Deciduous & Atóm (IE): Closer To The Fire

When frequent collaborators Deciduous & Atóm (IE) come together, it’s less a formula than a feeling, equal parts friendship, raw instinct, and sonic chemistry. Bound by a shared commitment to emotional honesty and fluid genre exploration, the Irish trio have quietly carved out a corner of electronic music where unpredictability isn’t just welcomed—it’s essential.

Their latest work, House on Fire, released via ICONYC’s W imprint, captures that ethos in full burn. Across two cuts, the EP channels inner turmoil, vulnerability, and resilience through a series of high-tension moments and cathartic releases. But more than a technical statement, the record marks a deeper step forward for both acts: a reflection of their collective headspace and a testament to collaboration built on trust, experimentation, and emotional risk-taking.

As they tell Type / 01, this project isn’t about chasing trends or fitting into boxes. It’s about letting the chaos in, processing it, and repurposing it into something that hits hard and stays with you.

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Hi, guys! It’s a pleasure to link up. How are you doing? Where are you now? Thank you for joining us today.

We’re all good guys - thanks for having us. Life is good, we’re busy as is everyone, but enjoying life! Two of us are currently in our home country of Ireland, while one of the guys from Deciduous is out traveling around Asia.

Well, let us kick this one off…Congratulations on the release of your new W EP, House on Fire. We can imagine the excitement must be high! So, how are you feeling about this one? Has the anticipation been high for you?

Very excited! This one has been in the works for a long time, and we’re excited to have it out in the world. The feedback around the EP has been amazing so far, and the big thing for us was to create something a little different from the norm, which we feel has been achieved, so we’re delighted to have found a nice home like W that supports the vision for this EP.

Now, let’s dive straight into the record. House on Fire is quite a suggestive name, like there's almost a sense of urgency to it. How did it come about?

As an idea, it began with Atóm, and then we worked through the piece together. As we listened more to what was there, we found a real sense of purpose behind the vocals. As you said, it’s suggestive. To us House on Fire isn’t just a title, it’s a whole feeling. The name came out of this idea that sometimes things have to fall apart - or burn down, metaphorically - for something new to be built.

“House on Fire”, the first track in this EP, is a thunderous piece with a really interesting main break, where everything seems to “malfunction” for an instant before coming back together again. What did you want to transmit through this particular cut?

That’s a great observation - and exactly the kind of reaction we were hoping for. That “malfunction” moment in “House on Fire” is like the musical equivalent of a system overload. It’s meant to hit you, make you feel like something’s about to collapse, and then suddenly, everything snaps back, like the chaos just barely got reined in.

We wanted to capture that feeling of internal conflict, when you're right on the edge emotionally or mentally. It’s messy, unpredictable, but there’s also power in that instability. It's loud, raw, but there’s resilience underneath all the noise.

On the flip side, “Let It Out”, is a growing hybrid that treads a fine line between genres. Where did the inspiration for “Let It Out” come from?

“Let It Out” came from a totally different headspace - more of a release than a confrontation. After the intensity of “House on Fire”, we wanted something that felt like an exhale, but not in a passive way. It's still pulsing, still layered, but there's more openness, more fluidity in how the genres blend.

The inspiration came from that in-between state - when you’re not quite okay, but you're starting to process things, starting to speak honestly, even if it's through sound. We were listening to a lot of music that didn’t fit neatly into boxes - some leftfield electronic stuff, a bit of alt-pop, even Irish trad - and that fusion really informed the track.

It’s called “Let It Out” because that’s exactly what it is: not holding back, not overthinking - just letting the emotion bleed through, however it needed to.

This is not the first time you’ve shared a project. So, how did the connection between the three of you come about? What was it that drew you to collaborate together?

The connection between the three of us is rooted in friendship, long before it became a creative partnership. We’ve known each other for years, and a lot of that time was spent talking about music, sharing tracks, and playing each other’s stuff we were working on. No pressure, no big plan—just mutual respect and that natural chemistry you get when you really get each other.

