Culture Cabinet

When bob junior (the musical moniker of Chilean/Norwegian artist Esteban Munoz) walks into the studio, he isn’t chasing a hit, he’s chasing a feeling. One that makes the rest of the world melt away, leaving just the listener and the music. That ethos ran through last year’s release, friends, vol. 1 and continues on through his latest album,  friends, vol. 2, out today. Like its predecessor, friends, vol. 2 continues Munoz’s ever expanding collection of genreless collaborations that feel more like a series of mixtapes than traditional albums. Though, if it feels that way, it’s because it’s by design. 

Before launching his solo project, Munoz spent six formative years behind the drum kit and studio console, co-producing and writing songs with his brother, Norwegian indie-pop artist boy pablo. “That was pretty much my whole life,” he says in an interview with Culture Cabinet. When boy pablo needed a break, Munoz found himself at a crossroads, unsure of what exactly his next path should be. So, naturally, so he created one of his own. “I identify as a producer more than an artist,” he admits. But, it seems he has found his stride at the intersection of both.

Like its first volume, friends, vol. 2 features a number  of different tracks that each feature a collaboration with an array of artists, including Dent May, Evan Klar, Hot Flash Heat Wave, Alex Lahey, The Walters, and Chet Jones, just to name a few. And, it notably features the single, “Just Go,” featuring Jordana. When asked about what it was like getting to collaborate with Jordana, Munoz replies with an answer that not only gives me insight into the process behind creating the album, but also a glimpse of what it’s like to work with him.

“[Jordana and I] just locked in the studio to hang out and see what happens,” he recalls. “If nothing happens, we still had a good hang. If something happens, it’s magic.” Though, of course, magic did happen. And, not just with Jordana. Each track is a unique creative fingerprint, some sparked spontaneously, others developed after Munoz envisioned a particular voice on a demo. “I might say, ‘I hear you on this. Do you like it?’ If they do, great. If not, we make something else. It’s all about chemistry.”

As we continue our conversation, I can sense a laid back ease that feels like it would naturally translate well as a collaborator. Though he’s confident in his talents (as he should be), he doesn’t seem to have much of an ego. It doesn’t even really feel like he is set on breaking any particular barrier. He simply enjoys creating and collaborating, and he’s just fine with whatever ride doing such entails. It’s that laid back attitude that is driven by nothing but passion that only explains the  cohesively of the album. It, like its creator, is simply here for a good time. 

Though, given his affinity for collaboration, I naturally have to ask what some of his dream collaborators are. “I’ve never thought about that,” he says, laughing. “I’m open to whatever comes my way. If the vibe is good, I’m in.” That openness is likely why so many artists are drawn to him: there’s a rare warmth and curiosity in the way he approaches collaboration, as he is always seeking a good time, and a mutual love of creating new music. 

And, to top it all of, he’s now taking his talents on the road. After years of touring as a drummer, starting when he was just 16, Munoz is ready to return to the road. This fall marks his first tour under the bob junior act, where he’ll be opening for the Norwegian indie group Kakkmaddafakka. “We haven’t started planning yet,” he says, “but I’ve missed touring. It’s been a huge part of my life. I’m super ready to get back.”

Whether it’s a studio hang in LA or an upcoming show in a new city, Munoz’s goal remains the same: to make music that feels like a safe space, a portal out of reality. “When I listen to an album I love, it’s like nothing else exists,” he says. “That’s what I want listeners to feel too. Just be yourself and lock the world out.”