Originating from Porto, Portugal, :PAPERCUTZ (often stylized as :papercutz) has carved a unique niche in the electronic music scene. What began as a side project eventually evolved into a fully realized musical act in 2008.
The Visionary Behind the Sound
At the heart of the project is Bruno Miguel. As the sole official member, Miguel maintains complete creative control over the musical direction. His process is distinct:
- Studio Mastery: Bruno handles the core recordings and conceptualization alone.
- Live Transformation: For performances, he assembles a talented live band, frequently incorporating the same musicians who contributed to the studio sessions to bring the tracks to life on stage.
A Collaborative Legacy
While Bruno Miguel is the permanent fixture, :PAPERCUTZ has been a platform for various talented artists over the years. Notable past collaborators include:
- Vocalists: Melissa Veras (an American singer of Portuguese descent born in New York), Marisa Pinto, and Marcela Freitas.
- Instrumentalists: Bruno Ribeiro, Nuno Sarafa, and Francisco Bernardo, among others.
This blend of singular vision and collaborative live energy continues to define the project’s presence in the electronic genre.
In 2009, :PAPERCUTZ gained significant international recognition after winning the “Off the Beaten Track” category at the UK’s People’s Music Awards. During the event, legendary broadcaster Annie Nightingale praised the group for their “interesting and original sound.” This success paved the way for their debut album, Lylac, released via the Canadian label Apegenine Recordings. The project immediately stood out for its high-profile collaborations, including remixes by Riz Maslen and the debut release of The Sight Below, earning the band comparisons to the meticulous production style of Four Tet.
The release of Lylac sparked an extensive tour across Europe and the U.S. throughout 2009 and 2010, featuring high-profile showcases at festivals like SXSW and Exit Festival. During this period, the group signed with the UK’s Audiobulb Records to release Do outro lado do espelho, a remix album of ambient reworks. Unlike typical remix records, it was hailed by Drowned in Sound as a coherent and engaging piece of art. The collection featured contributions from ambient icons such as Taylor Deupree and Simon Scott (of Slowdive), all personally invited by Bruno Miguel to reinterpret his textures.
By 2012, the project reached a new creative milestone with the release of The Blur Between Us. Recorded in New York City with renowned producer Chris Coady, the album signaled a shift toward a “beat-heavy, darkened version” of their signature dream pop. This era was marked by the single “Rivers” and a more profound lyrical depth, as Miguel explored themes of personal loss for the first time. The evolution was well-received, with The Fader describing the new material as “beautiful and unsettling music,” while XLR8R highlighted its pulsating, layered synths.
The global impact of The Blur Between Us was further solidified by its special edition re-release in Japan through Tokyo’s Kilk Records. Mastered by Grammy winner Joe LaPorta, the album received substantial backing from Tower Records Japan and featured fresh remixes from electronic innovators like Ikonika and Kyson. This successful expansion into the Asian market underscored the project’s growth from a side venture into a sophisticated, internationally acclaimed electronic act with an ever-evolving sound.
In early 2013, Bruno Miguel was selected to participate in the prestigious Red Bull Music Academy in New York City, joining a cohort of influential artists like Evian Christ, Objekt, and Koreless. This return to New York provided the perfect backdrop for the band to perform new shows and dedicate several months to recording fresh material. During this prolific period, Miguel also solidified his reputation as a sought-after producer, delivering remixes for high-profile acts such as M83’s Morgan Kibby, JMSN, Lucretia Dalt, and Nite Jewel.
Following a brief hiatus where Miguel focused on film scoring, :PAPERCUTZ made a celebrated return to the stage in late 2016. The band’s comeback was marked by appearances at unique international events, including the Further Future festival and the 31st edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag in the Netherlands. This momentum carried into 2017 with the release of the well-received EP Trust/Surrender, which sparked an extensive two-year tour across the United States, Europe, and Iceland.
In early 2020, just before global lockdowns, the group toured Japan to debut their full-length album, King Ruiner. Produced in NYC, the album featured a truly international collaborative spirit, with vocal contributions from Catarina Miranda, Ferri, and Lia Bilinsk recorded across Portugal, Germany, and Japan. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the band remained active by performing in their home country and focusing on the evolution of their sound.
By 2022, :PAPERCUTZ returned to the international stage with a renewed energy, playing shows across the US, Europe, and Asia. This period of touring served as a bridge to their next major chapter: a new album recorded between Portugal and Iceland. Set for release in 2024, this upcoming project promises to continue the band’s legacy of blending atmospheric textures with a global musical perspective.