What drew us together creatively was that we all hear music in this very fluid, evolving way. None of us is too caught up in sticking to one sound or scene. We’re more interested in how a song feels, rather than what genre it ticks off. That openness and trust are everything.

When we work together now, it still feels like friends jamming, experimenting, and pushing each other. There’s a lot of honesty in the process, but also space to just be weird, be raw, be real. We think that’s why the music tends to always end up in a new space, as we don’t put huge pressure on where it needs to go.

All three of you have a heap of collaborations to your names. So, in your view, what makes for a successful collaboration? When would you consider a collaboration a success?

A successful collaboration, for us, is less about the end product and more about the process of feeling genuine. If everyone brings their voice, feels heard, and there's trust in the room, that’s already a win.

It’s about that balance between trust and surprise- being open to each other’s instincts while still pushing boundaries. If we leave a session feeling inspired or like we discovered something new, that’s success.

At the core, a good collab feels like a conversation, not a transaction. Something none of us could’ve made alone. That’s the sweet spot.

Now, stepping outside of the studio…how do you envision the coming years for electronic dance music? Which new challenges do you see arising for artists? What’s your stance on AI at the moment?

Honestly, dance music’s at a weird crossroads right now. There’s still so much potential, but a lot of it has started to feel a bit flat, like we’re recycling the same sounds and formulas. The raw connection that made dance music so powerful in the first place - the energy between the track and the listener - feels like it’s getting lost in all the overly polished visuals and pre-packaged moments. It’s become more about the spectacle than the feeling.

Looking ahead, we’re going to need to strip it back a bit - bring the focus back to the music itself, the emotion, the human experience. That’s where the challenge lies: how do we reconnect people with the music on a visceral level, not just through a screen?

As for AI, it’s a double-edged sword. It can be a great tool, sure, but if it starts replacing the emotional core of what we do, then we’re in trouble. Music isn’t just about technical perfection. It’s about imperfection, tension, and release. That’s something AI still can’t replicate authentically. So we’re cautiously curious, but staying grounded in the human side of things.

Last one, and we’ll set you free…What’s next for Deciduous & Atóm in 2025? What new milestones are you looking forward to now?

The remainder of 2025 looks like a year of deeper exploration for both Deciduous & Atóm. We’re stepping outside of the familiar, trying to challenge ourselves sonically and creatively. There’s a lot of new material in the works, and we’re not afraid to take a few left turns with it. Expect more hybrid sounds, unexpected textures, and maybe even some cross-genre experiments that blur the lines even further.

Milestone-wise, we’re focusing less on numbers and more on impact - creating moments that feel real, whether that’s intimate releases or collaborations that actually mean something. We want to keep evolving without losing the core of what brought us here: honesty, connection, and a love for pushing boundaries.

So yeah—more risks, more heart, and hopefully more resonance with the people who’ve been with us from the start.

Thank you for your time, guys! We wish you the best of luck with House on Fire. Catch you soon!

A pleasure to chat with you guys! Thank you!

Deciduous & Atóm’s House On Fire EP is out now via W. Purchase your copy here.

ANDREW SAR: Born Anew

For years, Andrew Sar operated under the alias Messier, carving out a name with emotionally charged progressive releases that hinted at a talent with far more to say. But with the launch of this new phase, the Miami-based producer signals more than just a new alias under his own name. It’s a rebirth. One defined not by genres, but by intention: to fuse powerful and melodic elements with experimental flourishes and a heightened sense of emotional urgency.

Now stepping into the light with Mahaba, his debut EP on ICONYC’s W imprint, Sar unveils the full scope of his transformation. Across two tracks, he blends the tactile with the transcendent—drawing from a deeper well of rhythm, tension, and atmosphere. But beyond the production fireworks, what emerges is an artist newly in command of his identity, channeling the lessons of his past into something unpredictable and unbound.

In this interview with Type / 01 Magazine, Andrew Sar speaks on his newfound vision, stepping into the unknown, and why Mahaba marks just the beginning of a much larger story.

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Hi, Andrew! It’s a pleasure to link up. How are you doing? Where are you now? Thank you for joining us today.

