Tjutjuna describe themselves as “loud space rock from the future,” and they rank their futuristic talents somewhere in-between Blade Runner and 2001 A Space Odyssey.
The psych-rock band Tjutjuna (pronounced “chutchuna”) derives their name from a mythical Siberian bigfoot creature. They began after guitarist Brian Marcus and some past members quit their old outfit, Mothership, and decided to start an avant-garde, instrumental band in the style of Acid Mother’s Temple and Faust.
Originally they wrote music in an extremely laid back, improv-based manner for their first album, “Tjutjuna.” There was virtually no structure, Marcus said, who studied improv music in college.
Despite being written in a non-traditional style, Marcus said they wrote the music so it couldn’t be tuned out.
“I wanted to make an album that was very exuberant and really colorful,” Marcus said. “Something that was like you couldn’t ignore it if you heard it. It wouldn’t be background music.”
Their sophomore album, “Westerner,” was written in a more structured way, and for their upcoming third album they plan on deviating slightly from their previous sound.
“I wouldn’t want to say poppy but I would say poppy,” Marcus said. “Itap still instrumental, but maybe a little more melodic and more engaging.”
Tjutjuna will be playing at the Underground Music Festival (UMS) on Friday, July 25 at 6 p.m. at The Hi-Dive. The UMS is the highlight of the year, said Marcus and drummer Fez Garcia, both who have attended and played at for several years.
“Really itap the social aspect thatap so great,” Marcus said. “I’ve played other festivals but the UMS is the most fun because itap everyone I know. Thatap why every musician loves it.”
On a scale from 1 to The Matrix, how futuristic are you?
How do you pronounce “Tjutjuna” and what does it mean?
If you could perform in space, where would it be?
What is the most original Denver band?
What are you most looking forward to at the UMS?
