PREMIERE: Midnight Traffic - Morung (Aerae Remix) [Qilla Records]
Indian label & collective Qilla is closing out a busy 2025 with their final release of the year ‘Morung’, a 4-track EP that marks the return of Hyderabad-based producer Midnight Traffic. The release exemplifies the symbiotic relationship that can develop between artist & label. It’s a beautiful full circle moment, as Qilla was the home of Midnight Traffic’s debut EP back in 2015. Over the course of the past decade, he has made regular appearances on Qilla. His fifth release there, ‘Morung’ is a representation of 10 years of creativity & growth, compressed into 4 tracks with his immersive, psychedelic take on techno. It’s music for fast, light-footed movement on an energized dancefloor.
In Northeastern India, a 'morung’ is largely a symbolic structure in modern times but represents a place of community to attain important life skills at a young age in India’s past. Their influence has faded as society continues to advance rapidly into the future, but the symbolism is felt here as Midnight Traffic draws a parallel to his own growth as an artist over years. The abstract shape of a morung can be seen on the artwork, which immediately brings to mind some of the triangular DJ booths & stages at our favorite festivals around the world.
One of four talented remixers on the EP, French producer Aerae has confidently molded & reshaped the title track into her own signature style of heady downtempo / drum & bass. Her remix is a pressure cooker, buzzing with energy & warmth as it builds tension & slowly releases it throughout the course of the track’s entirety.
Midnight Traffic’s ‘Morung’ EP including remixes from Aerae, Zara, Audrey Danza & Andy Garvey will be released digitally on December 22nd.