HI-LO is back on his burgeoning HILOMATIK imprint with the release of his latest single, ‘Bonzai’. Inspired by a Japanese phrase with dual meanings (it’s used to represent both “long life” and as a cheer of enthusiasm), this new single follows hot on the heels of recent 2023 HI-LO releases: ‘Brazil,’ ‘Arpeggio’ (with Space 92), his ‘Pura Vida EP’ the debut release on HILOMATIK which also received a standout remix from Wehbba, and his two-track ‘Nirvana EP’ with Reinier Zonneveld.
Ripe with emotion, much like the namesake tree, ‘Bonzai’ springs to life with a beautiful instrumental synth pattern that grows into a melodic techno stomper and is primed to cover the global dancefloor this summer. ‘Bonzai’ has been a standout track at recent Hi-LO shows and is currently being supported by the world’s elite DJs, such as Adam Beyer, John Summitt, Nicole Moudaber, Wade, and Marco Faraone. .
“I made this track during the pandemic in 2020, partly inspired by the sounds of the iconic Belgium label Bonzai Records (Jones & Stephenson – The First Rebirth, Push – Universal Nation), and by Age Of Love – Age Of Love that also has a distinctive sine-synth lead melody like this track. I named the track BONZAI as a little tribute to the Bonzai label, but also because of the atmospheric Japanese vocal samples in the 2nd break of the track. Back in 2020, it felt a bit too trancey for HI-LO, so I kind of focused on finishing other tracks instead, but this year felt like the perfect time to give this track a fresh makeover and take it to the next level. It’s become a 135bpm melodic peak time techno anthem that blends Techno and Trance very nicely in my opinion, and that also works very well at much higher BPMs.” HI-LO says.
HI-LO will support the release of ‘Bonzai’ with a packed schedule of international performances which include high-profile appearances at Ultra Europe (Resistance), Airbeat One Festival, Tomorrowland & Mysteryland (Drumcode), Weeknd Festival, Fest Festival, Electric Zoo, and El Row to name a few.