THE TAKE 5 SERIES
Since 2009, Ukrainian pair Woo York have been local heroes in their homeland of Kyiv, and through a series of releases, they have introduced the world to their dreamy, melodic techno. In addition, they continually improve their live performances, develop new ideas for their studio recordings, and expand their fan base worldwide.
In 2012, after releasing an assortment of successful EPs on the renowned Glaswegian label Soma Records and the veteran techno platform Planet Rhythm, Woo York established themselves as indispensable members of the international techno community. Woo York’s style has always had a melodic element, setting them apart from other four-to-the-floor techno acts.
Their 2015 participation in Life And Death marked a significant turning point in their career. After the release of their debut EP, The Valley Of Songs, Woo York began working closely with the internationally acclaimed duo Tale Of Us, who eventually signed the band to their label, Afterlife. As a result of this partnership, Woo York’s highly anticipated first album Chasing The Dream, was released in 2018, and the band performed at several Afterlife festivals worldwide.
Recently capping off a string of impressive performances at Berlin’s legendary Watergate, Woo York joined the label with a grand first release, “Samum EP.” Their penchant for creativity and experimentation shines through in this strong record, further solidifying their stellar reputation for creating fantastic music.
The duo maintains that music’s value lies not just in its rhythm but also in how it makes its listeners feel and think. “We experiment with various sounds and instruments to create a sonic landscape that takes the listener on a journey, not a sprint,” Woo York explains.
To learn more about Woo York, including the most ridiculous thing they have ever bought, check out our interview with them below:
Q: What are your thoughts on the meaning of success, and how do you define success for yourself?
To us, success is about creating music that we’re proud of and that connects with our audience. It’s about the satisfaction of knowing that we’ve created something meaningful and impactful.
Q: What's the most ridiculous thing you've ever bought?
We once bought a vintage synth that was in terrible condition and spent months restoring it to working order. It was a crazy project, but we learned a lot and it ended up sounding amazing.
Q: What sets your music apart from others in the dance music genre?
We believe that music is not just about the beat, but also about the emotions and experiences it evokes in the listener. We experiment with a variety of sounds and instruments to create a sonic landscape that takes the listener on a journey, not to a sprint.
Q: Where and when would you go if you could travel back in time to any moment in history?
We would love to go back to the 1970s and experience the birth of electronic music firsthand. It would be incredible to witness the development of technology and the creative processes that led to the emergence of the genre.
Q: What is your philosophy on happiness, and how do you strive to maintain a sense of happiness and well-being?
For us, happiness comes from pursuing our passions and creating music that we love. We try to prioritize self-care and balance in our lives, and we make sure to take time for ourselves and our families to maintain a sense of well-being and happiness.
