The streaming era has transformed the music landscape, offering artists unprecedented access to a vast array of influences. For Austin-based duo Missio, this means creating a sound that transcends traditional genre classifications. With their recent five-part album "I Am Cinco," they have embraced diversity and innovation, showcasing their versatility across 26 tracks. Ahead of their upcoming show at Vivarium, we spoke with Matthew Brue and David Butler about their creative process, tour experiences, and future plans.

Experience the Unstoppable Energy of Missio Live in Concert

A New Era of Music Creation

The digital age has revolutionized how musicians approach their craft. Artists now have limitless resources at their fingertips, allowing them to draw inspiration from an eclectic mix of sounds. For Missio, this freedom has led to a unique artistic expression. Their latest project, "I Am Cinco," is a testament to their willingness to explore various genres and emotional landscapes. The album’s structure, divided into five distinct parts, reflects the band's desire to challenge conventional formats. Each section not only represents a different musical direction but also delves into specific emotional states, creating a cohesive yet diverse listening experience.During the initial stages of writing, the duo found themselves with an abundance of material. They realized that these songs naturally fell into thematic groups, leading them to embrace the concept of a multi-part album. This approach allowed them to fully explore each idea without constraint, resulting in a rich and varied body of work. The decision to release all 26 songs as one project was both bold and deliberate, aiming to capture a snapshot of their artistic evolution at that moment in time.

Live Performances: A Dynamic Blend of Old and New

Touring provides artists with a direct connection to their audience, and for Missio, it’s an opportunity to showcase the depth of their catalog. The duo has been overwhelmed by the positive response from fans, particularly during their opening shows in Albuquerque and Phoenix. These performances were marked by an electric atmosphere, with audiences singing along to every lyric. The energy was palpable, especially in Phoenix, where they achieved their first sold-out show in the city. Such moments reinforce the importance of live music and the bond between artists and their fans.As they continue their tour, selecting the right setlist becomes increasingly challenging. With six albums under their belt, Missio has an extensive repertoire to choose from. To ensure a balanced performance, they recently engaged their fans in a voting process to determine the top 20 songs. This collaborative effort not only provided valuable input but also ensured that the most beloved tracks would be included. During the interview, Matthew Brue highlighted the difficulty of narrowing down the choices, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between older hits and new material. He noted that fan favorites like “Good Vibrations” and “Aztec Death Whistle” have become standout performances, resonating deeply with audiences.

Innovative Sounds and Future Horizons

Missio’s commitment to pushing boundaries extends beyond their studio work. In live performances, they experiment with different arrangements, giving familiar songs a fresh twist. For instance, “Can You Feel the Sun” has been reimagined as a stripped-down version, adding an intimate layer to the concert experience. These innovations keep the music dynamic and engaging, ensuring that each performance feels unique.Looking ahead, the band is already planning their next move. After a brief hiatus following their last tour, they returned to the studio with a wealth of new ideas. The pipeline for their sixth album is robust, and they are eager to dive back into the creative process. While details remain under wraps, fans can expect more groundbreaking music and potentially global performances. The future holds exciting possibilities for Missio, as they continue to evolve and redefine what it means to be a modern artist in an ever-changing industry.