DJ iDJa Presents: Klubbas EP

A Journey Through Techno, Tradition, and Personal Rebellion

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DJ iDJa, also known as Markus Johnsen Thonhaugen, is set to release his new EP "Klubbas" on November 8, 2024. The title "Klubbas" translates to "In the Club" in the Sámi language, reflecting Thonhaugen's indigenous heritage from Northern Norway.

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The EP combines elements of techno and deep house with field recordings from the Norwegian wilderness. Thonhaugen incorporates these natural sounds into his tracks, creating a link between his electronic productions and his cultural roots. The EP also features some traditional Sámi musical elements, including a 'joik' made by his father to him - featuring sampled 'duodji' as percussive elements (Sámi handicraft).

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"Klubbas" consists of several tracks, each with its own focus. "Land Back" addresses the topic of indigenous land rights. "Swedish Cocktail Groove" draws inspiration from Thonhaugen's experiences at a special music festival and field recordings from this journey (turned into textures using digital tools). "Betrayal" delves into personal experiences and emotions after being betrayed by a loved one.

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The themes explored in "Klubbas" range from contemporary Sámi culture to broader indigenous issues, as well as Thonhaugen's individual experiences. This mix of cultural commentary and personal narrative provides context for the EP's sound and structure.

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Visually, the EP is accompanied by artwork featuring photographs by Tina Dubrovsky. These images depict golden landscapes, tying into themes of land use in Sámi territories - especially the modern search for minerals.

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The last single release for the EP was the track "Ária." This piece, a collaboration with Sámi opera singer Adrian Angelico, showcases Thonhaugen's interest in combining different musical styles, in this case merging electronic and classical elements.