Howlermonkey began as a DJ and remix project of David Litvin, a Russian born Cleveland native who moved to Pittsburgh to pursue a degree in neuroscience and a career in research. In his day job he studies macaque models of tuberculosis infection all the while attempting to balance his burgeoning music career. After a few successful remixes and mixtapes, Howlermonkey saw the addition of singer Rebecca Bortman, a Pittsburgh native currently residing in San Francisco and Puerto Rico born multi-instrumentalist Andres Ortiz Ferrare,
As a DJ collective, Howlermonkey play a diverse set that fuses modern and retro styles of Electrofunk, Electrohouse, R&B, and Disco all with a common driving and highly energetic motif: a marriage of cocaine 80's Miami and early 90's rave. Their mixes have taken the net by storm, being featured on large music journals and blogs including: Pitchforkmedia, Discobelle, Fluokids, and New York Magazine. They have played to crowds nationally and internationally and have opened for the likes of MSTRKRFT, the Rapture, Peter Bjorn & John, Crystal Castles, Metric and Diplo. They have remixed a diverse group of artists that include rapper Wiz Khalifa, Hearts Revolution, A Place to Bury Strangers and Yelle's producer Tepr.
As a band, Howlermonkey create music using a sound pallet and style subtly inspired by Jan Hammer and Brian Eno. Their songs achieve a comfortable balance between pop sensibility and musically accomplished intricacy fitting comfortably in the realms of a Luc Besson film or Berlin dance club. Their songs also feature a driving pulse that captures an audience craving music rich in emotion, energy, and a hint of nostalgia. They produce tracks using subtle sampling and variety of live synths and instruments.
Their forthcoming single, titled “Life on the Beat Part 1 & 2” is part of an EP that stands in subtle homage of Jan Hammer and his soundtrack to Miami Vice. The track appears in two opposing moods, similar to the compositional style of Hammer, however avoids mimic and gimmick by showcasing Howlermonkey’s unique style. Part one opens with characteristic Miami Vice style, though quickly deviates with the introduction of Bortman’s austere but summoning vocals. Latin rhythms guide the track until a flood of synths announces the chorus. Part Two begins with the onset of a highly syncopated beat that flows through warm and dreamy synths reminiscent of Orbital. Howlermonkey are currently recording their Life on the Beat EP, which is slated for release in late March.
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