Cusco Members, Gear & Sound

Cusco is a German musical duo renowned for their innovative blend of New Age and Native American music, infusing their compositions with elements of South American cultural themes. The group was founded by Michael Holm and Kristian Schultze, both accomplished keyboardists with distinct backgrounds. Michael Holm gained fame in Germany with a series of successful vocal records during the '60s and '70s, while Kristian Schultze built a reputation as a prolific studio musician across Europe. Together, they crafted a sound that merges catchy melodies with rhythmic rock and funk beats, enhanced by ethnic percussion and electronically generated panpipe sounds, creating a unique auditory experience that pays homage to South America's prehistoric musical heritage.

Cusco's sound is characterized by its lush, melodic textures and richly layered synthesizers, which create an immersive and atmospheric listening experience. The duo often employs vintage synthesizers like the Yamaha CS-80 and Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, providing a warm, analog depth to their compositions. The use of the Eventide Clock Works H910 Harmonizer adds an extra dimension with its pitch-shifting capabilities, enhancing the ethereal quality of their sound. This combination of gear helps create a sonic landscape that is both expansive and intimate, perfect for musicians looking to capture the essence of New Age and world music influences while maintaining a modern, electronic edge.