Maruja’s live performances can leave you torn between diving into the mosh pit or seeking a moment of transcendence. Recently, as their stages have expanded globally, frontman Harry Wilkinson embodies a commanding presence, often rallying the crowd with a stirring declaration: “Though our music can be fierce, it’s a beacon of peace in these challenging times.”
During a rare break at their Stockport rehearsal space, Wilkinson explains the intent behind this message, urging fans to raise their fists in a gesture of solidarity and love. “It’s all about empowerment and community,” he shares. “I believe that simple act can truly bring people together.”
These galvanizing performances are the result of years of honing their craft. Wilkinson first teamed up with bassist Matt Buonaccorsi nearly a decade ago, and the lineup solidified around 2018 with the addition of saxophonist Joe Carroll and drummer Jacob Hayes, who discovered them during one of their early, unconventional gigs.
Describing their collaboration as a “meeting of minds,” Carroll reflects on their shared vision to push musical boundaries. “We’ve always been receptive to diverse genres and cultures,” he notes. “Our goal is to stretch limits in our sound.”
Though rooted in Manchester, the band found themselves more in tune with the experimental scene in London, particularly venues like The Windmill, known for launching groundbreaking acts such as Black Country, New Road and Black Midi. Transitioning to the capital for performances, they rapidly expanded their sonic horizons.
Pioneering artists have significantly influenced Maruja’s sound. Carroll remarks, “We resonate most with music that has a deep spiritual essence, like Alice Coltrane or Nina Simone. Their ability to connect listeners on a profound level is something we aspire to achieve.”
For Buonaccorsi, the heart of their music lies in improvisation. “There’s a moment in every jam when we experience an almost telepathic connection,” he explains. “We feel drawn to a powerful energy that intensifies, making it feel like an enlightening experience.”
Maruja’s upcoming debut single, “Look Down On Us,” from their album Pain to Power, exemplifies this intense connection. Wilkinson rages against injustices over a gritty bassline and frenetic saxophone, proclaiming, “Overcautious pride’s a waste, they’re full of utter nonsense.”
The themes they explore augment the spiritual depth of their expansive sound. Pain to Power embodies the dread and anxiety reflected in their earlier EPs, Knocknarea and Connla’s Well, which tackled topics from misgovernance to mental health crises.
Wilkinson admits that these concerns have long weighed on him. “It comes from a deeper philosophy in all of us,” he explains. “For years, I struggled with sleepless nights, often seeking solace in the teachings of spiritual guides like Wayne Dyer and Alan Watts.” He channels these insights into his lyrics, addressing cultural issues with the aim of fostering unity through love and resilience.
The band formed during a turbulent political period and recorded their album while Trump was re-elected, which further fueled Wilkinson’s sense of responsibility. “The state of the world affects us all; it permeates our lives and environment.”
“People might not understand the words, but they resonate with the music’s essence,” notes drummer Jacob Hayes.
Maruja’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Their relentless touring stems from the harsh realities of the music industry, pushing them through a grueling 50-date tour before they recorded their debut album at Low Four Studio in Manchester. Wilkinson recalls the overwhelming pressure of intertwining a significant recording with intense performances.
“To make ends meet, we’ve had to tour rigorously. After coming home to write the album, we headed to America for a month,” he shares. “Successfully recording our debut was a long-awaited goal, but we had to squeeze it into a tight schedule. Thankfully, our confidence in our craft helped us rise to the challenge.”
In the studio, they harnessed their live performance energy. Buonaccorsi describes it as akin to recording a live jazz album, emphasizing the importance of translating that raw energy into their recordings.
Hayes elaborates that their straightforward approach served as their guiding principle during recording: “It’s about surrendering to the experience.” The emotional depth of their music reflects their genuine experiences, weaving personal narratives into a cohesive tapestry.
Fans who attend Maruja’s shows will witness an all-consuming performance. With Wilkinson’s powerful delivery and Carroll’s saxophone weaving through the crowd, it’s an exhilarating experience that leaves both the audience and band spent. However, they remain conscious of the emotional toll that such intense performances can induce.
“It’s not easy,” admits Carroll. “We lay ourselves bare on stage, addressing personal and often painful subjects. Re-experiencing this regularly can be daunting, but we recognize its significance.”
The global resonance of their music serves as motivation for the band. “One of our tracks, ‘Resisting Resistance,’ emerged from a jam just days before my father passed away. Hearing fans say it helped them through their own grieving processes is incredibly powerful and fulfilling,” Carroll reflects.
Has their message’s impact in distant places surprised them? “Absolutely,” Hayes affirms. “It’s a privilege to connect with diverse cultures and see music transcend language barriers. People might not catch every lyric, but they can feel the music’s emotion, and that’s what truly matters.”
Wilkinson adds that the current climate of oppressive governance underscores a collective struggle. “We strive to create a space for everyone to express themselves. We’ve noticed how grateful audiences are that we tackle these issues, fostering a communal atmosphere of love at our shows.”
Back home, Maruja feels a wave of support. After a powerful performance at Glastonbury, where they engaged with the festival’s activist spirit, they appreciated the solidarity fostered by fellow artists advocating for crucial causes.
Maruja’s ambitions extend beyond just their music; they wish to create a movement. As fans leave their sweat-drenched shows, they often come away feeling more than just a spectator. “We aim to inspire hope and empowerment, especially in a time of widespread disconnection,” Wilkinson illuminates.
“The key to addressing our struggles is recognizing our self-worth,” he asserts. “We hope to share this message through our performances and music, as it holds profound significance for us as individuals.” With a serious gaze, he concludes, “Maruja is not just a band; it’s a movement.”
Maruja’s debut album, Pain To Power, releases on September 12 via Music For Nations.
Listen to Maruja’s exclusive playlist accompanying The Cover on Spotify or Apple Music here.
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