Hello! And thank you for having me on the magazine. I’m doing great! Thank you for asking. Right now, I’ve been at my studio in Florida, making a lot of new music, restless for this new Afro / Melodic Project that’s becoming very promising with many releases this year.

Well, let us kick this one off…Congratulations on the release of your new W EP, Mahaba. We can imagine the excitement must be high! So, how are you feeling about this one? Has the anticipation been high for you?

Absolutely, I’m thrilled about my debut EP as Andrew Sar, and where else better than the great ICONYC’s W. They have been a major support through my entire career as an artist. I can’t be more excited about the Mahaba EP, which represents a fusion of many powerful and melodic sounds that will make this one a very exciting record. We already count with major support from many renowned artists, so. Get ready for the madness…

Now, let’s dive straight into the record. Mahaba is quite a unique name. How did it come about? Is there a particular meaning to it?

Well, the story of Mahaba came from an experiment that turned into something that I wasn’t even expecting. I sent John the demo, and I remember him saying, “Leave as is, don’t touch it! This is the best I’ve ever heard from you”. And that was just the beginning. At that point, I’ve discovered a new phase of myself that I didn’t know. Then I started creating more music of the same style, and things were turning out better than what I’ve imagined. And then, with a very convincing idea that I loved, I created the track “Rage”. “Rage” was a very challenging project that took me a lot of time and work to put all elements together to make it work, however, I was almost giving up on it due to the amount of work that was needed to put together to finish. Even so, I never gave up on it, and “Rage” is one of those tracks that represents this new sound, and the support has been just massive. “Mahaba” was supposed to be the lead track till “Rage” took place in representation of this project. At the end of it, “Mahaba” means love in Swahili, that’s what this new EP represents.

Now, “Rage”, the first track in this EP, really feels like a “perfect storm”, if you will, something that one can particularly appreciate in its core moments. How did it feel to channel such a powerful emotion? Did you feel like you were “laying it all on the line”?

You won’t believe this, but “Rage” is a sound that represents me as a whole. To those who have followed me with my other music projects, they know that every single track comes fully loaded with power. At every element, every part of the composition, every note. The feeling and this emotion that I’ve accomplished on this amazing production have been achieved. And its mission is to bring this euphoria to any dancefloor that’s been played in.

The second cut, “Mahaba”, is an Afro-melodic hybrid that follows a similar vein to ‘Rage’. Where did the inspiration for “Mahaba” come from?

I can’t be happier about this EP. “Mahaba” has a very original and powerful drum design, complemented by a strong bass, and the melodies are very exciting. The intention behind “Mahaba” was to create a futuristic idea coming to life that also represents the new Andrew Sar project.

Now, some people may not know, but you have been known as Messier for a long time now. So, is the Messier project over for now? Is it only taking the back seat for a while? Why did you need to start creating as Andrew Sar?

Messier is well known as a Progressive / Melodic act. I owe a lot to it. I wouldn’t be here without it, to be honest. Messier keeps growing and gaining support all over the world over time. I’ve made a decision after a whole year of overthinking whether it was a good idea to change the sound as Messier, or if I was going to create a new alias. It wasn’t easy. But these 2 paths were pointing to different directions, so I’ve made the decision about creating Andrew Sar and make this new project more expansive, and I’ll be continuing releasing music, playing at clubs and festivals as Messier, but only dedicated where it belongs, which is the Progressive crowd, I will not take that away from all the supporters we’ve gained this far. Messier is warming up for another big year as well. But Andrew Sar has awakened a new passion that will take over anything that comes as Afro, Melodic, and Indie from now on.

Did your approach in the studio change as well, or your relationship with music?

Yes. A lot of people that I work with have told me the approach has changed. Andrew Sar blossomed the inner me that has always been there, but never allowed it to get out. I get a lot of compliments about my new project. I can materialize all my new and fresh ideas that come along together naturally. I’ve found more inspiration, and I’ve regained that passion about making more music, and the results speak for themselves.

