On The Verge

Superhuman Happiness

Brooklyn, N.Y.
Superhuman Collaborations
www.superhumanhappiness.com

“In 1999, I had an idea for a band, or more like an artistic organization, that was like a band but also able to do other things—video, theater, dance,” says frontman Stuart Bogie. “Music was the part that I cared about most, so I started there just to get something happening.” Twelve years later, that idea has blossomed beautifully into Brooklyn’s underground afro-jamband Superhuman Happiness. Bogie—who also serves as sax player for New York’s Afro-beat kings Antibalas as well as indie darlings Iron & Wine—believes that musical performances should transcend the feeling of a religious experience. “I want to be within the mathematical ratios of God,” he says. “I think the things that make music beautiful are the things that make plants grow—the things that bring the tide in.” The band thrives in the live setting with futuristic, groove-oriented songs, liquid segues and infectious blissed-out melodies. Superhuman Happiness has also been busy in the studio and have now released The Physical EP on Marco Benevento’s Royal Potato Family label. “There was a time I started asking myself what I wanted out of a musical performance,” Bogie concedes. “And I’ve been moving toward it ever since.”