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.
But ‘99%’ is just the tip of the iceberg. piri & tommy have been quietly amassing a treasure trove of new music, the result of countless hours spent working from home. “We’ve been swimming in music for a while now. You should see the state of our SoundCloud,” they reveal, underscoring the sheer volume of material they’ve been working on. Their home setups have become a creative haven, allowing them to write and produce almost continuously. The result? A sound that’s constantly evolving, becoming more refined and sophisticated with each passing day. “We’re both just straight up getting better at what we do, and we really can’t wait for people to hear what we’ve been hearing this whole year.”
“The piri & tommy cinematic universe is expanding”
It’s this sense of constant growth and improvement that sets piri & tommy apart. Their music isn’t just the product of late-night sessions — it’s a reflection of their lives, a never-ending process of creation and refinement. “Part of what makes dance music so beautiful is that both listening to it and making it is really accessible,” they muse. For them, the beauty of dance music lies in its democratic nature—you don’t need fancy equipment or formal training to create something magical. “You can just make beats and DJ them from home. You don’t need fancy gear or training; you can learn online and just put the hours in,” they explain, highlighting how the culture has expanded in recent years, bringing more producers and DJs into the fold. It’s a movement they’re proud to be part of, one that’s opening up new avenues for creativity and expression.
This DIY ethos doesn’t mean they’re working in isolation, though. In fact, their recent solo projects have only served to enhance their collaborative work. “The piri & tommy cinematic universe is expanding,” they laugh, acknowledging the ever-growing network of creative friends they’ve made along the way. These collaborations are more than just side projects—they’re a source of inspiration, fueling the duo’s passion and pushing them to new heights. “We’ve both made so many sick artist friends, and it’s just great to work with people we rate! Everyone has their own spin, and it’s so inspiring, and at the same time, really makes us appreciate having our project together.”
Their recent work with DJ Marky and Makoto stands out as a particularly exciting collaboration. “We love DJ Marky. We literally want DJ Marky to adopt us. So excited for the tune we made with him and the legend Makoto!” they enthuse, their excitement palpable, also namechecking Scruz, Charlieeee, Mustbejohn, Kill0wen, and “all the LOUD LDN girls”. These collaborations are a testament to the deep connections they’ve forged within the dance music scene, relationships that continue to shape their sound and drive their creative process.
But it’s not just the music that’s evolving – piri & tommy’s visual identity is undergoing a transformation as well. As artists who place as much emphasis on aesthetics as on sound, they’ve found the journey to refine their visual style to be both challenging and rewarding. “I actually feel like the visuals have been our biggest journey and steepest learning curve as artists!!” they reflect. The vibrant, surreal aesthetic they’ve cultivated didn’t come easily; it took time to bring the ideas in their heads to life. “We had so much in our heads and all these bright colours but found it so hard to put into reality or execute it. Naturally, though, it takes time, and we’re coming into our stride now.” They’ve found their groove, and it shows in the cohesive, bold visuals that now accompany their music.
Their influences are as varied as their sound, drawing from a melting pot of cultural references. tommy takes inspiration from “everything from Daft Punk music videos to black midi press shoots”, while piri brings the “K-Pop surrealism and fun pop energy”. It’s an eclectic mix that’s part of what makes piri & tommy so distinctive – they’re not just following trends; they’re taking their own curated mix, mashing it up and sticking it together, creating something entirely their own.
Ultimately, it’s their passion for the craft that drives them. “We want people to know for themselves that our music comes 100% from the two of us and our love for the art,” they declare. Every track, every beat, every visual is a labour of love, meticulously crafted to create the perfect journey for their listeners. “There is so much detail in our music if you listen for what’s there. We really toil over our mixes to make our tracks the perfect journey. EQ automation goes crazy,” they conclude, a reminder that behind the playful energy and vibrant visuals is a deep commitment to their art.
As their world continues to change, piri & tommy remain steadfast in their mission to make music that moves both feet and hearts. ‘99%’ is the latest chapter in a story that’s still being written, one beat at a time. Their journey is far from over – in fact, it feels like it’s only just beginning. And as they continue to evolve, one thing is certain: wherever the music takes them next, it’s going to be one hell of a ride. ■
piri & tommy’s new single ‘99%’ is out now. Follow Dork’s PLAY Spotify playlist here.
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