Hitting stuff, shaking things, pushing buttons and turning knobs as Mua, Yelp, Mua & Shaun, Noirway, mi9ibank, Valyom vs Mua....

Norwegian songwriter, producer, and percussionist/drummer Magnus Utheim Anderssen (born 1976), also known as Mua, takes his drums, other instruments, and digital equipment quite seriously. One specific thing though, in fact an old telephone, was not taken so seriously. Once, he curiously and creatively dismantled the technical device, added input/output capabilities, connected headset and microphone, an effects processor, and used it to record voices and play around with them.

As with most creative people, instruments came into his life at an early age, but unlike many electronic producers he educated himself through an acoustic guitar and various types of drums as well as drum machines. During a vacation in Kenya with his parents, he got himself his first little drum, which successively led to a more dedicated obsession with that instrument. After saving up some money, he bought a more professional drum set, and went on to become member of a local band that played covers of bands like Metallica, Kiss, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Later came the acquisition of a second-hand drum machine at the age of 15, which became his introduction to electronic music.

He did, however, also stick with other types of musical expressions. Since 1996, he was a drummer in the hardcore rock band Yelp, with his long-term music partner Shaun Bartlett, who was the vocalist in that band. Mua and Shaun have also recorded music together as a duo; music that combines acoustic guitars and synthesizers.

In addition to his solo recordings, released on various labels, including Rune Lindbæk’s Drum Island Records, he has appeared on compilations by Waterfall Records and Smalltown Supersound. In recent years, he has also collaborated extensively with Belgian DJ and producer Valyom.


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