WHOMADEWHO
MIAMI · CARACAS · MEXICO CITY · BUENOS AIRES · AMSTERDAM · BARCELONA
WhoMadeWho
Spontaneous fusion of past and present sonic influences establishes the core of their captivating musical persona.
Photographer: Polina Vinogradova
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” Our new live tour is a new chapter since we have implemented more visual elements for our
audience to enjoy
With their exquisite sound that oozes genuineness and a stage presence that commands attention, the WhoMadeWho phenomenon took the world by storm with their 8th studio LP “Kiss & Forget”. Knowing for their poetic and inimitable blend of indie electronic, house, disco and synthwave, the Danish trio steps into a chapter with a superb collection of 13 tracks, where we find contributions of artists like Adriatique, Blue Hawaii, Kölsch, Nour and RY X. Leading up to the release, the band has teased the fans with a stunning series of singles that showcase their unique and diverse style, including “Children”, “Kiss Me Hard”, “Love Will Save Me” and most recently “Heartless” in collaboration with Kölsch.
For more than twenty years, WhoMadeWho has wielded a profound influence, shaping the electronic music sphere and solidifying its position among the industry’s elite. This influence has allowed them to release their magical productions on the most prestigious labels, such as Kompakt, Innervisions or Life & Dead, and perform at iconic parties around the planet.
Their vast experience has led them to launch a series of boutique festivals called “The Moment”, promoting the idea of being connected in the now and appreciating music in every moment.
Along with the creation of “Kiss & Forget”, WhoMadeWho embarked on a tour of various countries where they presented their live show, which not only delighted attendees
Interview by: Rocío Flores
with their music but also added an innovative scenic design developed in collaboration with one of the most recognized architecture companies, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group). The show was accompanied by fascinating visuals created by flora&faunavisions, EyeMix Studio, and Christopher Mulligan, resulting in an immersive and cutting-edge multidimensional concept.
Currently, the band is preparing for their next show in Berlin at the end of November. This promising show will offer a unique experience, and the audience will have the opportunity to appreciate the songs from their new album and some of their legendary tracks in a way they’ve never experienced before. These are enough reasons to crown our second edition of EZINE with WhoMadeWho on the cover.
Hi guys, welcome to our second edition of Electronic Groove’s digital magazine! First of all, congratulations on the release of your 8th album, “Kiss & Forget”. How are you feeling now that it’s finally out?
Thank you so much for having us! I was emotionally exhausted after finishing the album since we put so much effort and emotion into the composing phase. It feels empty afterward, weirdly. But apparently, it’s a thing among artists after the finishing of an album. Hopefully, the music will find its way into the world and resonate. I always feel anxious about the outcome. It never changes.
Throughout your 20+ year career, you’ve witnessed many changes in the music industry. How have these changes influenced your artistic identity and preferences as a listener? What would you like to highlight about your fabulous journey?
At Burning Man in 2018, we had an epiphany regarding our musical direction that we have stayed with more or less ever since. We were making music that had a more eternally loving, repetitive flavour than the classic pop shapes of a rock band. We returned to the playa last week, so it felt like coming home.
This year, you embarked on a global live tour, creating an immersive experience that showcased the beauty of your music and visual art. How would you describe the overall experience and the audience’s reaction?
Our new live tour is a new chapter since we have implemented more visual elements for our audience to enjoy. We were inspired by psychedelic experiences in the desert in 2018 and 2019, adding an extra layer to the concert experience. Ultimately, the audience received the live shows very well, sharing their experience with us in many loving ways.
You collaborated with BIG, flora&faunavisions, EyeMix Studio, and Christopher Mulligan on your stage design and visuals for this tour. How did these collaborations come about? Did you initially envision the giant sphere on the stage, or did you allow each collaborator to surprise you?
Regarding the Sphere: We met the BIG people at Burning Man in 2018, where they installed a giant silver ball called the Orb. It was an oversized version of the sphere that we ended up having at our live shows. It felt natural to collaborate moving forward. All the visual artists projecting on the sphere BIG created for us had wide frames for their creativity. Generally, we like collaborating with artists we respect without interfering with their vision.
