Hamburg Duo WITH U Talks Evolving Sound and Experiences

Based in Hamburg, Germany, DJ duo WITH U—comprising longtime friends Philip and Marlon—has been steadily carving out a distinct identity within the electronic dance music landscape. Emerging from the Afro House scene, WITH U has cultivated a vibrant sound that masterfully intertwines Afro House and Melodic House with influences from Indie Dance. Their journey has blossomed from a shared passion for music and over a decade of friendship, culminating in their debut release ‘Karibu,’ which achieved remarkable success with over 85 million streams on Spotify and a current listener base of more than 2.3 million monthly listeners.

The duo’s connection with their fans extends beyond numbers; it thrives in the energy of live performances. Following their debut set at HÖR Berlin, WITH U has energized audiences across Europe and beyond, with memorable shows at prestigious events like Formula 1 Singapore, Voyage Lisbon, Bootshaus Cologne, and Kraftwerk Zürich. Their recent recognition by Shazam as one of its 50 promising artists for 2025 underscores their growing influence in the industry.

In their latest release, ‘Do You Mean,’ WITH U continues to navigate the balance between club energy and everyday listening. The duo emphasizes that each track tells its own story. For ‘Do You Mean,’ inspiration struck while in the studio, where vocalist Benji spontaneously crafted lyrics that reflected the immediate mood, showcasing the raw and organic nature of their creative process. Their dedication to creating music that resonates in both club settings and everyday life reflects their passionate commitment to authenticity in music.

During a recent interview, WITH U highlighted the importance of their Hamburg roots in shaping their artistic identity and sound. They embraced the diversity and rich electronic music scene of their hometown, with influences from notable local artists such as Solomun, alongside global heavyweights like Black Coffee and Âme. They articulate their evolving sound as an ongoing journey rather than something confined to a single genre, which ties into their broader mission: to foster human connection through music while navigating the modern challenges of a fast-paced industry.

As they look to the future, WITH U is set to continue exploring new sonic territories while remaining true to their artistic vision. Their insights into the current state of the global EDM scene reflect a landscape ripe with creativity yet fraught with challenges. They emphasize the need for artists to maintain authentic connections with their audiences amidst the trend-driven pace of today's music industry, reinforcing their belief that genuine emotional experiences must remain at the forefront of their work.