piri & tommy are back, bottling the wild energy of northern basements into '99%' - a track that dances through the past and steps boldly into the future. Check out the latest cover story for our New Music Friday playlist edit, PLAY.
Words: Stephen Ackroyd.
The basement parties of northern England aren't just the birthplace of piri & tommy's latest single, '99%'—they're the lifeblood of the duo's creative essence. For these two, those late-night, sweat-drenched gatherings represent the unfiltered joy and raw energy that dance music can bring, a sentiment they've captured in their newest release.
Reflecting on their journey over the past 18 months, piri & tommy have navigated both personal and professional transformation. "Honestly, the biggest thing would be how we both finally learned how to dress," they admit with a touch of self-deprecating humour. The evolution of their style isn't just about clothes, though - it's emblematic of a deeper self-discovery, one that's allowed them to express themselves as artists more freely. Settling into the music world has granted them the freedom to explore and expand their creative horizons.
From their formative days in Leeds, where they first crossed paths and began crafting their sound, to their current base in London, the duo have been on a rollercoaster ride of creativity and growth. Life in the capital might be hectic, but for piri & tommy, it's all about structure and discipline — albeit with their own admin-based twist. "We live our lives governed by whatever the Google Calendar says for the day. It's like having a school timetable; it's sick," they explain, offering a peek into how they manage to stay on top of their game that leaves our 'pure vibes' strategy feeling a little… chaotic. It's something when the pop stars are more organised than the people interviewing them.
Their latest single, '99%', serves as a love letter to the underground party culture that first inspired them. "All the best parties happen in basements up north," they declare, and this track is a direct reflection of that. The song wasn't just born out of nostalgia; it was sparked by a moment of pure inspiration. After hearing a UKG flip of Justin Timberlake's 'Señorita' at a gig, the duo had an epiphany - what if this was a drum and bass track? That "what if" moment led to the creation of '99%', a track that perfectly encapsulates the vibe of those northern parties and brings it into the present.
