French-Polynesian collective 15 15 share their first release of the year, ‘Queen’s Goodbye’, lifted from second album ‘MĀRARA’ out March 6th via S76/XL Recordings.
15 15 are an inter-disciplinary group blending music, image, and narrative through a hybrid approach that connects island cultures with urban modernity, between pop, zouk, dancehall, and electronic music.
Since their inception, Julia, Tsi Min, Ennio, Robin, and Marvin have explored the connection between memory and invention through unique audio-visual projects.
On ‘Queen’s Goodbye’, 15 15 rein in their signature brand of aural dissonance for a plaintive, acoustic folk number, threaded with ethereal harmonies and discreet atmospheric textures. Its repetitive, near-incantatory lines speak of weariness, disenchantment, and the void left by an over-saturated world.
Of their album, ‘MĀRARA’, the band share:
“MĀRARA, which means flying fish, is a musical project born in the heart of a still too unknown Polynesian island. While Tahiti attracts attention and spotlight, Mārara remains in the shadows, ignored by tourist circuits and dominant cultural narratives. This project aims to put Mārara on the map and make heard the voice of an island that deserves to exist in all its richness.
Through this opus, we offer an immersion in our traditions, legends and myths. These stories, deeply rooted in Polynesian culture, transform according to their environments: for example, the legends of an atoll differ from those of a mountainous island, shaped by climate, terrain, and elements. MĀRARA captures this diversity and reveals its singularity.
With MĀRARA, we make our island sing so it resonates beyond its horizon.“
Last year, 15 15 supported Kamasi Washington on his European tour, performed at COLORS – Tones of Paris in October, joined the Simple Things Festival lineup alongside Keiyaa, Smerz and Florence Sinclair in July, and closed the Fusion Festival main stage after John Maus in August.
Tune in now.
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