Estonian artist Ivar Männi, the creative force behind Rytmikultuur, makes a striking debut on TechnoHouse CDA with his hypnotic, tribal-infused track “Miraj”, released in collaboration with Café De Anatolia. Built on layers of deep percussion, organic textures, and Middle Eastern melodic influences, Miraj marks the arrival of a powerful new voice in the progressive and tribal techno sphere.
With over a decade of experience as a DJ and self-taught producer, Männi’s musical path has spanned from jungle to techno, house, and beyond. After years behind the scenes producing for others, he steps into the spotlight with a project that captures his personal sound—Rytmikultuur, meaning “rhythm culture” in Estonian.
“Miraj is more than just a track,” says Männi. “It’s a sonic vision—something spiritual, tribal, and cinematic. I imagined the desert wind, shifting sands, and strong women walking through it like a ritual. That image became the foundation for the sound.”
Starting with ambient field recordings that evoke dry landscapes and textured spaces, Miraj builds into a driving, percussive journey. Live-sounding drums, string instruments like sitar and oud, and expressive guitar riffs weave together to form an immersive techno experience that connects body and mind.
What sets Rytmikultuur apart is his commitment to emotional depth within rhythmic structure. His sound draws on influences from progressive house, melodic techno, and ethnic electronica, blending ancient grooves with modern structure—creating a feeling that is both ancestral and contemporary.
“Electronic music gave me the space to experiment with emotion and energy in ways that traditional formats didn’t,” he explains. “There’s a universality to rhythm that allows people from completely different cultures to move together. That’s what I want this project to be about—connection.”
The track’s release via Cafe De Anatolia opened the door for international attention. “Their platform helped Miraj reach listeners who are into the kind of deep, spiritual, ethnic techno I’m trying to push,” says Männi. “It’s been a milestone for me, and now with TechnoHouse CDA, I feel that this project is entering the right global space.”
Following the release, Rytmikultuur made his debut live appearance at Tallinn Music Week, previewing unreleased tracks and setting the stage for what’s to come. He’s currently working on a series of new releases, building toward a full EP that continues this blend of tribal, melodic, and organic techno—driven by storytelling and global instrumentation.
With plans to expand his live performances across Europe and beyond, and with a clear vision of his sound’s cultural roots and future direction, Rytmikultuur is more than a project—it’s a movement through rhythm.
Miraj / 19.06.2025 / rytmikultuur / via Cafe De Anatolia