rytmikultuur a.k.a Ivar Männi / Tallinn, Estonia
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
I’m the artist behind rytmikultuur, a project born from a deep love of rhythm, cultural expression, and the dancefloor. The name comes from the Estonian word rütmikultuur, meaning “rhythm culture,” and that’s exactly what this project embodies: a journey through hypnotic grooves, organic textures, and tribal energy.
With over a decade of experience as a DJ and a self-taught producer, my musical path has been shaped by exploring diverse genres—from jungle and house to techno. For years, I worked behind the scenes producing for others, but I always felt the pull toward crafting something that truly reflected my personal sound.
That journey eventually led to rytmikultuur: a space where pulsating drums, evocative chord progressions, Middle Eastern melodies, and live instrumental influences come together to form immersive, dancefloor-ready soundscapes.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
I’ve always been drawn to rhythm and the way it connects people. That passion led me to DJing and eventually to electronic music, where I found the freedom to explore sound and emotion in unique ways. Electronic genres let me blend ancient grooves with modern production, creating something that feels both personal and universal. Over time, it became clear that music wasn’t just a passion—it was my path.
How would you describe your style and sound?
Drawing inspiration from progressive house, melodic techno, and tribal house, rytmikultuur blends intricate rhythms with Middle Eastern melodies and organic, ethnic instrumentation. Each track begins with rhythm at its core—serving as both the heartbeat and blueprint guiding the evolution of immersive, textured soundscapes.
What sets rytmikultuur apart is the fusion of raw, percussive energy with deeply emotive atmospheres, creating music that resonates equally with the body and the spirit. Influenced by traditional ethnic music, live band dynamics, and mindful introspection, the result is a unique sonic experience: rhythm-forward, emotionally grounded, and unmistakably alive.
ABOUT YOUR RELEASE
Tell us about your latest release.
My latest release, Miraj, is the journey of the rytmikultuur. The name and concept were inspired by Middle Eastern culture and desert landscapes. I imagined a scene with flowing sand, wind, and the presence of strong, mysterious women symbolizing the start of a new artistic path. This track captures that vision with organic textures and a hypnotic, tribal energy.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?
I want listeners to feel transported to a different place, culture, or even state of mind. Miraj is about starting fresh, embracing rhythm, and connecting to something deeper through music. It’s emotional but also powerful—something that moves your body and your imagination.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
The track started with textured ambient sounds like sand slipping through hands and wind setting the mood. From there, I layered tribal percussion, deep bass, and melodies inspired by Middle Eastern music. I used instruments like sitar, oud, violin, and live-sounding guitar riffs to give it an organic and expressive feel. Percussion fills played a big role, giving the track movement and energy.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
Before Miraj, I spent years producing music for others across a range of styles—techno, house, even jungle. But this release marks something completely new. Inspired by artists from the Café De Anatolia scene and Middle Eastern culture, Miraj is my first fully ethnic-influenced track. It’s rhythm-driven, emotionally rich, and rooted in organic sound. For the first time, I’m creating music that feels like a true reflection of who I am artistically—blending everything I’ve learned with a deeper cultural and spiritual direction.
INDUSTRY AND PERSONAL INSIGHTS
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
One of the biggest challenges is reaching the right audience—especially as a new artist. Even when the music is ready and the vision is clear, getting it into the hands of people who will truly connect with it takes time and persistence.
Finding the right label and good management is also a major hurdle. These are key elements that can help shape your career, but they’re not always easy to access when you’re just starting out. The industry is saturated, so cutting through the noise and building real, meaningful connections with listeners is a challenge many artists face today.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
Events, collaborations, and labels are essential in shaping not just an artist’s career, but also their sound, network, and visibility. As a new artist, these elements create important pathways for connecting with audiences, building credibility, and expanding creative possibilities.
One major milestone for me was collaborating with Café De Anatolia. Their support and global reach opened the door for my music to find its first real audience. Being part of their platform allowed Miraj and the whole rytmikultuur vision to resonate with listeners who appreciate deep, ethnic-inspired electronic music.
Beyond labels, I believe collaborations with other artists and live events will play a huge role in evolving my sound and connecting with people on a more personal level. Music is meant to be shared, and these platforms help bring that vision to life.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?
Stay true to your vision, and don’t rush the process. It takes time to find your sound, and that’s okay. Focus on developing something that feels authentic to you—not just what’s trending. Also, don’t be afraid to start, even if everything isn’t perfect yet. Release your music, share your story, and be consistent. Building a presence takes time, but every track, every post, every connection matters.
Surround yourself with the right people—whether it’s a label that understands your vision or collaborators who inspire you. And most importantly, enjoy the journey. The passion you put in will always be felt in the music.
LOOKING AHEAD
What can your fans expect next?
There’s a lot coming this year. I have several new releases lined up, including more music under the Café De Anatolia label. These upcoming tracks continue to explore Middle Eastern-inspired sounds, featuring live instruments and organic textures that stay true to the rytmikultuur identity.
Earlier this year, I had my debut performance at Tallinn Music Week in Estonia, where I previewed some of these unreleased tracks and played a full set. It was a major milestone and a beautiful way to introduce this project live.
Right now, I’m finishing a lot of new material and planning to start performing live sets abroad in the near future. I’m really excited to keep evolving the sound and bringing it to new audiences. I’m especially interested in collaborating—particularly with vocalists and live instrumentalists—to bring even more depth and energy to the project. I believe real connection and creative synergy can take the music to the next level.
Miraj / 19.06.2025 / rytmikultuur / via Cafe De Anatolia