This week’s guest on Global Vibe Radio is Bonsai, a San Diego and Washington D.C. duo composed of Ryan Hubert & Tim Glusko.
Bonsai’s sound takes listeners from the rolling waves of progressive house into the vast, mysterious and formidable world of dark techno, as this 84 minute studio mix perfectly showcases.
The practice of bonsai has existed in Asian culture for thousands of years, and its significance runs much deeper than merely pruning a tree. The true art behind growing a bonsai lies in self-exploration and the creation of a miniature version of one’s own universe. Such is also the case with dance music for Ryan Hubert and Tim Glusko, the duo behind the DJ project Bonsai. Hailing from opposite ends of the United States, Bonsai’s story has its roots in the taboo techno basements of the northeast and the clandestine desert raves of the west coast, with a common passion for music that explores the evolution of darkness.
Ryan and Tim cut their teeth on the underground electronic scene by learning to dance to the decadent beats of Richie Hawtin, Dubfire, and Sven Vath alongside the progressive grooves of Eric Prydz and Jeremy Olander. After connecting in San Diego over their affinity for techno and dark progressive music, their evolution from fans and clubgoers to founders and creators was only natural, and thus Bonsai was born. The duo began working with the San Diego-based label Tribe|Out|West and got their chance at the big leagues when they submitted a mix to Awaken Ibiza’s DJ Compilation competition. Bonsai’s euro-tech sound won over the panel, earning them a prized set on one of Ibiza’s famous boat parties in summer 2016.
The duo’s influences echo clearly in their music; a Bonsai Sonic Session is akin to a self-exploratory pilgrimage as they coax the listener from the rolling waves of progressive house and into the vast, mysterious and formidable world of dark techno. It is a journey that devoted dance music fans must take once or multiple times in their lives, and the Bonsai duo is here to be your guide.