Now, stepping outside of the studio…how do you envision the coming years for electronic dance music? Which new challenges do you see arising for artists? What’s your stance on AI at the moment?

The electronic music scene, or music in general, is always changing; new trends, new artists, and new ways to create music always come up. As an artist, creating this new alter ego was a big challenge that I’m betting on, and willing to take the risk. I’m grateful that I’ve found people in this career who have supported me and given me advice to realize that if an artist can’t reinvent themselves and can’t pivot between every change, they’ll get burned or stuck somewhere along the way. About AI, I work with technology for a living. AI can be a powerful tool for any creator, as long as you use them the right way. In fact, I’ve. Been using AI for vocals that can make tracks more original, instead of using audio samples that have been used over and over by many artists. I think that AI can bring some more originality and uniqueness when it comes to producing instead of copying or automating the process. The feel and emotions that a human can create in the process can never be substituted by AI.

Last one, and we’ll set you free…What’s next for Andrew Sar in 2025? What new milestones are you looking forward to now?

I have high goals and expectations set for 2025. Being part of ICONYC and W was one of them. Now I’m focused about making music till the point where I can start preparing sets with Andrew Sar music, same as I do with Messier. I’m getting ready to keep sending music and work with the best labels I can partner with. I’m preparing a whole new image for the project, recording new sets in Mexico, visiting Europe in the Summer and Fall seasons while I keep partnering and meeting promoters in the US, where I’ve had so many limitations as Messier. The path is set, and we’re coming with everything.

Thank you for your time, Andrew! We wish you the best of luck with Mahaba. Catch you soon!

Thank you so much for having me again. To all ICONYC crew, you guys are amazing. I’ve been working with you all for a few years now, and I’m always excited with every release. ICONYC has given a home to many of my productions, and by this point, it feels like a Family.

Andrew Sar’s Mahaba EP is out now via W. Purchase your copy here.

JEFF EVELINE: Between Reality And A Mirage

With a distinctive approach to music production, Jeff Eveline exists somewhere out of time. His use of vintage distorted sounds, blurry and evocative vocals, and themes of love and introspection all come together in a seductive mirage as we wander into the mind of a modern artist yearning for the elusiveness of the scene’s halcyon days.

His recent Echo Valley EP on the ICONYC-affiliated W imprint is an immersive vision lingering on the outskirts of the desert, coming to life through a meticulous production approach. Embued in a narcotic, heady shade, Eveline proposes a gripping voyage to the heart of a forgotten place that still beats brimming with life with every sundown.

An elusive, yet refreshingly open figure, Eveline sits down with Type/01 to discuss the intricacies behind his new Echo Valley EP for W, his creative process, origins in the industry, the concept of “fast food music“, and more.

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Hi, Jeff! It’s a pleasure to link up. How are you doing? Where are you now? Thank you for joining us today.

Hey, it's awesome to link up! I’m out here in LA, just grinding with meetings and connecting on some cool new projects. Super excited for what’s ahead this year, and chatting with you is definitely a solid start!

Love that energy. So, let’s kick this one off…Congratulations on the release of your new W EP, Echo Valley. We can imagine the excitement must be high! So, how are you feeling about this one? Has the anticipation been high for you?

Thanks, I’m really excited! This isn’t just another release for me. It’s the start of a solid collaboration with W and the next level of my friendship with Pietro Casella. He’s been amazing, letting me really express my vision through the music. From the jump, we had this great creative connection, so this release is way more than just music. Plus, the feedback has been great from some top DJs, which gives me even more energy to keep pushing forward.

Now, let’s dive straight into the record. Is there a story or concept behind Echo Valley? How did the idea for the title come about?

Honestly, the process was super quick and flowed really naturally. I started with this dark, percussive beat and thought about adding psychedelic and catchy melodies on top. The main inspiration came from cruising through the Hollywood Hills at night and during the golden hour. Those kinds of atmospheres always spark my creativity, but the process can get hectic. I might start in one direction and then totally switch gears.

Comprised of 2 original cuts, Echo Valley paints quite a vivid picture, almost immersive. What was the process for this EP like?