Let’s move on to our favourite part, the album! “Kiss & Forget” is finally out now, and we have thoroughly enjoyed every second. Something that caught our ears and hearts was its emotional carousel and dreamy sounds. Each song conveys different messages and purposes. Was the album designed to evoke the emotions you experienced during its creation?
We hope to create an emotional experience full of love, diversity, and care. We put ourselves into the creative process and wanted it to feel like a warm embrace.
What does “Kiss & Forget” say about your current place in your career? How does this work differ from your previous album, “UUUU”?
We implemented new elements to “Kiss & Forget”, such as Arabic flavours and vocals with Nour. Also, I love the story behind “Kiss Me Hard” with Ra and Blue Hawaii. It’s a love story about two girls escaping their dark environment to liberate themselves.
Before entering the studio, did you follow specific routines to focus on what you wanted to produce?
We created the album in our studios in Copenhagen. The routine is to meet in the morning, drink an espresso, and then get hard at writing songs.
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Generally, we like collaborating with artists we respect without interfering with their vision
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Something that we personally admire about your art is your use of live instrumentation. Did you incorporate any new instruments or production techniques for this album?
Our many “new” old synths, new drum machines, and an old piano played important parts in this album. Production-wise, the collaborations for “Kiss & Forget” were all very inspirational. Thanks to the Internet, we collaborated with people in different time zones at once. It is still remarkable to see how creative that tool is.
The album features collaborations with Adriatique, Blue Hawaii, Nour, RY X, and Kölsch. How did you decide they perfectly fit the songs you wrote?
We reached out to friends and artists we respect and created a lot of material. We also worked
with other artists who didn’t make it to the album, but this pile of music was the one that was destined for release.
“ ” WhoMadeWho has always been full of diverse influences. We create a lot of material; these more ambient mystical songs just felt nice to share now.
Tracks like “Saturday Part 1 & 2”, “A3LA”, “Hummer”, and “Qualia” offer an ambient and mystical vibe. What can you tell us about these introspective tracks? Have these more profound moments strengthened your relationship as a band and on a personal level?
WhoMadeWho has always been full of diverse influences. We create a lot of material; these more ambient mystical songs just felt nice to share now. It is also a part of who we are.
“Love Will Save Me”, “Miracle”, “Children”, and “Kiss Me Hard” have already been remixed by huge names like Mind Against, CAMELPHAT, Adam Ten, and RÜFÜS DU SOL. Are there any plans to release an album with more remixes?
We have many ideas for future releases. A remix album could be one of them.
The singles and the album cover art are notably cute and tender. What did you want to convey with these images? Would you say that they represent the connection with your inner child?
The minimalistic, almost naïve artwork resonated super well with all of us, hands down. When we received the first pitch, we all agreed, which is a rare thing.
What would you say to your younger selves now?
Go on. Never stop dreaming big.
Not so long ago, you launched your label, “The Moment”, where you released the first track of the album “Children”.’ What motivated you to release a label after all these years? What can you tell us about its musical direction? Will you exclusively release your own music, or are you open to featuring emerging talent and/or wellknown artists?
“The Moment” is our new label, and we are still discussing what to release. It is an awesome project for us since we can release whatever we like. We like a lot of emerging artists and alternative genres. There are no rules so far. Let’s see what the future brings. We have big plans for this.
In the press release, a quote resonates strongly: “The record is a culmination of the fleeting snapshots in life that make it worth living.” In your own words, what are those moments? What motivates you to wake up each day?
Good question! I am personally a family man. My nearest family motivates me. On a deeper level, the world is family. So, it is my art as a human to connect to the closest circles to reach out to the world.
Finally, can you provide some insights into what’s next for WhoMadeWho?
Next up for us are exciting tours to places like Burning Man, Asia, the US, Wembley in London, and Tempodrom in Berlin. Places that our younger selves would have dreamed of going. I’m pinching myself in the arm since many dreams are coming true at the moment.
*Kiss & Forget will be released on September 13th via The Moment.
Photographer: Polina Vinogradova
Is the healing power of Electronic music real?
by Axel Bray & Mauricio Viana
Photographer: Tatonomusic
Electronic dance music, often associated with parties and dance floors, has the potential to foster healing and enhance wellbeing. At first glance, this notion may seem far-fetched. You’ve even probably heard of the studies surrounding the tuning of musical instruments at 440hz versus 432hz, or generative music apps such as Endel. However, a growing body of significant scientific evidence suggests that electronic music can positively impact both physical and mental health.
