Munk is the project of Mathias Modica – one of the two masterminds behind Gomma records, Germany’s leading label for all kinds of new and freaked out disco-inspired music. Currently he is living part-time in Marseille and Berlin. Just recently he released his brand new solo album “The Bird And The Beat” including 14 electronic funk, futuristic house and indie pop songs that he recorded with twelve female vocalists from all around the world. “The Bird And The Beat” is the logic next step after the previous Munk collaborations on the past two albums with DJ Chloe, Asia Argento, Micky Moonlight (Ed Banger), James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem (on “Kick Out The Chairs!” – the only vocal cooperation Murphy ever did). The album was mixed by Etienne de Crecy, Alex Gopher, and Jan Driver (Boys Noize).
The album starts off like a classic 90ies house record, but quickly develops into a colorful trip into unexpected shades of music. Very sunny and perfect for the summer. Sometimes deep and krauty (“Dort”, “Keep My Secret”), then again influenced by 90ies Italo Pop and Eurodance (“La Musica”, “Kitchen Call”). There is 70ies Street Funk (“Rue De Rome”), sweet frenchy chanson (“Violent Love”) and Brasilian punk-house (“Mis Labios”). In the lyrics, English is mixed with six other languages. In the music electronics meet the funk of Sly Stone, the humor of Frank Zappa, the pop of Trevor Horn and the romanticism of Italians such as Goblin or Morricone. The album is a modern variation of the “girl – producer thing” that Serge Gainsburg and Burt Bacharach. All music – piano, synthies, xylophones, bass, guitars, drum machines, and Asian percussions by Modica.
“The Bird And The Beat” entered German iTunes Dance Charts Top 5. The singles “La Musica” and “Keep My Secret” are getting huge feedback everywhere. Kitsune, Bugged Out and Busy P (Ed Banger) used it for compilations and Chanel and Surface To Air for their summer campaigns.
“… the German answer to DFA.” – The NME
“Album of the month” – Der Spiegel
“This music makes you happy.” – Vice
“… amazing album” – DJ Mag
Munk Top 10 March 2011:
01. Locussolus – I Want It (International Feel)
02. Mercury – Grand Prix De Monaco (Round Knights Rmx) (Gomma Dance Tracks)
03. Benoit & Sergio – Boy Trouble (Visionquest Rmx) (DFA Records)
04. Olene Kadar – Push Da Buttons (Clap your hands)
05. Carmel – Jelly Jazz (Mr Ho Rmx) (Blotter)
06. DJ Le Roi – Valdemossa (Compost Black Label)
07. Holly Backler – Most Of This Moment (Isolee Rmx) (Freerange Rec)
08. Homework – Hudsone Square (Exploitet)
09. Savage Skulls – Caravan (Sound pellgrino)
10. Munk – Keep My Secret (Welcome Stranger Rmx) (Gomma Dance Tracks)
