The way EDM has risen in the US over the last few years, it's easy to get lost in the confetti, lights, and bass that personifies the scene in the eyes of many. What about the leftfield? What about the sounds that can destroy sound systems but build towards something bigger, or more timeless?
That's where Clicks & Whistles comes in. While many have been introduced to their sound via the trap side of their catalog, they truly are so much more. Drawing on the early electronic influences from the last wave of dance music to run through the US, Clicks & Whistles create vibrant tracks that not only stand apart from the current crop of promising producers, but also help solidify their positions as the torchbearers for the deeper side of American dance music.
Clicks & Whistles operate within the progressive mindstate that thrives within pockets of the American underground, providing a sense of hope within the US for those who might not immediately flock to the big-room sounds of EDM. They create moods, and ride beautiful beds of bass. Don't let us sell you on these guys, though: check out some of their best work, and hear from the duo themselves regarding the US scene and how they fit into it.
Essential Clicks & Whistles
Click the picture or "next" to proceed to the interview...
Click the picture or "next" to proceed to the interview...
You guys had a pretty stellar 2012, with a lot of recognition and dope releases coming from your camp. Do you guys map out how you want your career to proceed or are you just taking it as it comes?
Nah, we haven’t really mapped out how we wanted to proceed career-wise because it’s mainly organic from what comes out of our studio sessions. A lot of times we’ll sign releases to labels but we’re also on their timetable and can’t really control the pacing or timing as far as when they drop. In the future we plan on taking some time to map out our release schedule than we have in the past.
While you both live in Charlotte, you guys come from/have spent time in different cities in the US (Miami, Chicago, Roanoke). Would you say the regional sounds of those areas play a part in the music you’re making today, and if so, where would you say those cities specifically can be heard in your music?
Growing up listening to southern rap music has a ton to do with our sound. The whole Timbaland era really stuck with us. Its kind of more of a subconscious thing - like whatever you are really into in your teenage years seems to have a lasting impression on on your taste. Thankfully we had a lot of timeless music we were exposed to at that point in our lives.
With a sound so diverse, ranging from dubstep and trap beats to stuff that’s deeper into breaks and stuff like “Hightower,” where would you two say you fit in the current EDM scene?
We don't really know where we fit in - but we find that exciting. A lot of our sound comes from experimenting in the studio and finding out what we are good at. We are still growing as producers and exploring different vibes. We’ve had a diverse set of releases in 2012 and plan on continuing that path into 2013.
What are your thoughts on the EDM scene as a whole, especially in the US, where it’s becoming more comfortable on the mainstream level?
It’s great to see dance music getting so big here in the US, for sure. A portion of these newcomers are going to become the next generation of producers and heads. Those are the people we want to cater to while also maintaining a more underground sound. There’s a lot of backlash from the underground toward mainstream club music getting so big here, but we don’t get down with that. We see the crossovers and collaborations as a good thing for the future of dance music in the US.
You guys have had releases on Embassy, an EP with Symbols and the "Frite Nite" single that many heard dropped by Baauer on Benji B’s show. Would you say 2012 has been your most productive year, in terms of getting exposure?
2012 has been an insanely productive year for us with four EPs and touring to support those releases. It’s awesome and surreal to watch how much exposure we’ve been getting this past year. Our goal moving forward is to refine our sound some and keep up the momentum from this year.
What’s lined up for you guys, release-wise, in 2013? Any plans for album-length projects?
There’s a lot of things on the horizon that we’re really excited about for 2013 but nothing we can really reveal quite yet. We’ve been compiling a lot of new material so something like an album isn’t out of the question. At this point we’re just gonna keep grinding in the studio and see where it takes us.
Do androids dance?
Only if they’re programmed to dance.
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Be sure to keep up with Clicks & Whistles via SoundCloud, Twitter and Facebook.
Shouts to Clicks & Whistles, as well as Kastle at Symbols, who allowed us to give away "Waiting 4," a cut from their 2 Much Higher EP that dropped on Symbols in October 2012.
