Product DescriptionWith their roots firmly planted all around the Mediterranean rim and their solid rock and reggae foundations, this New York-based band are the new sensation.
Their name, their personal history and the enthusiastic media & audience reactions suggest a link with the so-called Gypsy Rock movement, but their scope is reaching way beyond that: Balkan Beat Box really transcend categories (pop, electronic dance music, world, rock) by creating a new breed of 21st century music, deeply connected to their folk upbringing yet forward-thinking, which appeals to audiences across the geographical and stylistic borders.
This very strong new album weaves elements of ragga and hip hop with Balkanoid horns, Arab & Bulgarian guest singers, Greek guitars and more... Hence Nu Med (for "New Mediterranean"), a title which can be understood both as a musical and a cultural/political statement.
Balkan Beat Box are an awesome live band, their energetic live shows have become legendary. They've been making crowds go wild at major festivals such as Bonaroo, Roskilde, Paleo etc, and will be touring again around the world throughout the year.
Balkan Beat Box is centered around its two founders: saxophone player Ori Kaplan and drummer/programmer/producer Tamir Muskat. After having been active for over a decade in some of NYC's premier underground bands (including Gogol Bordello, Firewater, Big Lazy, Shotnez), they joined forces with charismatic MC Tomer Yosef and brought together their combined experiences and ideas to create the powerhouse called Balkan Beat Box.