“This tune is influenced by the proto era of synth pop, I was aiming – musically as least – to go for that sort of Adamski’s ‘Killer’, ‘West End Girls’, Eurythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams’ etc. That was the goal, to try and write something that stood up to those great songs.” – Nikolai Jones, Wuzy Bambussy.
From the West Country to Budapest, “Little Lion” mixes after-hours jazz horns with ‘80s synths to create a hypnotic funk-house pulse. Kat Harrison’s delicate vocals wrap around the intimate lyrics, reaching toward a love lost.
It hits hard and lingers.
I had the pleasure of catching up with one half of the duo, producer and writer Nikolai Jones, at this exciting time!
Lizz:
Nikolai, I really appreciate you taking the time to speak with me. Can you tell me a bit about how Wuzy Bambussy began?
Nikolai:
Hi Lizz, thank you for having me! I had the name for a while before meeting Kat; I used it as a handle when doing a remix and it just stuck around.
Kat and I met through a musician finder site. It’s kind of mad as I set up my profile on there and she for some reason was the first singer I saw, unlike most she had actually uploaded examples of her work and instantly I thought she had an incredible voice, it’s pure and rings true like crystal. I feel very honoured to work with her and I hope it’s a creative partnership that can continue for some years yet.
We recorded and finalised 10 tracks remotely together during lockdowns, and in 2023 we began releasing them as monthly singles from March ‘23 to January ‘24. It had to be that timeframe as I wanted our final single ‘January Blue’ to be released in January.
Lizz:
What makes the creative partnership between yourself and Kat so successful?
Nikolai:
Firstly thanks! I’m glad you think it is!
I think with a duo there’s a dynamic that’s different from a band dynamic. The friendship bond is different and can feel more complicated within bands. Kat is very open & accepting of the vision and musical direction, but also the freedom of expression and feeling of humanity she brings with her voice just elevates everything.
Lizz:
Who designed the art for the release? Where are you taking visual inspiration from?
Nikolai:
So, I had the basic ideas for each cover on this schedule. There are 3 singles and the LP, all share the same typeface and blue/pink neon colourway and each has a solitary image which reflects the lyrical theme.
The artist that helped me realise the designs is Anna Davis, she’s the daughter of my now ex-micropublicans. (They have only just sold their micropub business and thankfully it’s staying open!)
Anna was great, endlessly patient and through a steady back and forth each image took shape. Anna is on IG @neonfrostart. Inspiration wise, this first design for the single ‘Little Lion’ I wanted to look like a sew on patch. Sadly, not so much of a thing anymore. The Mighty Boosh was definitely a reference touchpoint here! I think this design would look great on a t-shirt, so maybe I’ll look into getting some knocked up!
Lizz:
“Little Lion” is the first single from your upcoming LP, The Ghost & The Rhythm, what made it the right choice to release first?
Nikolai:
Sometimes with this it’s just intuitive. For me it was a song that put me out of my comfort zone when writing, but I felt it came together wonderfully. I guess you want to put forward what you’re most proud and excited about.
It’s rare that I don’t look back and think “hmm I would tweak that” but here, with Little Lion, I feel for me and what I wanted, it’s perfect.
Lizz:
Is there anything about the production or recording process that was interesting or unexpected?
Nikolai:
Really, everything is always interesting or unexpected! Most definitely unexpected as I will have the core melodies sketched out, but we work remotely in the main so players will send me their recordings and I’ll set to work in the studio editing tweaking mixing and splicing takes.
For me it’s where my passion with music lies, the construction of this giant, often wilfully resistant jigsaw puzzle that you slowly sculpt into a finished song. The horns were played by a jazz trumpeter in Budapest called Gergo Bille. I told him I wanted something along the vibe of the trumpet in West End Girls, so smoky and melancholic yet triumphant. What he sent back was just exactly what the track needed. Music is all about experimentation, the intro delay guitar came about through experimenting so really everything is unexpected to a certain extent.
Lizz:
What’s your personal favourite music memory?
Nikolai:
Now that’s tough, in formative years travelling up to London crammed into tiny cars with school friends for gigs, halcyon club nights. I’ve played gigs in a lot of countries with former bands. Met musicians and shared the same stages that I deeply respected.
Much like music itself I don’t think it could ever just be one thing, it’s all just part of a giant tapestry that has mapped out my life. And I’m grateful for every scene depicted.
Lizz:
Lastly, is there a question you’ve always wanted to answer, but no one’s ever asked?
Nikolai:
Yes – Would you like this 5-album record deal with no strings attached, you’ll have complete creative control and a £10M advance that we’re not fussed about recouping?’ Boom tish!
In all seriousness, I feel just very fortunate and privileged to be talking about our music with people like your good self, you have to realise the good times and enjoy the ride. And right now, this is a good moment. I don’t wish for anything more for myself.
Find “Little Lion” wherever you stream your tunes and be sure to follow Wuzy Bambussy on all social media platforms @wuzy_bambussy. Thank you again to Nikolai for speaking with me, The Ghost and The Rhythm will release April 2026 – stay tuned!