Concert Review: MURA MASA Creates “Bonsai Beats” at Music Hall of Williamsburg
Mura Masa was incredibly fun. Moreover, seeing him the headliner of his own show was a proud “mama” moment for me. Masa had been an opener for several artists, including my own obsession NAO. I had seen him open for her, and knew the “It” factor was present and growing in this 19 yea old British DJ. In just a few months time and hit tracks, Masa quickly jumped for opener to rightful headliner.
As reviewer, I am constantly discovering new artists, and watching their rise with pride. I have always aimed to review music that speaks to me with a language that is open and kind: hence, my mission to review in positivity. As I gain more artists and opportunities, I get excited to see musicians rise in popularity and their own opportunity, which is what made Mura Masa, in concert, so powerful to me. I was seeing someone move UP. Everyone fan can feel gently possessive over a new artist they discovered. It is as if you have found a secret treasure, and you are trying to hide it as long as you can till, inevitably, the world finds out, and you have to share. I felt that way about NAO, and I feel the same for Mura Masa. Two artists whose uniqueness stems on the detailed sophistication they use to create eccentric, synthetic rhythms. Thus, after seeing Marcus Strickland, I raced to see Mura Masa because of the odd pride I felt. The 19 year old DJ is incredibly talented, and creates music that juggles between electric, “bonsai” beats to bumpers that make you want to jump.
What I enjoy about Masa is that his beats feel oddly light for the heavy bassline running through them. He incorporates twinkling sounds that enlighten the bass to make you feel like you are floating more than dancing. The difference is noted in that you may jump around like you do to practically every DJ, but instead of falling to the ground you feel like you are falling into a cloud. Its almost mystical the joy he brings by adding what I call a “bonsai” element to his synthetic rhythms. I say bonsai after both an artist that is commonly featured in his songs, and the spiritual infusions his tracks can have in motivating insight and romantic sentiments. You feel as if you are dancing in a meditative state. You still move with an equal amount energy of say, as Zumba class, but it does not feel forced. Instead, you feel like Masa’s songs are flowing through you like a river, of which you must move with the current. It is both lovely and rejuvenating to feel.
While most DJs can promote the “bump & grind” aspect of music, with sex being their musical focus, Mura Masa’s aim is more innocent. His music and videos strike for the sweetness of love and youthful seduction. They summon images of strolling around the city with good friends or a good lover and having a blast of night. Unsurprisingly, that is the crowd that Mura Masa attracts: young couples and mass groupings of friends eager to hear a DJ create music that brings out the simple grandeur of nightlife. Again, I elaborate the difference because when you hear a lot of DJs or see videos for electronic-pop/ house music it can feel like the goal is debauchery or self-destruction. Its as if the only way to feel free, fun, and alive is through running around town having mindless sex and smashing things. Okay, I know I sound like a grandma right now, and some of you actually think that is great time lol. #nojudgment I am just saying that I enjoy and admire when a musician taps into the lighter sides of life, especially with mixes that feel strangely articulate.
Masa puts a lot of thought and love into each chord and tone he sets with his mixes. Hence, they come off like sonic novels. Each song has a story, and most of them are about the simple laughs, loves, and good memories you can build in one, happy night. The genius of this music prodigy waves through his track, which is why they seem eloquent. Next time Mura Masa is in town, check him out! He is a guaranteed good time, but also one that feels different. He is intricate with how he sonically delivers his “feel-good” vibes. For more information on Mura Masa Click Here.
These are a range of emotions I felt at the Mura Masa concert in the form of giphys. Interpret as you will:
