In the ever-evolving landscape of post-rock, few bands embody the genre's emotional and cinematic spirit like Mute Sounds. Founded by Rui Pedro, a musician who turned profound adversity into artistic purpose after losing his voice, the Toronto-based instrumental act continues to carve a unique space in the world of modern post-rock. With their recent releases “Sangha” and “Finding North,” the band offers an immersive listening experience that goes far beyond music—these are sonic narratives that speak to the heart.
Since their inception, they’ve built a name for themselves by crafting deeply emotive, wordless stories that resonate on a universal scale. Across their four albums—including Resilience (2023) and the freshly released Northern Lights (2025)—they have developed a distinct musical voice rooted in atmospheric soundscapes, rock-driven energy, and a melodic sensibility that’s both powerful and tender.
Their most popular track “Rise” continues to captivate audiences and remains a flagship example of their ability to tell complex emotional stories—without ever speaking a word. But it’s with their newest pieces that Mute Sounds fully demonstrate their maturity, vision, and narrative finesse. Following the release of their cinematic new tracks “Sangha” and “Finding North,” Toronto-based post-rock band Mute Sounds continues to redefine the boundaries of instrumental storytelling. Led by Rui Pedro—a musician who transformed personal adversity into a powerful creative force—the group has carved a unique niche with their emotionally charged, wordless compositions. We caught up with the band to discuss their artistic vision, the emotional core behind their latest releases, the magic of live studio recordings, and what’s next for one of Canada’s most compelling instrumental acts.
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Hi guys, thanks a lot for being with us today! Your latest single “Finding North” and “Sangha” are two gems of contemporary Post-Rock music. We are thrilled to know more about your artistic journey so let’s start from the very beginning. How did you guys meet and when did Mute Sounds come to life?
A: Hi Samuel,
First of all, thank you for the opportunity to share a bit of our journey with Planet Singer’s readers.
It all began in 2018, in Portugal, when Mute Sounds played its very first show. For those who don’t know, the band was founded by our lead guitarist, Rui Pedro, during his battle with stage 4 throat cancer—a fight that ultimately took his voice permanently. A former percussionist, Rui turned to the guitar as a new way to express his emotions, and he began writing songs that reflected his experience.
After three successful shows in Portugal, Rui moved to Toronto. During the pandemic, he recorded and produced the songs from that period, which became the Reborn album. He then wrote and recorded new material, which later became the Roads album. With both albums complete, Rui set out to find a band that could bring the music to life on stage.
Since then, the lineup has evolved. Ralf, our rhythm guitarist, joined after Rui invited him—having known each other previously. Ben, our drummer, saw our very first show in Canada and after we parted ways with our original drummer, Rui asked if he knew anyone who might be a fit. Ben immediately volunteered and he’s been with us ever since. Chris, our bassist and the most recent addition, came to us through our friends in the band Daybreak (who are incredible, by the way). We invited Chris to join Mute Sounds, and it’s been an absolute thrill having him on board.
Your music is entirely instrumental, yet it communicates such powerful emotion and narrative. How do you craft stories without words? Is there a specific process or vision behind each track?
A: Most of the time, Rui brings a riff or an idea to the table, and we build upon it together. There isn’t a specific formula behind our songwriting. Rui once said he writes best when he feels “miserable,” which might explain the strong emotional narrative that often comes through in our songs.
We each come from different musical backgrounds, and when we’re in the room working on a track, there are no rules and no bad ideas. Whenever someone wants to try something new, we create space for experimentation. In the end, we all come together to decide what best serves the song.
“Sangha” and “Finding North” feel like chapters in a larger sonic novel. What themes or emotional journeys were you exploring in these pieces?
A: That’s a great question!
We all come from different backgrounds and cultures, so Finding North represents the journey that led the four of us to come together—finding our “true north,” musically speaking.
As for Sangha, there’s a fun story behind that one. These tracks are part of our upcoming album, Northern Lights, and we had originally agreed that the album would feature just five songs. Everything was set and ready for recording—until Rui messaged our group chat saying he had written a new song that he had a really good feeling about. We all gave it a listen, and immediately agreed: this song had to be on the album.
The word Sangha means “community” or “a group that supports each other on the path to enlightenment.” Rui shared that while writing the song, even though he was alone, he felt like we were all right there with him. That made Sangha the perfect name.
