Manchester experimental punks Maruja create chaos wherever they perform. Need proof? The band embarked on a frantic run of 48 shows at the end of 2024, culminating in the Balkans. One moment wild and untamed, the next calm and captivating, Harry Wilkinson (lead vocals and guitar), Joe Carroll (alto saxophone and vocals), Matt Buonaccorsi (bass), and Jacob Hayes (drums) are a formidable presence. The mosh pit adores Maruja, and Maruja reciprocates, generating a frenzy before diving right into it.
The quartet will release the final installment of their trilogy of EPs on Music For Nations. ‘Tir na nÓg’ follows 'Knocknarea' (2023) and 'Connla’s Well' (2024), but what sets this project apart is its complete improvisation. It feels like a natural progression for the group.
CLASH conversed with Maruja in Zagreb as their tour approached its conclusion just before Christmas 2024. Improvisation has been central to Maruja's artistry from the beginning, and during their current tour, they feature an improvised segment midway through their performance. Jacob explains that the groundwork was laid in rehearsal over extended periods, making it logical to include it in their live sets: “After years of consistent practice, there's nothing particularly special or premeditated about those moments. It's simply something we’ve been doing together intensely for three years. We don’t discuss it beforehand; that's just how we play in the studio, and it feels very natural at this point, which is great since we don't need to complicate it with additional thoughts.”
The title of the EP translates from Irish to ‘land of the young’; while there are four tracks listed, they actually form one continuous piece of music. “It was recorded live,” Harry states. “We had been rehearsing at Salford University over the summer because the availability of band rehearsal spaces in Manchester is terrible. Our producer, who is a lecturer at the University, offered us the chance to rehearse there for a few months since the students were away. We were thrilled. It was a professional space for us to write music. To show our gratitude, we held two days of live improvisation for an open day for new students.
“This EP is derived from that experience, and there was a live audience of around 10 students. That’s where the jam originated. Since the setting was professional, we were able to record it. We thought it sounded fantastic, so we decided to release it.”
Maruja has had an incredible year, from receiving an invitation to perform at Glastonbury following an interview with Tom Ravenscroft and Deb Grant on their New Music Fix show on BBC Radio 6Music, to touring 25 countries, releasing ‘Connla’s Well,’ playing in Ireland for the first time, and, notably, signing with Music for Nations towards the end of the year, an independent label owned by Sony.
They have worked hard at their art and made the decision to fully commit over a year ago, quitting their jobs and spending a month in a house together writing music. They then embarked on their first headline tour. Jacob remarks, “We faced challenges making money, and we began to sell records for the first time. But this year has been more comfortable. We’re glad we chose to take a financial loss last year to focus entirely on music because the opportunities we've had this year wouldn’t have come without last year's groundwork. It forced us to learn the business side, understand how vinyl works, merchandise, selling, touring, and more. Now we each have a good grasp of it.”
“Entering this year, we've been very critical of the missteps we've made to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. It’s crucial, as we’ve observed many other bands that lack understanding of the industry. Ultimately, while music isn’t about money, you want to protect yourself and maximize your comfort. We aim to create music, not just for profit, although that’s a necessary consideration.”
Signing with Music For Nations represents a significant advancement in this regard, offering a strong foundation for future progress. While the business aspect is vital, Matt shared further insights about Maruja: “We always strive to work with our immediate team, surrounding ourselves with those who wholeheartedly believe in our art and care about us as individuals. We trust that they will put in the effort to help elevate us. Our booking agent, James Stones, has been a pivotal figure in our circle for years. The heads of MFN, Tom and Julia, are both exceptional and genuinely care about us, which is important when working with labels.”
Joe adds, “While negotiating the deal, they were incredibly accommodating. Although it’s a subsidiary of Sony, our experience doesn’t feel like it at all. They are eager to hear and support any artistic ideas we present, allowing us to fulfill them to the fullest extent, which is what we've
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Experimental punks Maruja from Manchester create chaos wherever they perform. Looking for proof? The band put in a tremendous effort during a rapid-fire performance.