Superhuman Happiness

++++ Superhuman Happiness formed in a borrowed basement in Greenpoint, Brooklyn circa 2008. Today, the group is made up of three principle artists and a healthy list of collaborators from New York and beyond. Dia Luna, primary vocalist, Eric Biondo and Stuart Bogie, multi instrumentalists and counter vocalists, form a union of balanced approaches and unique emotional perspectives. Their music is influenced by the rich history of less commercially oriented popular music from around the globe, and their live performances incorporate elements of improvisation, surreal comedy, performance art, and strong melodies and danceable rhythms expressed through an ecstatic audience/performer embrace. Trumpets, saxes, synths and grooves rooted in '80s electronica propel a melodic architecture that balances mind and body. Founded by Stuart Bogie, the group originally flourished with regular shows at Brooklyn's now defunct Zebulon. Over the years Bogie has worked closely with the groups Antibalas, TV on the Radio, Iron & Wine, and Arcade Fire—all of which influence Superhuman Happiness’ music. Bogie also performed as the saxophone soloist in the original Broadway production of 'Fela!,' directed by Bill T. Jones whose work has become an influence for the group, as well. Eric Biondo met Bogie in 2002 on tour with Antibalas, and the two have been constant collaborators ever since the trumpeter improvised an elegant and poetic trumpet solo for Superhuman Happiness’ first single “Human Happiness.” Through the late nights on tour and endless discussion about music and life, they forged a friendship that is expressed through their music. Biondo spent many years working with The Monkees and Davy Jones’ band. He has developed a vast collection of curious objects from bus stations around the continent and has recently taken to reminding Bogie to take a deep breath at various times. Dia Luna's phone rang in the Fall of 2013, the same day she called it quits with her old band. It was Bogie. An artist raised in California, she balances the neurotic energy of her musical brothers with a dark grace and wisdom that completes their creative circle. The band has a rich history of performing and recording with five original records, a handful of singles and 7-inch releases, and several videos. The group wrote and recorded the score for the Oscar-nominated documentary, ‘How To Survive A Plague’ (directed by David France) featuring Kronos Quartet. The group has appeared live with Kronos, M1 of Dead Prez, Biloji, Angelique Kidjo, Sinkane, Rubblebucket, Colin Stetson, Tony Allen, Sahr Ngaujah, and once backed up the legendary Brand Nubian for an impromptu reunion on a Brooklyn Rooftop. Performing highlights include Celebrate Brooklyn (2010, 2011), MassMOCA (2013), Lincoln Center Out of Doors (2013), the Fall Down Festival (2013), All Good Festival (2013), Equifunk Festival (2012), The Undead Jazz Festival (2012), Burlington’s Precipice Festival (2013), Nelsonville Festival (2016), Symphony Space Johnny Cash tribute (2015) and numerous national tours. Superhuman Happiness' latest releases are a series of extraordinary singles the band has been unveiling, once a month, since the beginning of Summer 2016, including “Well, Well, Well,” a reworking of The Shins’ “New Slang” and the socially-charged electro pop anthem “Powermasters.” The band is currently making a full length LP of new material. ++++ a Joyful Noise