As music lovers and lifelong learners, we are fascinated by the potential of electronic music to promote healing and well-being. In this exploration, we will delve into the science behind the healing power of electronic music and examine the practical applications of this unique healing paradigm.
The Science Behind Healing
Music, regardless of genre, has long been touted for its therapeutic benefits. Studies have shown that music can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, boost cognitive function, and even alleviate pain.
Electronic music is thought to promote healing by activating the brain’s reward system, reducing stress hormones, and enhancing mood. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that music therapy can be effective in reducing pain and improving mood in patients with chronic pain. Another study, published in Nature Neuroscience, found that listening to music can activate the brain’s reward system, releasing our favorite pleasure-inducing neurotransmitter: dopamine.
Electronic Music’s Unique Role
What sets electronic music apart here is its capacity to craft diverse moods and atmospheres. For example, soothing electronic melodies can be used to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, while more upbeat electronic compositions can be used to energize and motivate individuals. Beyond this, electronic music can conjure immersive sensory experiences that facilitate mindfulness and the release of negative emotions.
For example, a study published in the journal Consciousness and Cognition found that listening to electronic music can help to induce a state of flow, a state of deep concentration and absorption that is often associated with positive emotions and enhanced performance.
Music Therapy in Practice
The practical applications of electronic music in healing are vast. Music therapy programs employ electronic sounds to assist individuals with a myriad of conditions, such as autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, brain injury, pain management, and other mental health disorders. There are a variety of music therapy programs available, including individual and group sessions, both in-person and online. To find a qualified music therapist in your area, you can search the American Music Therapy Association website.
Music therapy can help to improve communication skills, motor skills, cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life. A study published in the journal Autism found that music therapy helps children with autism spectrum disorder improve their social communication and interaction skills. Another study, published in the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Journal, demonstrates the capacity of music therapy to enhance cognitive function and alleviate behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients.
Understanding Frequencies
A well-known facet of this phenomenon revolves around the so-called “Solfeggio Frequencies”. Comprising six ancient musical tones, these frequencies (396 Hz, 417 Hz, 528 Hz, 639 Hz, 741 Hz, and 852 Hz) are purported to stimulate healing and transformative effects when experienced. Nevertheless, it is vital to underscore the dearth of concrete scientific validation endorsing the curative potential of these specific frequencies.
Binaural beats, a separate element of this arena, involve the juxtaposition of slightly varying frequencies in each ear, producing a perceived third frequency. Advocates argue that listening to binaural beats may induce various effects on the brain, including stress reduction, heightened focus, or relaxation. Although some studies have suggested potential benefits, such as aiding in meditation or alleviating anxiety, more extensive research is requisite to substantiate these claims.
Furthermore, proponents of healing frequencies often assert that certain musical frequencies may resonate with the body’s inherent frequencies, thereby fostering harmony and equilibrium. While music unquestionably possesses the ability to elicit emotional and physiological responses, the assertion that specific frequencies can directly heal or align the body still demands prudent scrutiny.
Notably, the placebo effect also plays a pivotal role in the perception of healing through music.
aligned with certain frequencies, irrespective of the paucity of scientific data corroborating such claims.
Notably, the placebo effect also plays a pivotal role in the perception of healing through music. Individuals may perceive benefits from music aligned with certain frequencies, irrespective of the paucity of scientific data corroborating such claims.
Exploring the Reality of Electronic Music’s Healing Power
Despite the challenges and limitations, the scientific evidence and practical applications suggest that electronic music’s healing power is real. However, it is important to note that electronic music is not a cure-all or a magic bullet. It is a tool that can be used to support healing and well-being, but it is not a replacement for professional medical care.
Ultimately, the best way to experience the healing power of electronic music is to explore what works best for you. Pay attention to how different electronic music compositions make you feel and identify the ones that have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. With a little experimentation, you can discover the unique healing potential of electronic music. If you are interested in learning more about electronic music and healing, or if you would like to try listening to electronic music for yourself, we encourage you to do so. There are many resources available online and in your community to help you get started. Below are some albums that we have found to be comforting, aid in mindfulness, and an overall sense of calmness.
