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Ding! Manu Delago Gets on His Bike for 25-Date ‘ReCycling’ Tour

03/05/2021673 views0

Austrian artist Manu Delago straddles the fine line between genius and bonkers – and his music and adventures are better for it. The pioneering handpan player and composer has embarked on his country-wide ‘ReCyling’ tour, travelling solely by bicycle. Before setting off, Delago released a quirky track of the same name to mark the journey.

Delago, his band and crew will cycle 1000 miles across Austria over the next month, playing 25 shows in 35 days. The gang of six will transport their musical instruments and gig equipment in specially-built trailers attached to their bikes.

Message

Of course, there’s a serious message at the heart of Delago’s unique adventure. “The intense travels by air and bus around the world made me think how I as a musician can contribute to climate protection,” said Delago. “This gave rise to the idea of developing an environmentally-friendly counterpart to a conventional concert tour. My goal is to inspire as many people as possible, besides the music industry, to pursue a sustainable lifestyle.”

Delago is publishing a short film every day as a tour diary with facts about sustainability. Check out the first videoblog below. And keep up to speed with the tour via his Insta.

Sleep Cycles

Signed to One Little Independent, Manu Delago has performed in prestigious venues in more than 50 countries around the world. In 2019, the Grammy-nominated artist released his beautiful Circadian album, inspired by sleep cycles. Tracks on the album emulated REM, light sleep, deep sleep and an abrupt awakening. Delago was inspired to make Circadian due to his own lack of sleep as a touring musician with Björk, Ólafur Arnalds and The Cinematic Orchestra.

Ding!

Out now, Delago’s ReCycling track is a whole heap of fun. It blends his signature handpan percussion with manipulated electronics and sounds created by the bikes. Give it a listen. It’s guaranteed to make you smile.