Café de la Jungle interview – “I just really like the idea of a coffee shop in a middle of a wild jungle”

Poland’s Café de la Jungle on his Tuvan Spirits EP

Here at Juno Daily we’ve always got an open ear for something a little different. So when the four track ‘Tuvan Spirits’ EP by Café de la Jungle popped up in our inbox, with its unique mixture of music warmth, rhythmic intoxication and exotic sounds, we had to know more. When we discovered that its creator was called Tomasz Zając, hailed from Kraków, Poland and channeled shamanic ceremonies alongside beats, bass and deep wadges of synths, we were sold – so we reached out to give him the full JD interrogation… in the friendliest possible way, you understand.

Here’s what he had to say by way of explanation…

Tell us about your earliest musical memories – early listening, parents’ tastes etc, first instrument and embarrassing bands here, please!

I grew up in the countryside and obviously, there weren’t many options to be influenced by, except the TV and Radio. However, I recall a lot of pop music (Kim Wilde, Duran Duran) as well as Vangelis and Jean Michelle Jarre. I was fortunate enough to grow up in times when TV channels like MTV and Viva were playing – in my opinion – much better electronic music. One might say that this music was not that sophisticated, but for a young person like me, it was really something.  That experience is one of the most significant memories of my childhood. Later, the internet has become another great alternative to discovering new music, so of course, I have been using it very often, to this day.

When I was older, I went to high school in the town near my home village. Like other kids back then, I started to be more and more involved in music generally, I was following various artists’ videos, party websites, etc. I was so fascinated by some DJs figures. During one of the parties at my high school, I just approached one DJ and asked him some questions. And that actually was the first thing, which made me buy my very first CD players and learn, how to mix.

That experience of course got me into music even more. Eventually, I met this collective, which was doing parties in the city. It made me very much exposed to a variety of genres like deep progressive house, drum & bass and techno. Besides, every collective member was playing so differently, which was so inspiring.  I definitely didn’t expect, how much it will affect me and my music in the following years.

How did that progress into the formation of Café de la Jungle?

 I guess that – first and foremost – the variety of music genres I have discovered over the years is what makes the “Cafe de la Jungle” very flexible in terms of styles. For a while, I was trying to chase the idea of having one specific style which I would stick to. However, after some years, being more and more mature as an artist, producer and listener I realised that those style variations make me who I really am. And I think I like it this way now.

Why did you pick the name Café de la Jungle and what’s its significance?

I would say this name was rather created as an intuitive outcome of my music experiences and inspirations. And being honest, I just really like the idea of a coffee shop in a middle of a wild jungle.

Tell us what Café de la Jungle has done up to this point…

Cafe premiered with a hybrid album called “Dancing with Cicadas” which was released as a digital and physical medium. The next album was Aromatherapy recorded with my dear friend Michal Wolski at Moonlight Resort & Spa. Those two projects are the most significant works I did so far, mostly because of their length and complexity.

Your new release is the Tuvan Spirits EP – tell us about the music you were listening to at the time, and what influences (musical and otherwise) helped to shape it?

I very often work conceptually. On the other hand, I find lots of inspiration in the traditional folklore of many different cultures. So I had this idea that with each release I want to focus on culture of a specific region or part of the world and to present the listeners my interpretation of it.

Tuva is a region, which I found thanks to the great Tuvan band called “Huun-Huur-Tu”, which often uses throat singing. It sounds so great, like mixing voice and electronic music. So I started to read about the region and its legends and culture. I felt so inspired, that immediately started to make some sketches and that’s how it started.

The EP “explores further his fascination with shamanic practices” apparently – tell us more…

There is a big emphasis in the shamanic ceremonies on rhythm and voice,  because of their therapeutic qualities.  I mean,  in my understanding those practices can be like “transport your mind into different places”.

I believe people need that trip in their lives. It’s a cure for our souls.

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You invited Toulouse Low Trax to remix one track (‘Kysh’), what’s the connection there and tell us what you think he/she/they brought to the EP

Well, I just wanted to try some experimentation. Toulouse is a great artist, so I knew he’ll bring some freshness to this record. His rework, while preserving the vibe give the EP his trademark mechanical style.

What’s next, live shows etc and any plans taking shape for a future release?

I have been working lately on two new solo releases and two collab projects. Solo works will mostly refer to North Africa and the Middle East folklore, I’m planning to use here some traditional instruments like…. Besides, I have this idea for an album, which is sort of my dream to realise, but it’s still just a plan and a long way to go.

Ben Willmott

‘Buy your vinyl copy ‘Tuvan Spirits’ EP by clicking here by clicking here