“Our music still thrives on these influences, encompassing the melancholic and fragile sounds. The song ‘Freya’ is no exception.” This is how Munich-based electronic music duo KIDSØ describes their captivating sonic landscape, deeply influenced by the profound majesty of Scandinavian and Nordic landscapes. These regions, known for their raw, elemental beauty, find a musical echo in KIDSØ’s blend of electronic beats and organic sounds.
Having crafted music together since 2013, Moritz Grassinger and Martin Schneider form a seasoned team, united in their belief that music transcends boundaries, offering solace during challenging times.
Their latest single, ‘Freya’, whisks listeners on a remarkable journey, an absolute treat for those fond of emotive minimal electronic music. Join us as we delve into a conversation with the duo about ‘Freya’, how they deal with the pressures of the music industry and the enduring influences that continue to mould their musical journey.
photography by KIDSØ
Hello Martin and Moritz, it’s a pleasure to have you here with us at C-Heads. To start this interview, where are you joining us from today?
We’re both currently in our studio in Munich, working on a few songs alongside our conversation with you. We’re excited to answer your questions!
When we last spoke, you mentioned that your music is heavily influenced by Scandinavian and Nordic landscapes, the nature, lakes, mountains, and trees. Was this also the inspiration behind your new track ‘Freya’?
Exactly, and that continues to be fundamental to our music. Our music still thrives on these influences, encompassing the melancholic and fragile sounds. The song “Freya” is no exception.
The electronic beats, organic sounds, live drums, and melancholic voice of ‘Freya’ are reminiscent of your debut EP ‘Apart’. Is this a return to your roots, or just a continuation of your evolving sound?
Our debut EP “Apart” still significantly shapes our music. It accurately describes the kind of music we want to create. This doesn’t mean that some songs won’t venture into different directions and deviate from that, but the core of our music lies exactly where the EP originated.
“Our debut EP ‘Apart’ still significantly shapes our music. It accurately describes the kind of music we want to create.”
Partnering with Embassy One marks a significant milestone for KIDSØ. How has this collaboration affected your music production process, if at all?
We have been working with the colleagues from Embassy One, or Embassy of Music, since our album “Fir” last year. At that time, the release was under the sub-label esc:ctrl, jointly operated with ease Agency. Although we are very satisfied with the Natascha Polké collab release under The Gardens of Babylon, it was not surprising that our journey would continue mainly with Embassy One. We have complete artistic freedom here and feel very well supported by the team of Embassy One and our management Springstoff.
How do you deal with the pressures of the music industry, including the need to consistently produce new music, perform, and engage with fans?
That’s a very good point that we often discuss among ourselves. Nowadays, there is a certain pressure when producing music, an expectation that needs to be fulfilled. This also influences our work and the way how we write our songs. Fortunately, we are divided in a way that Moritz can focus on the music, and I (Martin) primarily handle filming and photography. We cover each other’s backs, so to speak.
Considering the significant transformations in our lives due to advancements in technology, and specifically the integration of AI and machine learning in music production, how do you see these developments impacting the future of electronic music? And are these technologies something you’d contemplate using in your own creative process?
That is definitely an exciting topic that we closely follow, even outside of music. In terms of music, we will surely see in the coming years how these technologies can be used, including for us. We are definitely curious.
“Nowadays, there is a certain pressure when producing music, an expectation that needs to be fulfilled. This also influences our work and the way we write our songs.”
You’ve been touring across Europe and performing at various festivals and clubs. Do you enjoy the touring aspect more than the production part of your music career?
We enjoy both aspects very much. However, you can’t just sit in the studio all the time and “just” write songs. We also want to play the songs live and experience how they resonate with our audience. Our own tour will kick off in September, which we will announce in the next few days. We’re really looking forward to it.
Last time we spoke, you mentioned that you were constantly listening to music from Natascha Polké, Faodail, and Janus Rasmussen. What’s the answer to the same question today: which music are you currently listening to all the time?
The artists we’re currently listening to vary over time for sure. It’s often artists we’ve been aware of for a long time or who have released new music. But we also come across new artists who fascinate us and weren’t on our radar before, like Philipp Wolf or Angara just recently.
Beyond music, what passions or interests do you have that feed into your creativity?
I love photography and enjoy writing stories for each individual song release. Moritz always has to put up with my ideas and fortunately, he usually agrees with them. Aside from that, we both enjoy hiking or being in the mountains, paddling on lakes, and occasionally having one or two beers together while watching the sunset.
The most important thing in life?
Health.
Thank you so much for your time!
We thank you for this lovely interview!