After I got the beat done and had the idea clear, I linked up with my partner Squarehead, and we started laying down some melodies. We played with the arpeggiator that kicks in after the drop. I love distorted, grainy sounds as you can hear in the track; it’s got this melancholic, edgy vibe. While we were working on that, I wrote some bars, sent them over to Madishu, and she absolutely nailed it. She totally captured that vibe of driving through the hills at night. “Echo Valley” feels like the chant of a siren, but this time, she’s not lying in the water singing—she’s calling you from the top of the City of Angels! After a couple of weeks, the track was done.

Where do you go to for inspiration? What is it that usually fuels your tracks?

Strip clubs! But seriously, I find inspiration in the most random places. The more you think about it, the harder it is to make it happen. I just let my feelings guide me, and then the music and lyrics follow. I try to create an entire world around my music. Collaborating with the right people is also huge; when you’re surrounded by artists who vibe with you, it can take your work to the next level.

Now, taking this one back to your origins…How did you first connect with electronic music? What was it that drove you to produce your own tracks? What role do you occupy today in the industry?

Honestly, I can’t really pinpoint when or why it all started. I’ve just always had this creative mindset and gravitated toward things that most people overlook. I don’t really play instruments but I know how to make things happen. My lifestyle is pretty different from what a lot of electronic DJs and producers go through when they’re starting out. I was into wrestling, fashion, muscle cars, and I listened to artists like Kanye, Travis Scott, Future, and Marilyn Manson. I’ve always been drawn to American culture, especially everything connected to Black American culture—it’s something I really resonate with. Then I started listening to DJs like Koze, Sven Väth, Damian Lazarus, and DJ Tennis, and that’s when I mixed it all together and created my own sound.

For me, it’s all about personality. If you don’t have a strong image, you’re probably not going to catch my attention. You don’t need to be a villain, but you have to stand out. So, for me, making electronic music is all about vibing with something unique.

Stepping outside of the studio…how do you envision the coming years for electronic dance music? Which new challenges do you see arising for artists?

The industry’s always changing, and it’s especially tough for up and coming artists like me. The game’s shifting, but that’s not a bad thing—it keeps you sharp. We’re in the era of social media and what I call “fast food music,” where thousands of songs are released every week, and all that matters are the numbers. Often, the real artist, the one who makes music because they have to, gets lost in the noise.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the celebrity status and the lifestyle, but I’m doing this because I need to. Right now, there are a lot of fake producers and artists out there, thanks to social media and easy access to free samples. So, to stand out, you really have to fight for your space. But here’s my advice: just do your thing the best you can, don’t follow trends, and don’t worry about what the audience thinks. No rules! Just do what you feel and don’t be afraid of it! You’re your biggest supporter, and your time will come. Try to surround yourself with the right people, those who support you without getting jealous or trying to compete for no reason. Go catch a flight and say “hi” to the DJ you want to collaborate with. The personal, face-to-face approach is key! Be proactive and invest your money wisely—it’s tough sometimes, really tough, but just never give up! There’s no secret formula, anyone can find their way to get noticed and stand out. But that real, in-person connection? That’s a total game-changer!

Last one, and we’ll set you free…What’s next for Jeff Eveline in 2025? What new milestones are you looking forward to now?

2025 is shaping up to be a busy year. I’ve got a new single dropping under Yulia Niko’s new imprint in a couple of months. I’m also finishing up some new tracks for W/ICONYC, and there are other projects still waiting for the right moment.

On top of that, I’m running my label COBRET, where I’m producing American alternative hip-hop and pop. My crew and I are building a strong roster of artists, and I can’t wait to drop everything we’ve been working on. One of the main artists is Chris Moner, my brother from Detroit. He’s in the “Echo Valley” video with me!

Thank you for your time, Jeff! We wish you the best of luck with Echo Valley. Catch you soon

Appreciate it! Thanks for the chat, and I’ll see you out there!

Jeff Eveline’s Echo Valley EP is out now via W. Purchase your copy here.

