Q&A with the daniel aron x babapiros x HALOSARA trio
We spoke to Budapest-based multi-instrumentalist babapiros, about his latest release ‘Heaven Sent’ with daniel aron and HALOSARA, his musical journey so far as well as his creative process. Long-time collaborating musicians daniel aron, babapiros and HALOSARA released their debut single ‘Heaven Sent’, on June 28 2024 via Budapest-based Théque Records. The single premiered and received acclaim from notable tastemaker EARMILK. The trio are set to release a new project, with more songs on the way and gigs planned. Although they’ve been playing music together for years, they’ve finally decided to release their distinct take on ‘pseudo-gospel’ music.
daniel aron (Daniel Varga), is a multi-instrumentalist who has crafted a unique space in the music world with his collaborations in new wave jazz, hip hop, and beat-driven music. babapiros, a.k.a. Geri Háló, is a drummer and touring musician whose former band Mongooz and the Magnet enjoyed global success and touring, with their song ‘Never Know’ notably appearing on the acclaimed US TV show Shameless. HALOSARA a.k.a. Sára Háló is the sister of Geri Háló, as well as a singer and keyboardist who appeared on the latest mïus album, which earned praise from the likes of CLASH Magazine and Rinse Fm.
The trio’s sound in their debut single draws on influences from their Christian upbringings and various other projects that they have been involved in, ‘Heaven Sent’ is reminiscent of contemporary R&B/ Neo Soul powerhouses Erykah Badu, D’Angelo and Solange. ‘Heaven Sent’ begins with tender guitar licks and HALOSARA’s sweet vocals. The beat kicks in with a gooey, expansive bassline, lush backbeat and passionate yet gentle gospel harmonies. daniel aron’s horns and brass warm the piece up beautifully.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
There’s definitely a sentimental aspect to it. Let me put it this way: although music is not logical, when I listen to a song I love, it’s not just the only thing that makes sense in that moment, but it also makes sense of other things in the world.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
For me it’s the sound. All these songs we’re about to release started off with picking an instrument.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
Yes, ‘Heaven Sent’ released just now is a collaboration with Daniel Aron and HALOSARA. We plan to keep the project going with at least the three of us.
What’s on your current playlist?
Right now, it’s the new Bruce Hornsby record. I like how honest and playful it is in times when everything seems to want to be something it’s not.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
My father is a Baptist pastor. So the first time I ever played music was in church. I think that really impacted the way I approach being on stage even up to today. I like the idea that musicians and listeners share a common interest towards something beyond the room. That’s the original musical experience for me.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
To be honest, for me, it’s mostly about people playing instruments. The less quantising, editing, looping, the better. My songs shouldn’t be perfect. They should be alive and playful, and accept their own shortcomings.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
I spend most of my time very inefficiently picking my guitar or one of the synths laying around. Sometimes it clicks and I have a song. The recording process afterwards is always different. But typically I make an initial demo version, then invite my sister (HALOSARA) over, or go over to Dani’s (Daniel Aron) to ideate together and record some stuff over. But yeah, a day in the recording studio is mostly picking guitars and listening to demos we made. Haha.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
Most of the days I’m thinking that to myself. I’m very lucky to be able to do music.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
It’s mostly just the instrument I need to play, and myself. I try to ground myself as much as possible to make sure I’m present.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
I’m following Dijon and Mk.Gee who are both blowing up these days. They’re amazing musicians. I think they’re over “emerging” now though, Haha.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
I think it’s mostly people and social situations. But, it always differs. I’m not too big on routines, for sure.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
I try and keep it outside of Ableton as much as possible. So it’s a line of analogue instruments (these days, it’s typically an old JX-8P or my baritone-mod strat) going through a bunch of pedals and then into a 1073. By the way, the pre-amp is made by a Hungarian tech (NLP Audio). He makes amazing microphones and out-rig stuff, I highly recommend him. I also use an old Tascam four-track, but mostly for saturation. Then the DAW is basically a sampler, where I can chop and arrange. That’s it, so there’s really not a lot of crazy things here.
Any side projects you’re working on?
dELIHOLd is a band formed by some of my friends and me. Previously, we played and toured together under the band name Mongooz and the Magnet. We actually just released our first song ‘Alright’ a few weeks back.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
I’ve played and toured the last 10 years with very different bands and a whole bunch of amazing individuals. I’m infinitely grateful for them as I’ve learnt a lot along the way. I think my production is primarily based on these live experiences.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
We plan to release further songs with Dani (Daniel Aron) and Sára (HALOSARA). But to be honest, I can’t wait to play these songs live.
Famous last words?
Go give ‘Heaven Sent’ a listen when you can. I think it turned out really well, and I love the people involved in it.
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