CZICZ is an experimental percussion duo from Leipzig, Germany, founded by Martin and Tom.

We’ve both been playing drums for more many years. During that time we’ve played in different bands, explored different musical styles and spent countless hours in rehearsal rooms, on stages and at jam sessions.

Over time, we realised that what interested us most wasn’t only playing songs, but discovering what happens when two drummers simply listen to each other.

Every performance is completely improvised. We don’t use setlists, backing tracks or click tracks. We start with a single sound, a rhythm or sometimes complete silence and let the performance develop from there.

Our setup is built around 1,5 drum kits, percussion, found objects and self-built instruments. Many sounds come from everyday materials that weren’t originally intended to make music. Springs, pieces of metal, wood or other objects often become just as important as snare drums or cymbals. Every place changes the music.

The surrounding environment always becomes part of the performance. Wind changes the cymbals. Conversations become another rhythmic layer. Architecture changes the acoustics. A performance at sunset feels different from one in a dark room. Instead of trying to control these influences, we react to them.

Some people tell us they imagined flying through clouds before entering a thunderstorm. Others describe travelling through underground tunnels, hearing machines, earthquakes or collapsing landscapes. Some don’t imagine pictures at all and instead focus completely on rhythm and texture. We never tell these stories ourselves. There are no lyrics and no predefined narrative. The audience creates its own.

People are free to experience our performances however they like. Some stay for 5 minutes. Others remain for the entire performance. Some dance. Some sit with closed eyes. Some walk around us to hear the music from different perspectives. There is no right way to listen.

Leipzig has played an important role in shaping CZICZ. The city’s active jam session and experimental music scene constantly brings together musicians from different backgrounds. We regularly take part in these sessions and continue learning from spontaneous musical encounters. Experiences like drum circles have further shaped the way we think about improvisation, listening and musical communication without words. Although CZICZ is a duo, we enjoy collaborating performers and other musicians whenever the opportunity arises.