THE HAUNTING OF SEVERIN SU & JULIAN KOERNDL

An exquisite pairing, Severin Su & Julian Koerndl tap with enviable ease into the more emotional side of electronic music. Sophisticated, intricate, yet accessible, their union brings forth a fresh take where complex drum programming meets soaring synthetics that come alive in dazzling sonic puzzles.

This time around, Su & Koerndl come together to deliver W’s inaugural release, their two-track EP, Haunted. Inviting us to an evocative realm where lost souls come to feel alive once more, Haunted is more than a luscious outing from the pair, and signals quite a declaration of intent from the ICONYC-affiliated imprint.

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Hi, Severin! Hello, Julian! It’s a pleasure to link up. How are you doing? How is this new year treating you so far? Thank you for joining us today.

Julian: Thanks for having us! The year is already filled with amazing music that we are excited to share. It’s the second year of releasing music to the public and we can’t wait to show our artistic vision to the world!

Severin: Hey! Thanks again. The year has started strong, and we’re feeling excited about everything that’s unfolding.

Well, let us kick this one off…Congratulations on the release of your new W Berlin record, Haunted. We can imagine the excitement must be high! So, how are you feeling about this one? Has the anticipation been high for you?

Severin: Absolutely! This release feels special because it came together so naturally. From producing the tracks to setting up the release with the guys from W—everything just fell into place. But of course, there’s always that moment of anticipation before a track is out in the world, like butterflies in your stomach, one might say. You wonder how people will connect with it, and if they’ll feel what we felt when making it.

Julian: With Haunted, we tried to produce a real heartmelter. A Track that was designed to mirror a set of feelings that we all went through and probably all have to go through again and again. We are very proud that we combined both our key elements into a sonic potpourri. It was the first track we ever did that really speaks to people that aren’t involved with electronic music. Of course, we can’t wait for this track to kiss ears and dance floors around the world.

Now, let’s dive straight into the record. As the name suggests, there seems to be a lingering sense of balance between nostalgia and a glimmer of “hopefulness” in “Haunted” as a single. A tightrope act between dark and light, if you will. Was this your intention from the offset? Did you have a clear horizon before you started this one?

Severin: The basic idea of the track, with vocals, drums, and harmonies, lay around on my computer for quite some time. When I first showed it to Julian, there was an instant smile on his face. We immediately sat down to work on it. It was one of those tracks that instantly sparked the process without much questioning—we knew we had to finish it. As Julian mentioned before, the goal was to make something that would speak to people emotionally, whether they are at home, in a club, or even if they aren’t into electronic music at all. To make something universal, so to speak. The idea was also to subtly blend genres—lush vocals, emotional pads, and a mid-2000s-inspired main melody.

Julian: From the beginning, it was clear for us to make a record that shows both of our personalities. Severin’s insane drum programming combined with my signature pad sound. We wanted to show the beauty of melancholy, the beautiful sadness, so to speak. Our mission was to sculpt the feeling of missing somebody that you can’t get back into a composition that reflects the celebration of looking back in happiness to the memories we had with this person. Those memories nobody can take away from you. In this case, it was really adding my sparkling pads on Severin’s drums and then the so called “clear horizon” was visible to us.

Then, the second cut, “Calling For You”, showcases a different side to this project with a very engaging dynamic that puts the notion of “tension” as a centerpiece with unstable gated acidic sequences and its finale. There’s almost like a thing of alchemy to it. What was the idea and process behind “Calling For You”?

Severin: The starting process was more or less the same as with “Haunted”. “Calling For You” is more restless, more urgent. Where “Haunted” lingers and embraces, this one keeps pushing forward. In my mind, it’s that feeling of reaching for something just out of grasp—maybe a person, maybe a moment, or maybe, an answer. The goal was to make a track that marches forward, not really looking back—possibly only leaving a blank spot and a question mark.

Julian: To me, “Calling For You” is a feeling. A feeling most artists will have experienced in their lives. It’s the “call to greatness”, the call to extraordinary artistry, but to achieve this goal you have to go through a lot of darkness, resistance, and pain. But this call is what keeps you going and alive because you know you will thrive one day.

