NaraBara Unveils New Single "Bimba" – A Bold Exploration of Rhythm and Reflection.

Rising stars of the Mongolian Nu Jazz scene, who featured on BBC 6 Music's Focus Beats show last year - NaraBara, release their latest single Bimba, hot on the heels of their 2023 debut album Hamt Zamin Hümüs, and fresh from their spring China tour, the band continues to turn heads with their unique blend of traditional Mongolian sounds and modern jazz innovation.

Following the success of standout singles like NaraNaraNara and their EP Dab Hi, NaraBara’s new release Bimba pushes the boundaries with its unconventional 4/5 time signature.

The song's title, drawn from the Tibetan and Mongolian word for Saturn and Saturday, is a metaphor for life’s fleeting moments of rest and reflection.

Musically, the song mirrors this theme—never resolving to the expected sixth beat, symbolizing the continuous pursuit of something elusive, just out of reach.

As the band gears up for their 2024 European Tour, themed “Take a Break,” Bimba serves as a perfect precursor. The tour, and the single, reflect NaraBara’s mantra of embracing life’s uncertainties while staying grounded in the present moment. Bimba encapsulates this philosophy, inviting listeners to find beauty in impermanence and seek rest even amidst life’s challenges.

EUROPEAN LIVE DATES:

October 19 - Grounds, Rotterdam, NL 

October 27th - Windmill Brixton, London, UK

October 31 - Alice, Copenhagen, DK

November 1 - Oslo World, Oslo, NO (Music Festival)

November 3 - MS Stubnitz, Hamburg, DE

November 4 - Prachtwerk, Berlin, DE

November 8 - Legend Live Club, Milan IT

Further Europe tour dates TBD

NaraBara sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

NaraBara officially began creating music in 2021, marking a special period when the two of us (Yider and Asr) were in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, immersed in a secluded creative retreat that lasted about four months. However, the most important part of this journey was the ten years of mutual understanding we had built together, as well as the calmness and strength our faith in Tibetan Buddhism provided.

We’ve been immersed in music since childhood and may have a natural talent for it. This, combined with the rich cultural and artistic roots of our hometown, has profoundly shaped us. As we grew, music became a central part of our lives, and now NaraBara reflects the journey we’ve shared together.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

While working on the album Hamt Zamin Humus, we listened to a lot of music by artists from the Malian and Nu Jazz movements, which greatly inspired us. We discovered that Mongolian music and West African roots music convey similar emotions. During previous performances, we were fortunate to cross paths with Tinariwen, and meet Yussef Dayes.

Collaborating with them someday would be a dream come true for us!

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

Our next major plan is our second European tour (starting this month!), where we’ll be visiting Rotterdam, London, Oslo, Hamburg, Berlin, and Milan. We look forward to connecting deeply with audiences through our music.

4. How would you describe your sound?

The foundation of our music lies in the fusion of traditional Mongolian music and jazz. The melodies and textures produced by electronic synthesizers evoke rich contemporary memories of the steppe, creating our distinctive sound. We approach our creative process with an open mind and a strong desire to explore. While you might currently see NaraBara as nomadic jazz or fusion jazz, we’re committed to continuously discovering new organic sounds.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

It’s definitely when we’re on stage that we bring audiences a sense of release and surprise through our music—love! All of this truly makes us very proud.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Music itself is an expression of love; it has no need for competition.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Last year, we finally saw Tinariwen perform at the Wonderfruit Festival, and it was incredibly moving. I highly recommend readers not to miss the chance to see them live.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

The Bayan Mongol Variety Group - The Bayan Mongol Variety Group.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Movies and an amazing bath.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Friends, inspiration and coffee.