as they play with words singing in Estonian, adding words from other languages, or their own invented words. Live shows of Puuluup are enriched with elements of absurdly lovely choreography and dry humour.

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