Klingande

In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of electronic dance music, few acts have captured the spirit of melodic innovation quite like Klingande. Emerging from the fertile ground of the early 2010s deep house revival, Klingande's marriage of acoustic instrumentation and electronic euphoria has positioned the duo—now the solo project of Cédric Steinmyller—firmly within the lexicon of contemporary music. The journey of Klingande began in the amiable streets of Croix, a small town in northern France, where Steinmyller first developed his affinity for music. As a teenager, he was drawn to the emotive landscapes of deep house, a burgeoning genre at the time. His early influences were a mosaic of sounds, spanning from the Scandinavian simplicity of house to the lush, layered textures reminiscent of Axwell and Avicii. It was at this intersection of inspiration that Klingande was formed. Steinmyller joined forces with fellow musician and friend Edgar Catry, a collaboration that was as serendipitous as it was strategic. Their joint venture was christened “Klingande,” a name derived from the Swedish word for “sounding.” This homage to Scandinavia was not accidental; it was a nod to the Nordic influences that were to become so pivotal in their sound. The duo's inaugural track, "Punga," released in early 2013, was a tantalizing prelude to what would soon become their signature style. But it was their runaway hit single "Jubel," released later that same year, that became an anthem of the era. Fusing the warmth of live saxophone melodies with pulsing electronic beats, "Jubel" encapsulated Klingande's knack for blending heartfelt, organic elements with the mechanical precision of electronic dance music. The track's infectious melody, coupled with its airy, feel-good rhythm, found immediate resonance with audiences worldwide, climbing atop charts in several countries including Germany and Austria. The sound of Klingande, intricate yet accessible, cannot be easily categorized within the constraints of a single genre. It floats seamlessly through deep house, tropical house, and melodic house, with saxophones and pianos often interplaying with synths and sequencers. This signature style, lush with optimistic energy, sets the Klingande brand apart in a crowded musical landscape. In 2014, Edgar Catry made the decision to depart from the project, leaving Steinmyller at the helm. This transition was marked by the release of "Riva (Restart the Game)," featuring vocalist Broken Back. The track demonstrated Steinmyller’s unwavering commitment to Klingande’s original vision, and his ability to evolve the project as a solo endeavor. It continued Klingande's chart success and reimagined the landscape of modern electronic music, climbing the charts across Europe. As Klingande, Steinmyller embarked on a series of successful tours, bringing his vivacious live performances to an international audience. What made Klingande's live shows unique was their embodiment of live musicianship; saxophonists, violinists, and singers were not mere accompaniments but integral parts of the experience. These performances transcended the era’s standard DJ sets and offered a synesthetic experience full of vitality and spontaneity, mirroring the organic-electronic hybridity of his recorded work. 2015 saw the release of "Losing U," another collaboration—this time with singer Daylight—that further showcased Steinmyller's ability to create tracks that balanced emotive resonance with dance floor appeal. As singles continued to drop, Klingande's cognizance of musicality within electronic music became clearer, distinguishing himself as not just a purveyor of beats but as a composer in the truest sense. The years that followed were marked by continuous exploration and evolution. In 2019, Steinmyller released Klingande’s debut album, "The Album," a diverse collection of tracks featuring high-profile collaborations while maintaining the core identity of Klingande’s sound. Partnered with artists like Parov Stelar, Wrabel, and Joe Killington, each track on "The Album" was a testament to Steinmyller's adaptability and commitment to sonic exploration. Outside the studio, Klingande's dedication to sustainability and conscious living was also noteworthy. His commitment to the environment was reflected in initiatives during his tours, advocating for eco-friendly practices in an industry often critiqued for its carbon footprint. As of today, Klingande's influence extends far beyond his own discography. He's inspired a generation of producers who've adopted similar blends of acoustic warmth and electronic coolness. Whether offering escapism or setting the mood for introspection, Klingande’s music is a testament to the power of harmony, melody, and rhythm in uniting listeners across the globe. The story of Klingande, from the small town of Croix to international acclaim, is not just a tale of musical success—it's a melody that continues to resonate through the halls of electronic music’s ever-evolving narrative.