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Clocking in at 9 minutes and 30 seconds, “Sangha” is not just a song—it’s a journey. Recorded live at EarDrum Valley Records, it begins with elegant guitar arpeggios and subtle cymbal taps that create a meditative, flowing introduction. The piece steadily builds, each note adding layers of anticipation. The rhythm section enters with precision and power, creating a solid foundation while allowing melodic motifs to rise and evolve.
At around 2:35, the song dips into a tranquil interlude—a breath of air before a storm. This gentle acoustic bridge becomes a moment of reflection, a pause in the narrative before the track roars into its energetic second movement. From minute 3:00 onward, “Sangha” blossoms into a powerful post-rock anthem, with harmonized guitar leads and a thunderous rhythm section lifting the arrangement to exhilarating heights.
The structural brilliance of the track reveals itself again at 4:40, where the band reintroduces clean arpeggios and atmospheric textures. It’s a reflective detour—a memory of the opening passage that weaves the whole piece together like a novel’s central theme returning in the final chapters. This sets the stage for the solo section at 7:20, where guitar lines twist and soar in emotional conversation, pushing the song to its peak with dynamic interplay and technical prowess. As “Sangha” moves toward its close, the energy fades into soft, questioning tones. The return to the quiet, contemplative guitar parts suggests resolution, but also inquiry—what comes next? The song is clearly a chapter in a larger sonic novel, and its ability to leave the listener in anticipation is part of its brilliance.
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The video for “Finding North” is visually stunning and intimate. What was it like filming live in the studio? How important is the visual element to Mute Sounds’ storytelling?
A: When we play live, our followers often tell us they love listening to our songs at home—but that the live experience is something truly magical and unique. So, for this album, we decided to record it “live-of-the-floor” to capture that same raw, authentic energy. We love our fans, and we wanted to give them the most honest experience possible.
Recording an album this way wasn’t easy. Coordinating the audio and visuals simultaneously was definitely challenging—and at times a bit stressful—but in the end, it was completely worth it. Both videographers were fantastic, the recording engineer was incredibly easy-going, and six hours later, the entire album was recorded.
For us, the visual element plays a huge role in instrumental music. The music industry is largely built around bands with vocals, so we have to get creative to stand out and make people stop and listen to something a little different. That’s why we’re always exploring new visual ideas—and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Your music blends post-rock with elements of progressive rock, cinematic soundscapes, and even ambient textures. What artists or genres influence your sound the most?
A: As we mentioned earlier, we all come from different musical backgrounds. If you listen closely to our songs, you might notice six or seven different genres blended into a single track—from hip-hop to rock, from folk to classical music—there’s a bit of everything in there.
That said, we definitely look up to the big names in our genre and take inspiration from them. Bands like God Is An Astronaut, Mogwai, Russian Circles, Caspian, MONO… have all influenced us in different ways. We’re often compared to Explosions In The Sky lately, which is a huge compliment to us. It means we’re heading in the right direction.
Your music is deeply therapeutic or introspective. How do you feel knowing that your work resonates with people on such a personal level, especially without lyrics?
A: Mission accomplished! We truly love the music we create—and if it resonates with people, what more could we ask for? That’s the cherry on top!
One of the most meaningful things we hear from listeners is that our songs inspire them to create their own stories—each person interpreting the music in their own unique way. To us, that’s incredible.
We see our music as an empty canvas—one that invites each person to pick up the brush and paint whatever they feel.
Can you walk us through your recording process—especially for live sessions like the one at EarDrum Valley Records? How do you prepare to capture that emotional immediacy?
A: A lot of planning and a lot of practice went into this.
We started discussing the idea about a year before the recording actually happened. To be honest, the album wasn’t even fully written at that point—we just knew this was how we wanted to do it. Once we found the right person with the right space, we began coordinating possible dates with the studio, the recording engineer, and the two videographers we had lined up.
We recorded everything in one single take—the engineer never pressed stop from beginning to end. We booked the studio for six hours, but nearly half of that time was spent unloading gear, setting up, coordinating with the videographers, positioning cameras, and checking sound levels for both the recording and our headphone mixes.
This is where regular band rehearsals really show their value. That weekly ritual of getting together and playing the songs over and over again prepares you for moments like this. When it’s time to go, you’re able to flip the switch and get in the zone.
