Cork City based producer Ruairi Lynch, aka Bantum, has released his self-titled new album. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
This is Bantum's third album, following Legion (2012) and Move (2016), and it marks a return to his electronic roots while incorporating a diverse range of influences across multiple genres.
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Mixing elements of electronica, funk, dance and hip hop, Ruairi has been releasing music for close to 15 years culminating in the 2016 RTE Choice prize nominated album Move.
He has performed in Ireland, the USA and the UK and collaborated with the likes of Daithi, Jack O'Rourke, Denise Chaila, God Knows, Narolane and Rusangano Family, Farah Elle, and Brian Dillon.
Speaking about the new release, he says, "Having consistently released music every year since I began producing, I really was not expecting to have an album's worth of material for this year.
"I made a conscious decision to return to where I started in terms of instrumental music, and once I set myself the challenge everything came together naturally.
"Though this is a solo album, I took direct influence and inspiration from working with Daithi (Daithi/Houseplants) and Mark O’Brien (Royal Yellow/Enemies) in West Clare alongside working with my friends Jack O’Rourke, Suil Amhain and Callas in Cork."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My name is Ruairi and I release music as Bantum. I didn't know a Bantam was a breed of hen until after I chose the name (I love it even more now). I have a new album out entitled Bantum, preceded by a single called Bamboo.
How would you describe your music?
Electronic dance music taking in a wide range of inspirations from French House to Hip Hop, Soul, Funk, Disco, Electro with some rock thrown in. I'm also massively inspired by Irish music in general.
Who are your musical inspirations?
It varies but right now its Welsh producer Kelly Lee Owens and an amazing UK collective called Sault. Lifelong influences have been Daft Punk, J Dilla and Metallica (always a metalhead).
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Oasis in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. The Prodigy opened for them and blew my little mind. Special mention to the Bootleg Beatles.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Very likely a Zig & Zag cassette. Some RTE royalty there for you.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Random one but Show Me The Way by Peter Frampton. Sounds oddly like Carousel on my album.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Every line of Nothing Like This by J Dilla.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Sunshine Underground - Chemical Brothers.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find my music on all major streaming platforms and for download at Bandcamp. Here is my website.
Alan Corr
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