My Friend The Chimpanzee

Two Viennese Chimpanzees found themselves a cave in the 16th district, in Thaliastraße to be more precise. To produce alternative music. With lots and lots and lots of analogue synths.

Founded in 2018, “My Friend The Chimpanzee” is the ongoing collaboration between producers Josef Umschaid (drums and fx) and Lukas Wieser (strings and synths) from Vienna/Austria. In their music, the duo combines elements of different genres, reflecting their respective musical influences (Absolute Beginner, Alphaville, Alt-J, Beastie Boys, Black Knights, John Frusciante, Moby, Modest Mouse, Nada Surf, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Smiths, Tocotronic, Tycho, Vasco Rossi, Wyclef Jean, etc.). While guitar and bass guitar are very alt-rock, they are supplemented by indie pop synths and vocals, with hip hop and trap beats providing the foundation. All tracks are recorded in Josef’s studio.

Josef and Lukas met through Lukas’ former rock band “Lunatic Lightsaber”. Josef, then studying audio engineering, needed musicians for a school project, with “Lunatic Lightsaber” as the willing guinea pigs. After the split of the band Josef and Lukas continued working together, stocking up on gear and moving their sound steadily into more electronic spheres.

The duo has scheduled several releases for 2024, with the ep „2Paradise“ marking the start.