Two AM Music Global composer Sean Ross and violinist Caley Garden balance light and dark in debut experimental release

Experimental house duo Haiku Haiku release their debut single Owan Yama, a coming-together of Sean Ross’ electronic production prowess and Caley Garden’s classical music expertise. Owan Yama takes the listener through an introspective exploration of light and shadow; finding moments of hope, solace and elation amongst pressing disquiet and unrest. Live strings are woven into a digital architecture to create a broad, nostalgic and uplifting soundscape.

“It creates a paradoxical feeling of melancholy and nostalgia, which is both heavy and light at the same time. I think a lot of people are feeling that at the moment. We want our music to hold some relatability, while offering hope and comfort”, says Ross.

Durban-raised Sean Ross has been part of the Two AM Music Global composer family for over two years now. He may be classically trained but his wild obsession for experimental electronic music puts a fresh spin across all his musical concoctions. Having produced for some of South Africa’s finest musicians (Moonchild Sanelly, Mx Blouse, Red Robyn and Bye Beneco), Ross is no stranger to spicing things up and bending the trends. His work with Two AM can be heard across several successful advertising campaigns including Lazada’s Big Brands Sale 9.9 and the recent 5G Vivo S21 launch featuring popular Indonesian singer Afgan.

The duo hopes to soon be able to offer their listeners the live experience of full string quartet and live electronic elements, a unique set-up in the South African music scene.

Ross performs as MISSU and has an impressive list of collaborations and chart-topping tracks. Born in Johannesburg, Caley Garden is a professionally trained violinist and has performed and recorded with local acts including Ex-Olympic, Cute Couple and Red Robyn, who became the common denominator when Caley recorded violin for a MISSU and Red Robyn collaboration in 2018.

The Cape Town-based duo teamed up in December 2020, following their long-time hope of working together. Caley orchestrated some of Sean’s unreleased tracks for a once-off performance with live bass, keys, two violins, viola, cello and visuals. The audience described the show as “a completely unique experience”; “uplifting”, “existential” and “nostalgic”. Haiku Haiku was thus born out of the idea of giving people new experiences and making space for hope and lightness in times of uncertainty and stagnancy.

LISTEN TO HAIKU HAIKU – OWAN YAMA

Credits
Composition, String arrangement and 1st Violin: Caley Garden
Composition, Production, Mix and Master: Sean Ross
Cello Performance: Lynne Donson
2nd Violin Performance: Ruby Mae Ayliffe
Viola Performance: Sam Smith
Album Artwork: Gabriella Achadinha