MIEN Kantine am Berghain, Berlin am 13.05.25

In a landscape where the term 'psych' often feels confined and predictable, MIEN stands out as a beacon of true psychedelic exploration, redefining the boundaries of the genre with their innovative soundscapes and bold experimentation.
Since their inception, MIEN has been a confluence of diverse musical influences and shared histories. The seeds of this collaboration were planted back in 2004 when Rishi Dhir, known for his work with Elephant Stone, crossed paths with Alex Maas of The Black Angels during a serendipitous encounter at SXSW. This meeting sparked a friendship and a series of collaborations. Around the same time, Rishi met John Mark Lapham of The Earlies, whose electronic and production expertise would become a cornerstone of MIEN's sound. Robb Kidd (Alex Maas, Golden Dawn Arkestra) joined the band on drums in 2018. These connections eventually led to the formation of MIEN, a band that seamlessly blends their varied musical backgrounds into a unique sonic tapestry.
With a new album slated for release in early 2025, MIEN is poised to take their audial magic to new heights. This upcoming release promises to be a tapestry of vivid third-eye visions and nocturnal serenades, echoing the spirit of their debut while venturing into uncharted territories. The band’s chemistry remains palpable, with each member contributing their unique sonic palette to create a cohesive yet exploratory sound.
John Mark Lapham describes their creative process as an alchemical journey, where disparate influences from the likes of Nico, Neu!, and Led Zeppelin converge to form a sound entirely their own. The new album is expected to blend radiant groove-based propulsion with ambient dreamscapes, offering listeners a transcendent experience that bridges the golden age of '60s psychedelia with the present day.
Reflecting on the journey, John Mark notes, “Working with these guys has been one of the most enjoyable experiences in my music career. Our synergy is seamless, and I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes us.”
As MIEN prepares to unveil their latest work, they invite listeners to join them on a kaleidoscopic journey that defies genre conventions and embraces the spirit of psychedelic innovation.