Their combination of pop, folk and electro elements is lethal, Milky Chance are taking the Internet by storm, constructing jams like no one else out there.

It’s hard not feel anything when listening to Milky Chance’s music. The shape-shifting German duo—Clemens Rehbein and Philipp Dausch—are crossing genre lines, creating ultra-groovy funk, megahooky records perfect for heavy-headed wiggling. Amid spacey electronic excursions and a stripped back beat, their new single ‘Stolen Dance,’ hits like an unearthed gem with feel-good effect. Really, it’s a remarkable offering: the song has already garnered over 25 million views on YouTube.

We recently spoke with Clemens, the brainchild of Milky Chance, who is about to embark on a European tour, about their new album, ‘Sadnecessary’, how incorporating art into their songs is shaping their development, and meeting for the first time.

What’s the biggest misconception about Milky Chance?

There isn’t one.

Can you talk about what motivates you?

The feeling you get when music connects to people and allows them to be peaceful.

What has your musical journey been like as a duo?

Two friends experience a fairytale they dreamed of being kids.

Tell me a little bit about how you first met?

In high school, high in school, looking at each other and then we started making music.

What are some of the comparisons that you have heard about yourself, both good and bad?

Wankelmut, Jack Johnson, and Edward Sharp.

I think a lot of people listen to your songs and think that they are autobiographical, and it sounds like a lot of them probably aren’t. Do you know what you want someone to feel when they listen to you?

No. We don’t think of what other people hear or how they might connect when they listen to our music.

I was listening to the words to ‘Stolen Dance’ and was wondering how suspense controls the mind. I mean, how much control do you have over what goes on inside your head?

I think we both like spending time in our minds, but instead of control I would say intuition is more how we put it out.

The video for ‘Stolen Dance’ is very cinematic. It’s almost like an illustration of your journey. Do you think your development is heavily influenced by art?

Yes, it is. Art is our way to understand or see the world, so we find development in searching for art.

How surprised or afraid were you once ‘Stolen Dance’ started to become popular? Was there a moment of complete panic when you saw that over 20 million people had watched the video?

No. We don’t really feel touched by clicks and panic is nothing we can deal with.

When you hear your music being played somewhere, do you consciously watch people’s reactions? Or are you taken in by the tension of your own creativity?

I guess both, but it’s also definitely more fun to watch other people.

What is the one thing that makes it difficult for the two of you to work together?

It is easy, that’s why we like it.

Will there be a particular theme that resonates on your upcoming album, ‘Sadnecessary’?

Danceable melancholy.

What are your biggest flaws?

That’s a secret.

 

‘Stolen Dance’ will be released June 30 on Ignition Records.

Words: Noel Phillips.