Experimental artist maq 22 has returned with his latest project MUNINN, a six-track release that blends Electronic Rap with Hyperpop influences. The record takes inspiration from Norse mythology, personal history, and themes of memory and the mind.
“MUNINN is a dystopian and visceral exploration of my inner world, delving into themes of existentialism, love, and the battles of the mind,” says maq 22.
maq 22 first began working with electronic-inspired rap in 2020 after his friend and creative director Vernon Hask passed him a hardstyle beat to try out. “I never released it on my main account, but it’s out there somewhere for people who want to find it,” he explains. “This project feels like coming full circle.”That circle closed with his collaboration with Russian producer Tiresss, who worked on five of the six tracks on MUNINN. “His production is amazing, and it felt very natural for me to freestyle and write to his beats,” maq 22 says.The title MUNINN comes from Norse mythology, where one of Odin’s ravens represents mind and memory. For maq 22, it reflects both his creative return to electronic rap and his long-standing interest in mythology. He is also clear to distance himself from the misuse of these symbols: “A lot of it has been taken and used by far-right groups, which I very much oppose and do not associate with, just to put that out there.”The project opens with “Burn The Sigil”, which uses ritual as a metaphor for intention. Lead single “Europa”, produced by Hellnah and Pastelfuneral, looks to Jupiter’s icy moon as a metaphor for hidden life and self-discovery. maq 22 and Pastelfuneral will tour China in October to perform tracks from the release.Across the EP, maq 22 reflects on themes of fear, love, desire, and mental struggle, presented through dense production and urgent vocals.Tracklist:Burn The Sigil (Intro)Kick RocksWingsEuropaSkull And BonesGlass House
