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 (to represent both “long life” and 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.
In just a few short years, Oliver Heldens has successfully parlayed his career in the dance music mainstream into a much-lauded alter-ego in the world of techno as HI-LO— gaining widespread acceptance from the underground scene in the process. Making the most of an era when genre boundaries are less essential or distinct than ever and younger generations cast aside the snobbery of old, the name HI-LO is now synonymous with cutting-edge, quality, hard-hitting, innovative techno. One of them is his new ‘Bonzai’.
Bonzai
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 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, and by ‘Age Of Love‘ that also has a distinctive sine-synth lead melody like this track.
HI-LO
Further explanation from Heldens regarding the track goes as follows: “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 trancy 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 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.
You can listen to HI-LO- ‘Bonzai’ below!