And this is, indeed, the first release ever in W’s catalog. How do you feel about having been selected to conduct such an honor?

Severin: We often discuss the concept of where the whole music industry is heading. A good part of the scene has become oversaturated with tracks that sound more or less the same, where experimentation is taken with a grain of salt, and where playing it safe has become an everyday reality. With this release, we tried to open up new horizons, respecting all the artists striving to break new ground while also having the courage to open new chapters. What feels a bit surreal for both of us is that the W guys had exactly the same vision in mind—boldness, quality over quantity, and openness to new ideas. That’s why it’s an honor to be the first to put these ideas to the test.

Julian: Of course, it is a great honor to be the very first release on a label run by absolute professionals. The names that are coming up on this relabel are top-level stars in this game and we are still rather small underground artists, so it’s not only an honor for us, but it also showcases that this label is not about making music for cheap thrills.

By the way, how did the Severin Su/Julian Koerndl connection come about? Was the music connection instant?

Julian: It was around 5 years ago when I had my very first live show in our hometown Graz. At that time, I had just started producing and Severin was one of the biggest DJs in our town. I really admired him. A few days after I played, he sent me a message to see if I wanted to hang out with him at his studio – I was completely starstruck. He has been like a mentor ever since and I’ve learned a lot from him. We are best friends by now.

And having collaborated a few times, what does your studio process look like by now?

Julian: Collaborating, for me, is a complete pain, but with Severin, it’s really easy since we share the same vision 90% of the time. Often times it’s like telepathy. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and help each other where we can. The biggest advantage is that we 100% accept the decisions of each other and respect each other’s opinions, even if we disagree.

Severin: Since we exchange ideas and thoughts on a rather daily basis, it feels like we are nearly always on the same page and up to date. It’s just joyful to work in a respectful way, where you have trust in each other’s decision-making. And of course, it’s nice to exchange thoughts while sitting in front of a computer with a sofa and just listen to each other work on ideas, haha. Having fun is what it’s all about, I guess.

Now, let’s get to know the people behind the sounds. Beyond music, what is one passion or cause you care deeply about, and why does it matter to you?

Severin: If I have to choose one, I would say cooking—either for my loved ones or for myself. There is no more satisfying feeling for me than seeing the people I care about with full bellies and smiles on their faces, taking into consideration that the meal I made was any good.

Julian: I am really interested in art and design. I love going to exhibitions and I’m currently working on my graphic design skills. If only I had more time I would also love to dive into 3D modeling.

Stepping outside of the studio…how do you guys envision the coming years for electronic dance music? Which new challenges do you see arising for artists?

Severin: I must say that I have concerns about the whole music industry ever since we’ve devalued music through streaming services, social media, and unfair compensation for artists. Platforms like TikTok encourage fragmented listening, and major labels exploit artists by waiting for viral moments rather than investing in their long-term careers.

When it comes to the future of electronic dance music, a big part will be shaped by advancements in AI, immersive technology, and new forms of digital interaction, but time will tell.

Julian: The best analogy for the current situation is the fashion brand Gucci: they maxed out every well-selling product with a ton of different iterations and became more and more irrelevant as other brands had a rise because instead of capitalizing one model with 20 different colorways, they did completely new products. That’s exactly what has happened for years and will carry on. You can choose money, or you can choose something meaningful. For rising artists, the biggest challenge is that making good music is maybe 20% of the whole game.

Last one and we’ll set you free…What’s next for Severin Su & Julian Koerndl in 2025? What new milestones are you looking forward to now?

Julian: Soon we have a track together on Skala’s Amaeo label, where we explore the subject of mutation.

Severin: …Also, we have planned an EP on Elif’s Marginalia imprint that hits the house-y nerve. And of course, we are really looking forward to new music by our peers!

T</01: Thank you for your time, guys! Best of luck with Haunted. Catch you soon!

Severin: Thank you for having us!

Julian: We hope to see you again soon!

Severin Su & Julian Koerndl’s Haunted EP is out now via W. Purchase your copy here.