London-based alt-rock/pop group mUmbo have a pretty unique sound, harking back to the glory days of the genres they create music for. I recently had the good fortune to be able to check out their killer new song, Red Balloons, leading me to want to find out more! If you missed the track the first time around, you can find a full stream at the end of this interview.
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new song, titled Red Balloons. What can you tell us about the track?
Originally Red Balloons was inspired by Le Ballon Rouge, a French fantasy film from the 1950s by Albert Lamorisse. We tried to capture sonically the dreamy vibe of the visuals, which move between black and white and colour film, and produce music that floats in and out of focus. It’s a narrative song of sorts that alludes to hope and release in a difficult environment.
We also really love the surrealist take of the Red Balloons video made by indie film-maker, Kelli Watson.
How has the reception to Red Balloons been so far, and where can the track be purchased?
It’s great how people seem to be connecting to Red Balloons– it’s available on all streaming platforms, including Bandcamp: mumbomusic.bandc…lloons
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
We have a new single, A Little Life, in the pipeline which will be released in January. This one has a more classic, retro song structure, is more drivey and upbeat and has some cool, quirky original artwork.
Are there any plans to release a full length album or an EP?
We are doing lots of recording at the moment and have some songs lined up potentially for an EP, as well as for sync.
Red Balloons has a dreamy alt-rock sound. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?
We love the dreamy vibes of Mazzy Star in particular, and also the retro guitar playing of Johnny Marr of The Smiths. They are both definitely inspo artists for us. We enjoy listening to emerging music too – a recent favourite is an indie folk band from Hertfordshire, the Hanging Bandits.
You’re based in London. What is the local music scene like in your area?
London always has so much going on and has so many opportunities for artists with such a diverse array of musical genres. We love the energy of places like The Dublin Castle in Camden, which showcases lots of new bands in a venue that feels like it’s remained unchanged for decades.
You met whilst working on other projects. Do you have any other musical projects on the go at the moment?
We are all instrumentalists with different backgrounds and enjoy mixing up genres and musical conventions- this has had a definite impact on our sound. We have always had a keen interest in making music for film and are currently exploring this and are looking at developing more instrumentals as well as producing for our songs.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Nothing firmed up yet, but watch this space!
Any last words for the fans?
Just… thanks so much for listening to our songs, it means a lot! We look forward to playing live and recording in 2024.