Ukrainian duo Woo York has been making waves in the techno scene for over a decade, captivating audiences with their hypnotic soundscapes and powerful live performances. Known for their unique blend of dark, melodic techno, they have carved a distinct niche for themselves in the global electronic music landscape. In this interview, we chat with the enigmatic duo to discuss their creative process, their influences, and their thoughts on the evolution of techno.
What have been the standout memories of 2024 so far?
2024 started on a high note for us, particularly with an unforgettable event in Colombia. We were part of the Afterlife event in Medellín, performing in front of an incredible crowd of around 15,000 people. Just before our set, the skies began to cloud over, and by the time we finished, it was clear that a storm was imminent. In fact, as soon as we wrapped up our set, a huge rain hit, forcing the event to a complete stop. It was one of those moments where everything seemed to be hanging in the balance – imagine flying 15 hours, excited to play for such a massive audience, only to nearly have it canceled due to the weather. But we were fortunate. We managed to perform our set just before the storm took over.
What inspired you to start your upcoming new label OTHERVOICE, and what do you hope to achieve with it?
That’s a good question! Throughout our career, we’ve created a vast and diverse body of work, ranging from hard-hitting, unforgiving tracks to soft, melodic, and dreamy tunes. We’ve never confined ourselves to a single style or direction, and that’s something we’ve always been proud of. However, the process of releasing music often felt restrictive. Typically, you have to approach a record label, submit your music, and then wait to see if it aligns with their taste. If they like it, they’ll release it – if not, you’re back to square one. After years of relying on someone else’s opinion to determine whether our music would see the light of day, we realized it was time to take control. The idea behind OTHERVOICE is to create a platform where we can release music on our own terms. Where we have the freedom to share the sound we believe in, without the need to depend on someone else’s taste. With OTHERVOICE we will release what we want, when we want, and how we want. With OTHERVOICE we will showcase the full spectrum of our sound and connect with listeners directly, without any barriers.
Your new tune ‘Broken Inside’ featuring DJ Preach marks the label’s debut. Can you tell us more about the creative process behind this track?
To fully explain the creative process behind “Broken Inside,” we need to take a trip back about 20 years when we were just kids having fun, fully on into the rave scene. During that time, there was one track with a melody that lodged itself in our minds and never left. That melody became one we could never forget, not just because of the track itself, but because of the memories and emotions it evoked. It was a soundtrack to those formative years, a connection to our past, and a reminder of how far we’ve come. Fast forward to more recent times, we found ourselves in the studio, reminiscing about those days, and thought, why not pay tribute to these memories that meant so much to us? We set out to reinterpret the spirit of that melody – not by creating a remix, but by crafting a homage that honored the original inspiration. Though we didn’t use any samples from the original track, we reimagined that memorable melody through our lens, creating something entirely new. In the end, we produced something that we’re incredibly proud of – a track that not only marks the debut of our label but also serves as a deeply personal tribute to a piece of music that shaped us.
How does “Broken Inside” reflect the sound of OTHERVOICE? What can we expect from the label’s future releases?
As we’ve discussed, we have never confined ourselves to a single color of electronic music. Over the years, we have produced techno in all its various shades – from hardgroove at 140 BPM to softer and melodic ACID lines, exemplified by our album released on Afterlife. You can expect OTHERVOICE to continue this tradition of diversity. We aim to introduce a variety of aspects, all rooted in the WOO YORK ethos. There may be collaborations with other artists in the future, but for now, our priority is to present our sound and vision through the label.
The name OTHERVOICE suggests a distinct or alternative perspective. What message are you trying to convey through your label and its music?
In an industry where the approval of trendsetters hinges on their personal interests, great pieces of music can never see the light simply because they don’t fit someone else’s idea of what’s “in”. OTHERVOICE is our response to this. By establishing our label, we’re reclaiming the freedom to present music on our terms. We want to showcase a wide range of sounds, reflecting our belief that music should be celebrated for its uniqueness rather than its conformity.
Melodic Techno has been your signature sound. How do you continue to innovate within this sound while staying true to your roots?
While we’ve always had a deep appreciation for melodies, the genre you are referring to as Melodic Techno wasn’t even defined when we started and the sound landscape has evolved dramatically since then. For us, the essence of innovation lies in continually evolving while staying true to the core principles that define our artistry. On one hand, we remain deeply committed to our vision and on the other hand, we keep an eye on emerging trends and new sonic possibilities. This balance allows us to stay relevant and fresh without losing our authentic voice.
With OTHERVOICE, do you plan to focus solely on your own music, or are you looking to bring other artists into the fold? Will there be events or showcases?
We plan to host exclusive OTHERVOICE events. These events will feature specially curated lighting, visuals, and stage design, creating an environment where our performance can be presented in a fresh and engaging way. Unlike traditional shows, where we are presented just as “another DJs”, OTHERVOICE will feature us as a Live act, emphasizing our performance style and showcasing our music with the distinct energy and authenticity that define us. If the right opportunities arise, we might explore including other artists in our roster. For now, our goal is to establish OTHERVOICE as a platform for our own creative output.
What are your dreams for OTHERVOICE? Where do you hope to see it in the coming years?
We don’t have a rigid long-term plan. We want to see where the journey takes us. Maybe OTHERVOICE will evolve in unexpected ways, and that’s exciting to us. What matters most is staying true to our path and connecting with people who appreciate what we’re doing. If OTHERVOICE can become a home for music that we love and resonates with listeners, then we’ll consider it a success.
Woo York’s “Broken Inside” is out now on their new label OTHERVOICE
Grab it here – https://hypeddit.com/othervoice/brokeninside
