The Bug’s Kevin Richard Martin and KMRU join forces on new collaborative album

British producer Kevin Richard Martin - also known as The Bug - is linking up with Kenyan ambient artist KMRU on a brand new collaborative album, ‘Disconnect’.

The six-track record is due for release on June 14 via UK label Phantom Limb, and is said to be a study on “dread, hope, and profound sonics”, pairing KMRU’s vocals and Martin’s dubbed-out production.

The first track from the new record, ‘Differ’, is out now. The lead single is a deconstructed ambient cut described as a “chill-inducing experience” marrying both producer’s sounds. Listen below.

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Speaking on the first time he became aware of KMRU’s work while watching the 2020 short film Under The Bridge, Martin explained: “Aside from immediately finding Joseph's approach to sound and music so instantly impressive, I also found his spoken voice possessed a captivating, lilting, tonal quality, with his soft-spoken accent.”

Martin then delved further into KMRU’s productions before connecting with the Nairobi-based musician via Instagram. The pair shared an admiration for each other’s work, eventually leading them to work together on their new collaborative record.

The album includes “back-and-forth dialogue” between the duo, and includes vocals from Martin. ‘Disconnect’ will also be followed by a second EP titled ‘Otherness’, exploring the same themes.

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“The album originated from an exploration of a text I wrote during my sound art studies, delving into the complexities of Otherness,” KMRU explains.

“The project served as a response to Audre Lorde's idea that differences should be embraced as a dynamic force within humanity, rather than a perceived threat.”

Pre-order ‘Disconnect’ here, and check out the tracklist and artwork below.

‘Disconnect’ tracklist:

1. Differences
2. Arkives
3. Difference
4. Ark
5. Differ
6. Arcs

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter