On October 16th the Yunnan band ‘Wild Mushrooms’ released their debut album ‘Under the Dragon Tree’ . Wild Mushrooms are the first band of note to represent the music of the Hani people. Despite pressure to sing in Mandarin the band have largely persisted in their use of the Hani language for the majority of their songs. The album features a mixture of traditional and original material.
The Hani people’s most revered spirit, or totem, is the mythical dragon and each village has a large tree either within or close by where the sacred rites are performed. This tree is known as the dragon tree and is a place of special importance in a culture steeped in ancient beliefs where everyday life is intertwined with a complex spirit world that is still largely unknown to outsiders.
‘Under the Dragon Tree’ is an amalgam of ideas, musical and conceptual, ranging from traditional spirit calling rituals to upbeat dance tracks, with a psychedelic edge that reveals a perception of this spirit world, shrouded in secrecy, that is a constant backdrop to traditional Hani life-style. The album name refers to the weight of such traditions, their interaction with modern ways of living, and how they affect the consciousness of those growing up in it’s literal and cultural shadow.
Discover the debut album across platforms, head out to Bandcamp and download it there to get 2 bonus tracks you won't find anywhere else!
Their first single, ‘Huba’ (The Squirrel), explores the cycle of life through nature, featuring hypnotic riffs. The second single, ‘Le Zuo’ (The Celebration), reimagines a beloved Hani song with a fresh, danceable twist.
Check out the album on Spotify and Apple Music! And don’t forget to follow Wild Mushrooms’ YouTube channel for more exclusive updates!