Neo-folk for a darkened cinema

New Zealand // Canada

Lumo Morte comprises of siblings Alicia and Bruno Merz. Born in New Zealand to a musical family, Alicia grew up with a passion for poetry and old books, while Bruno was fascinated with orchestras and European cinema. For years, both have been involved in their own personal musical projects while living on different continents, but their mutual appreciation, support and creative chemistry kept their dream alive of one day working together. 

Bruno accompanied Alicia on stage throughout a 2019 tour of Europe with Alicia's solo project "Birds of Passage" (Denovali) There they had the rare opportunity to improvise and try out the material that was the early seeds of the unique Lumo Morte sound. They also discussed strategies for collaboration from afar, as Bruno now lives in Canada and Alicia still in NZ.

The beauty of their sound is in the integration of their strengths and talents, each working in the areas that come most naturally to them. Alicia writes the lyrics, bringing her ethereal and otherworldly voice to blend into the lush, intricate arrangements and production by Bruno. Both have a hand in the songwriting, as ideas fly back and forth across the oceans in a harmonious and inspired exchange. 

Bruno has been releasing songs under his own name "Bruno Merz" since 2008. His song 'For You Now' was featured in the Hollywood movie Life As We Know It, and 'Nine Sixteen' was chosen as Starbucks Pick of the Week throughout the U.S. and Canada. He has worked as a film composer on independant projects including "Last Beer at the Pig's Ear" which won Best Feature Documentary at the 'Hollywood Independent Filmmakers Awards'. He composed a 40 min original score for children's ballet production 'Tortoise and the Hare' which toured the UK with over 100 shows. His songs have received millions of streams worldwide. 

Alicia has toured the world twice with "Birds of Passage" and has a devoted and unwaivering following in her niche of vast, wintry drones and intimate, whispered vocals. She has collaborated with numerous artists in her genre and has received interest from the likes of Ridley Scott, amongst others, in considering her tracks for films. She rarely re-records her vocals, as she feels that the first takes always express pure, honest emotions. Active since 2010, the majority of her work has arrived via German label Denovali Records.

Lumo Morte weaves it's way seamlessly from intimate, solo notes to soaring strings layered over dense guitars and warm vintage synths. The vocals are fragile and haunting but at the same time soothing and reassuring. On a warm rainy night, David Lynch meets Ennio Morricone in a hazy, blue and red lit underground bar called 'Noir'.

Sample Track

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