Zuke is the electronic project of New Zealand producer and synth-wizard Ed Zuccollo. Known for his unique approach to blending light and dark sonic elements, his latest single ‘Hyperion’ offers a deep exploration of contrast.
This two-track release showcases the diverse sounds that define Zuke. ‘Hyperion (Original Mix)’ opens with an ambient synth melody before dropping into a reese bassline, intertwined with breakbeats & percussion and emotive piano chords. "The track evolved into this spacious, deep, quarter-time piece, with a nod to my jungle roots", Zuke explains.
Demonstrating his versatility as a musician, ‘Hyperion (Ed Zuccollo Piano Version)’ conveys warmth and intimacy with its stripped-back arrangement of acoustic piano and subtle percussion.
Hyperion, a Greek Titan, was the son of Earth and Sky and father of the Sun, Moon, and Dawn. For Zuke, these mythological narratives represent both the wonder of the natural world and humanity's desire to understand it, creating stories that connect us across time and space.
“‘Hyperion' reflects the mystery, awe, and human connection to nature that mythology embodies," says Zuke. "It’s a time capsule into the minds of humans past, and in this track, I wanted to explore how those stories are intertwined with the present."
Zuke’s anticipated debut album, Come Closer, will be released this December. Over the last 20 years, Ed Zuccollo (the musician) aka Zuke (the producer) has honed his skills as a musician while immersed in the vibrant music scene of New Zealands’ capital city Wellington. He has performed or recorded with artists such as Trinity Roots, Troy Kingi, Drax Project, The Black Seeds, Rhian Sheehan, Opiuo, Kita, and many more.
On Come Closer, elements of jungle, dubstep, downtempo, house, and ambient field recordings fuse together, creating a blend of melodic beauty and deep bass with a human touch.