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Accompanied by a stunning live studio video, “Finding North” is a 10-minute masterclass in musical storytelling. Recorded in August 2024 at EarDrum Valley Records, the video shows the band fully immersed in their craft—each member in sync, each note purposeful. There is a raw intimacy in seeing the music unfold in real time, enhancing the emotional impact of the performance. Stylistically, “Finding North” evokes the grand cinematic sweep of Do Make Say Think and the dreamy textures of Destroyalldreamers and Explosions In The Sky, yet it pushes forward with the melodic elegance and rhythmic complexity of prog-influenced acts like Haken (from an instrumental point of view as they have a singer). And yet, Mute Sounds sound like no one but themselves. Their approach is personal, organic, and intensely expressive.
Throughout the track, Rui Pedro’s lead guitar work serves as both guide and narrator. Ralf Caetano’s rhythm guitar adds texture and atmosphere, while Luis Ramirez anchors the song with precise and groovy basslines. Ben Cook’s drumming is a driving force—dynamic, sensitive, and unwavering. The live nature of the recording only enhances its magic: the slight nuances in touch, the interaction between players, the authenticity of the moment—all contribute to an experience that feels spontaneous and deeply human.
Rui Pedro may have lost his literal voice, but through his music, he speaks louder than ever. Mute Sounds doesn’t just create post-rock—they create emotional blueprints, guiding listeners through vast internal landscapes of joy, grief, triumph, and contemplation. Their latest work proves that instrumental music can be just as narrative, just as profound, as any lyric-laden song. With Northern Lights on the horizon, and songs like “Sangha” and “Finding North” setting the stage, Mute Sounds are not just charting a path—they’re defining a genre.
The band’s core line-up brings this vision to life with exceptional chemistry. Rui Pedro leads with his expressive guitar work, serving as the band’s emotional compass and compositional anchor. Rhythm guitarist Ralf Caetano adds rich textures and harmonic depth, while bassist Chris Donatello (who joined the band to fill the position of talented former bassist Luis Ramirez in 2022) grounds each track with groove and clarity. Drummer Ben Cook drives the dynamics with sensitivity and power, expertly navigating between atmospheric restraint and rhythmic intensity. Together, this ensemble forms a cohesive unit that translates emotion into motion, and silence into song.
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“Finding North” also stands out for its stunning visual presentation. The live studio video, filmed at EarDrum Valley Records in Toronto, captures the group in their element. Directed, filmed, and produced by the visionary Ricardo Araújo, the shoot radiates intimacy and authenticity. Lorene Santiso assisted with the production, while Rui Pedro himself handled the editing—a testament to his multifaceted artistry. The audio was captured by sound engineers Michael De Francesco and Caleb Hyde, then expertly mixed and mastered by Harmony Hive Records, preserving every nuance of the band’s live performance.
Looking ahead to your upcoming album Northern Lights, what can listeners expect in terms of sound, growth, or surprises?
A: Since last fall, we’ve been releasing songs that will be part of Northern Lights. That said, the full album will include three brand-new, unreleased tracks that we’ve purposely held back for the official release, which is set for late September.
In terms of sound, listeners can expect cinematic and ambient soundscapes blended with heavy guitar riffs and dreamy, textured lead lines.
If you could describe Mute Sounds’ message in one sentence—what would it be?
A: Channeling the raw, unspoken power of sound to transform silence into a boundless emotional landscape.
Amazing! Guys, it was such a pleasure having you with us today. Is there anything you would like to say to our readers and your fans?
A: We want to thank you once again for this opportunity—it truly means a lot to us. We’d love to invite everyone to follow our journey at mutesoundsband.com, where you can learn more about our story, listen to our music, purchase it if you’d like, and find all our social media links and other relevant info.
Also, if you happen to be in Toronto on June 21, come see us live at the Bovine Sex Club! We’ll be playing alongside our good friends from Daybreak and Breathe In Color—it’s going to be an incredible night.
Much love,
Rui, Ralf, Ben, and Chris
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With their fearless creativity, emotional depth, and tight musical cohesion, Mute Sounds is one of Canada’s most vital instrumental post-rock voices. Their music speaks not only for Rui Pedro’s journey—but for anyone who’s ever had to find their way through silence. And in the vast space between the notes, Mute Sounds say more than words ever could.
Check the links below, discover more about Mute Sounds and their music, and remember to add their songs to your favorite playlists!
Official Website: www.mutesoundsband.com
Spotify: Mute Sounds
YouTube: Mute Sounds
Facebook: Mute Sounds
