The Ukrainian techno duo Woo York has been a pioneering force in the electronic music world for over ten years, enchanting fans with their atmospheric soundscapes and dynamic live performances. Renowned for their exceptional fusion of dark and melodic techno, they have successfully carved out a unique position in the global electronic music scene. In this exclusive interview, we delve into their creative journey, musical influences, and perspective on the ongoing evolution of techno.
What have been your standout moments in 2024 so far?
The year kicked off exceptionally well for us, highlighted by an unforgettable event in Colombia. We performed at the Afterlife event in Medellín, captivating an audience of around 15,000 attendees. Just as we prepared to take the stage, the weather shifted dramatically. Despite the looming storm, we were fortunate to complete our set just before the rain arrived, halting the event right after our performance. It was a nail-biting experience – flying 15 hours to play for such an enthusiastic crowd, only to face the possibility of cancellation due to weather conditions. Thankfully, we performed just in time.
What motivated you to launch your new label OTHERVOICE, and what goals do you hope to achieve?
Great question! Over the years, we’ve produced a diverse array of tracks, from relentless beats to soft, dreamlike melodies. Although we take pride in our eclectic style, the traditional music release process felt limiting. Often, we would submit our work to record labels, grasping at hopes that our music aligned with their criteria for release. After a long time depending on external validation, we decided to take control of our creative output. The essence of OTHERVOICE lies in our desire to release music on our own terms, allowing us the freedom to present what we believe in without the constraints of external approval. With OTHERVOICE, we can share our artistic vision and connect directly with our audience.
Your latest track, ‘Broken Inside’ featuring DJ Preach, marks the first release on your label. Can you elaborate on the creative process for this track?
To explain “Broken Inside,” we need to take a nostalgic trip back about 20 years. During our early days in the rave scene, we stumbled upon a melody that stayed with us through the years. It became a symbol of our formative experiences, connecting us to our past. Fast forward to our studio sessions, we decided to pay homage to that memory. Rather than remixing the original, we crafted a new interpretation that celebrated that unforgettable melody. While we didn’t sample the original, we reimagined it through our unique perspective, resulting in a track that encapsulates our journey and serves as a meaningful tribute to our influences.
How does ‘Broken Inside’ reflect the essence of OTHERVOICE? What should fans expect from upcoming releases?
As we’ve discussed, we have never limited ourselves to a single style within electronic music. We’ve explored various genres, from hardgroove techno to melodic acid lines showcased in our previous works. You can expect OTHERVOICE to continue this legacy of diversity. Our aim is to present a spectrum of sounds while remaining true to the WOO YORK ethos. While we may collaborate with other artists in the future, our current focus is on sharing our own sound and vision through this new label.
The name OTHERVOICE implies an alternative perspective. What message do you aim to convey through your music and label?
In a music industry where conformity often dictates taste, exceptional tracks can be overlooked if they don’t fit within someone else’s definition of “trendy.” Establishing OTHERVOICE allows us to reclaim the power to share music on our own terms. We intend to highlight a range of sounds that celebrate originality instead of adherence to popular opinions.
Melodic Techno has been central to your sound. How do you continue to innovate while staying true to your roots?
We’ve always embraced melodies, yet the genre known today as Melodic Techno hadn’t been defined in our early days. The sound landscape has evolved tremendously since then. For us, innovation lies in balancing the evolution of our sound while adhering to the fundamental principles of our artistry. We are committed to our vision while staying attuned to emerging trends and sonic innovations, enabling us to remain fresh and relevant without compromising our authentic identity.
With OTHERVOICE, do you intend to focus solely on your music, or will you invite other artists to join? Are there plans for showcases or events?
We plan to host exclusive OTHERVOICE events, integrating specially curated lighting, visual elements, and stage designs that enhance our performances. These events will allow us to present ourselves uniquely as a Live act, distinguishing us from the typical DJ experience. In the future, if the right opportunities arise, we may consider featuring other artists. However, initially, our focus will be on establishing OTHERVOICE as a platform for our own artistic expressions.
What are your aspirations for OTHERVOICE? Where do you envision it in the years to come?
We don’t have an inflexible long-term vision. Instead, we prefer to see how the journey unfolds. We’re excited about the potential for OTHERVOICE to evolve in ways we might not anticipate. What matters most is staying true to our creative path and connecting with those who resonate with our music. If OTHERVOICE becomes a home for the music we love and that touches our listeners, we will consider it a significant achievement.
Woo York’s “Broken Inside” is now available on their brand-new label OTHERVOICE.
Get it here – https://hypeddit.com/othervoice/brokeninside
