#UnknownMortalOrchestra celebrates Ruban Nielson’s psychedelic funk project Unknown Mortal Orchestra, whose lo-fi production, groovy basslines, and multi-layered songwriting made them indie rock’s premier psych-funk outfit of the 2010s.
Mysterious Beginnings (2011)
Unknown Mortal Orchestra emerged mysteriously in 2011 when Nielson (formerly of New Zealand’s The Mint Chicks) uploaded songs to Bandcamp with no artist information. The lo-fi funk sound—combining Prince, Funkadelic, and bedroom recording—intrigued bloggers. Their self-titled debut (June 2011) on Fat Possum Records introduced Nielson’s falsetto vocals, fuzzy guitar, and one-man-band production. “Ffunny Ffriends” became a slow-burn hit.
Multi-Love Breakthrough (2015)
II (2013) refined their sound with warmer production and funkier grooves. “So Good at Being in Trouble” gained traction on alternative radio. Multi-Love (2015) became their commercial and artistic peak. The title track’s eight-minute groove addressed Nielson’s polyamorous relationship with candid lyrics and Sly Stone-inspired funk. Pitchfork awarded Best New Music (8.3). The album’s combination of personal subject matter and irresistible grooves demonstrated psych-funk’s emotional range.
Continued Evolution
Sex & Food (2018) and IC-01 Hanoi (2018) explored digital production and international sounds. Nielson’s Portland home studio allowed him complete creative control. His guitar playing—influenced by Hendrix and funk session players—featured wah-wah pedals and vintage tones. The hashtag celebrated UMO’s consistent quality, groovy live shows, and Nielson’s status as indie’s premier psych-funk auteur.