Birmingham’s very own, now Bali-based music maven Pippi Ciez, is making waves yet again with his latest offering – the ‘Limitless EP’, set to enchant listeners on Lee Burridge’s revered All Day I Dream label. This marks a triumphant return for Pippi since his chart-topping debut album ‘Multiple of Three’ in 2021, which garnered substantial acclaim and support from heavyweights like Black Coffee and Keinmusik.
Scheduled for release on November 17th, ‘Limitless EP’ is not just a collection of tracks but a musical odyssey. Each of the three pieces in the EP carries the unique Pippi Ciez touch – a blend of Afro and Organic House soundscapes that promise to transport listeners on profound spiritual journeys. Known for his captivating live performances, Pippi employs percussive drums, analogue sequencers, and midi controllers, creating an immersive experience that is both innovative and introspective.
Pippi’s 2023 has been nothing short of spectacular, with his global tours, residencies in iconic locations like Ibiza’s Cova Santa, Mykonos’s Scorpios & Coya, Bali’s Savaya, and a headlining spot at Brooklyn Mirage NY with All Day I Dream. His talent has shone through various labels including his own Inward Records, Hidden Hands, AireSoloSeriA, and TRYBESof, another gem in Lee Burridge’s crown.
For those who have followed Pippi’s journey, this EP is a culmination of his relentless pursuit of musical excellence. And for new listeners, it’s an irresistible invitation into his world – a world where every note and rhythm is imbued with meaning and emotion.
The release of the Limitless EP comes at an exciting time for Pippi, having just completed a string of shows in Boston, New York, and Vegas, as well as a very special show with Lee Burridge at the legendary venue Savaya in Bali- which is where the two first played together back in 2021. Pippi will be ringing in the new year with two shows in Bali on December 29 and December 31, so keep your eyes peeled for when more information on those dates gets announced.
You can now listen to the full premiere of the title track ‘Limitless’ exclusively on When We Dip while reading the short interview we had with Pippi. Enjoy!
WWD: Hello Pippi, Welcome to When We Dip. What were your goals going into creating Limitless and would you say they’ve panned out?
To be honest I try not to set any goals when going into the studio but to have an open mind in the direction I want to go. I feel this always gives me a great starting point to move forward with the project.
WWD: Are there any specific inspirations for the EP?
I feel I drew inspiration from different sources over the course of this release as I created the sound for this EP over a 2 year period. ‘Limitless’ was certainly inspired from Sebastian Leger and Tim Greens – ISO. A record I was playing heavily in my sets at the time. ‘Guardians’ was actually a track that was apart of my previous album ‘Multiple of Three’ and I was heavily inspired by Roland’s synthesizer’s on this piece. ‘Seeking Solitude’, I believe is a unique sound in itself and gives a glimpse into what I’m making in the present time.
WWD: What was the process like creating Limitless, did you use any unique production techniques?
I really enjoy working outside the box and this project was purely analogue & ACB technology. ‘Limitless’ was made on the Sequential Take 3 as it was a new toy I had just purchased at the time, ‘Guardians’ was the Roland System 8, Moog Sub Phatty and the drums were made with a lot of foley actually using a plastic bic pen and a bottle top, I guess you could say that is quite unique technique. ‘Seeking Solitude’ was the Sequential Take 3 also with a piano plug in I like to keep a secret 😉 and drums from the Tr8S, HPD 20 handsonic and samples.
WWD: You’ve been touring a lot recently! What are some of your favorite memories from shows over your career?
Yes I’ve been very lucky this year to be able to see so many countries, something I’m very grateful for. Austin Texas was an incredible experience celebrating my birthday with All Day I Dream and a show where I really gave my all as the crowd was on fire. For the first time I got to visit China and playing in Shanghai overlooking the city was one that will stay with me for a long time. Pirenopolis & São Paulo Brazil was very special to me because they put so much love and dedication into their setup and surroundings. Finally Brooklyn Mirage a dream to play there and I must say my favorite show of all time.
WWD: Do you have a favorite place you like to perform?
This isn’t easy to say but if I can only choose one would be New York City.
WWD: How did you get involved in producing music? What was your journey/when did you start?
I wanted to be an MC when I was 12 years old and soon after that also wanted to produce the music I was rapping to. Producing music took control after some time and felt a lot more comfortable there. I moved to Ibiza in 2010 for 4 seasons and grew a taste for a direction in electronic music I wish to pursue. 2017 I moved to India for 2 years where I really found my sound as Pippi Ciez and started to include Asian and African influences into my production also working alongside very talented musicians and artists to create something as original as possible.
WWD: How do you feel you’ve developed since you first started releasing music?
The journey has been very long as I’ve always wanted to be the one that does it all the composition, production, mixing, mastering. My sound has certainly developed in all areas as I keep trying to create something original without reinventing myself. I’m also my own worst critic and often too hard on myself, this is something I’m trying to let go of as there is a lot of music piling up and I should be putting it out.
WWD: Are there any forthcoming plans that you’re excited for coming in the new year?
Yes I’ve started collaborating a lot recently with producers that are very new in the scene. It’s something new to me as I usually work alone but this has led to some amazing results. A project I’m very excited about is with Tina Ardor, an incredible talented singer from Kenya where I was lucky enough to spend sometime this year. We have worked on a small album of tracks over the last months and I’m excited to see people’s thoughts on our project.
WWD: When you are not working on your music what do you like to do in your free time?
I really love experiencing culture and history, exploring historic places of worship and spirituality is always a real treat for me. Seeking out new beach’s, cities and countries is something me and my partner really enjoy. Certainly a bit of a foodie and always up for going to a new restaurant. I also really love animals I recently had a puppy dog 6 months ago who I love to take on early morning walks at sunrise and sit in the studio with for countless hours.
WWD: You seem to often do live performances over DJ sets. What do you particularly enjoy about performing live?
It keeps me excited when performing and knowing no set is ever going to be the same is very special for me and the crowd as a lot of the time I’m feeding off the energy they are sending into the setting. I’m actually in the middle of changing my Live set up around so that’s something to look out for in 2024.
WWD: Do you feel your move to Bali from Birmingham has affected the way in which you create music?
I feel it has given me a lot more room to focus on composing music but not effected the way I’m making it. My studio is a lot smaller than in England so I’m restricted to less equipment this is something that has changed my way of thinking when I’m the studio.
WWD: In three words, how would you describe Limitless?
Breaking The Rules.
WWD: Thanks for talking with us!
Thank you very much When We Dip I really enjoyed this interview and appreciate your support.
Peace and Love – Pippi
Release Date: November 17th, 2023. Buy Here
Pippi Ciez: Facebook // SoundCloud
All Day I Dream: Facebook // SoundCloud