Bristol-based multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Munki steps further into his solo journey with the release of his new single 'Far Away', the latest glimpse into his upcoming EP 'Four Leaf Clover.' After years of collaboration as a world percussionist with Bristol collective Hippo Sound System, Munki now channels that rich musical background into a sound that feels both globally influenced and deeply personal.
Built around vibrant rhythms, layered instrumentation, and infectious melodies, 'Far Away' captures a sense of movement and self-discovery. Featuring everything from ukulele and violin to accordion and percussion, the track blends organic textures with thoughtful production, creating a euphoric yet reflective listening experience.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Interesting question and difficult to answer! Growing up I loved and was fascinated by all instruments. If we’re talking about what instrument I fell in love with playing it would be the drums, but not your standard drum kit. The drums I fell in love with were the weird and wonderful, the world percussion rig with hand percussion, bells and gongs and different unique percussive instruments from around the world. I also had a deep passion and love for melody, which I expressed on the piano. I started my experimentation from around 5 years old. The instruments i fell in love with listening to would be again the piano and also the violin and flutes and whistles. Harmonies and melodies. Probably having something to do with my mother's talent on the fiddle and piano.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I had an eclectic mix of styles I loved and still do to this day. It generally depends on my mood and the time in the day. If it has tight rhythm, good harmonies/melodies and arrangement then I love it. However, I can easily name the artists that i was listening to. Before I owned music myself, I would listen to a lot of the Beatles, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Joni Mitchell. They’re the ones I loved. I was also very partial to the more modern pop and Indi like Mika, Lily Allen, McFly, Gorillaz, Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian. Also, Amy Winehouse, Jack Johnson Norah Jones, Paolo Nutini, Manu Chao and last but not least, gypsy kings! I think that just about covers my taste spectrum!
What was the first album you remember owning?
Lily Allen, alright still
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Very tough question... it's between jack johnson ‘better together’, stevie wonder ‘superstition’ or queens ‘bohemian rapsody’, purely because it’s totally epic in every way. But honestly i could name 10 more easily!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I write all my music through improvisation. I start with rhythm and melody and find the groove i like and that inspires me to sing. Then i will record a voice note with my phone of me riffing over the song, usually after i at least come up with a nice verse or chorus to spark the rest of the song. I will often record for around 10 minutes, sometimes more. Most of which are words, however i focus mainly on getting the syllables and rhythm of speech to match the music and rhythm. For me, as a drummer, rhythm is priority, then melody after, then lyrics after that. Sometimes I find i dont even know what the songs about until i finish writing it and listen back to analyse. When it comes to writting the song, i will listen back to the recording and write down the most potent parts that make sense to me, i will change other bits to suit and come up with a few new bits. Generally, most of the song end up being dropped word for word from my improve, just with more structure. I still have mostly all the original base improvisations for my songs as memoirs, alongside countless unwritten ones...
In terms of rituals, when I intentionally sit down to write a song, i need to clear the space and make it comfortable and warm. Clear the air around me with incense and make it a peaceful place to be. My best music is written away from telephone signal and noise, surrounded by nature and solitude. Campfires are also very inducive! It’s taken a long time to freestyle comfortably and with natural flow whilst around others (still not mastered). So, to get my best channelling I generally must be alone.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
This is another curious thing. Recently my musical exploration has been relatively organic, as ive been in Colombia for 5 months. I haven't actually been listening to Spotify. I have however been exposed to a lot of reggaeton which i previously hated but now has started to grow on me a bit... Alongside the obvious exposure to their more traditional music, which has been my main draw to this country. Some artists I've been enjoying hearing everywhere are Joe Arroyo, Chichi Peralta and Rikarena to name a few. High energy, heavy percussion and made to make you move.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Being one of my main inspirations and generally most realistic options i would say Jack Johnson, I can see that happening one day. Him or Manu Chao....
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being able to play an instrument and provide unique vibes and energy to people that need it and being able to use it as an entertainment tool, as im not just a musician, but also a showman and performer. But i think over all of that, it rewards me for me, it heals, helps me process emotions, helps me go through the motions of life and put things down on paper. Drums and piano are my emotional outlets.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Writing blocks, lack of inspiration and generally being effected by your environment or life at the time Its not always time to be creative (which i must accept) however sometimes having it as a job requires you to be creative in times you’re not feeling it. Adding pressure to something that is a love passion not a job, which immediately takes away the magic. Fortunately, i have ways around this.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
‘Listen.’ This refers to playing with other musicians and fitting in your part with the surrounding sounds. ‘Less is more’. The power of simplicity. Which again refers to making music with others, or even just yourself. Layering parts, not showing off or trying to be heard, but trying to play only what is needed to enhance the overall dynamic and feeling of the music.
My final bit of advice, although I didn't like it at first, was this..
‘Don't quite your day job‘. I had mixed feelings about this but i understood after thinking about it properly and getting over my pride. Putting all the pressure of sustaining your life on the success of your music and turning the music into money is never good. It takes away the magic and the true purpose of music. Creativity comes from freedom not condemnation. Caring too much about money forms a disconnection and ruins friendships of bands and other professional relationships. It can also make you feel underappreciated or not worthy, also this is not the case, money just makes you think that if you care too much about it. This can all lead to a road of giving up or having negative thoughts about people or situations. Take the pressure off.
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Munki's new single 'Far Away' is out now. Watch the new video for it below.