Rüfüs Du Sol: Charting the Journey of Australian EDM Titans as They Prepare for the Biggest Tour of Their Lives
In a cluttered Burbank rehearsal studio brimming with electronics and travel cases, the dynamic Australian trio Rüfüs Du Sol is busy fine-tuning their set for an upcoming tour that promises to be a career-defining moment. As they delve into their music, the musicians—Tyrone Lindqvist, Jon George, and James Hunt—navigate through a tapestry of live arrangements, weighing how much of themselves to share with their dedicated fans.
The Weight of Expectations
On a rainy day in March, the band members focus on crafting diverse live sets tailored for various settings—festivals, arenas, and the most significant of all, their own headline stadium shows. With a set list that singer-keyboardist Lindqvist affectionately dubs “the Behemoth,” and drummer Hunt labels “the Beast, the Hulk,” the pressure of delivering an unforgettable experience is palpable.
“We’ve had so much love from our fans,” Lindqvist reflects, his blond hair contrasting against the dark backdrop of his synth station. “But how long is too long? At what point are we doing too much? Sometimes less is more, and finding that balance is tricky.” This delicate dance between audience engagement and creative integrity embodies the band’s ethos, rooted deeply in their live performance tradition.
The Evolution of a Live Act
Rüfüs Du Sol is no stranger to the stage. Their last headline performance in Los Angeles saw them sell out three consecutive nights at the Banc of California Stadium, an impressive feat for any artist. This time, they are gearing up for a much larger venue, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, expecting nearly 60,000 fans—marking their biggest headline show to date.
Since their inception in Sydney, Australia, in 2010, Rüfüs Du Sol has steadily ascended the ranks of the EDM world. Known for their compelling alternative electronic dance music, they have made their mark on both large dance festivals and multi-genre events like Coachella and Lollapalooza. Their appeal transcends genres, making them a go-to act for diverse audiences.
Crafting the Live Experience
Rüfüs Du Sol considers themselves a live EDM act, a crucial distinction that sets them apart in the crowded music landscape. Drawing inspiration from pioneers like the Chemical Brothers, who blended sampled beats with live instruments in the 90s, the trio aims to create a spectacle replete with humanity and emotional resonance.
“Our show is a live experience, and there’s a distinct layer of humanity in it,” explains Hunt. “From night to night, the performance might be slightly different.” This reliance on human connection, rather than solely on pre-programmed beats, gives their performances a unique spark, elevating them beyond the standard electronic concert experience.
The New Album: Inhale / Exhale
Their most recent album, “Inhale / Exhale,” released in October, serves as a bridge to their evolving sound and performance style. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard dance music album charts, showcasing how their craft continues to resonate in a fast-evolving industry.
Describing the first single, “Music Is Better,” Lindqvist said it was a nod to the early 2000s house sound while “Lately,” which incorporates gospel house influences, highlights their versatility. The latter was developed during DJ sets under the Rüfüs Du Sol name, where the trio explored varying styles that ultimately informed the album.
Building a Connection Through Therapy
In the past few years, Rüfüs Du Sol has also made efforts to address the emotional dynamics of being in a long-term band. After relocating from a studio in Venice to different cities, they began group therapy sessions, encouraged by their manager. This wasn’t some dramatic intervention but a means to facilitate healthy communication and growth within the group.
“It was about being able to open lines of communication,” says George. Lindqvist acknowledges that their journey as a band has created both growth and challenges in their relationships—a testament to the emotional complexities inherent in any long-term collaboration.
A Unique Creative Process
Writing and recording for “Inhale / Exhale” marked a significant change as the band members no longer lived in the same city. They embraced an unconventional approach by taking trips together, spending weeks in creative hotspots like Austin, Los Angeles, and Ibiza.
“There was an air of uncertainty at the start,” admits Lindqvist, reflecting on the challenges that emerged from their geographical distance. “But we love making music together, and those trips turned into a productive collaboration.”
Cultivating a Sense of Community
As they prepare for a significant performance at Lollapalooza in Chicago, anticipation builds for the Rose Bowl show that follows. The emotional investment in their music is not just artistic; it also strengthens bonds with their fans. Their music serves as the backdrop for countless personal experiences, from weddings to moments of grief, creating a profound connection.
“We’ve built this gradually—incrementally,” Hunt elaborates. “People have had life experiences tied to our music, making it meaningful.”
The Road Ahead
Rüfüs Du Sol is poised to take their message and music to ever-larger audiences, reflecting their growth both as musicians and individuals. Each performance is an opportunity to engage with fans, celebrate a shared love for music, and navigate the delicate balance of artistry and audience expectations.
As Lindqvist flicks through the intricate set list crafted for the Rose Bowl, a mixture of excitement and nostalgia washes over him. “We never imagined we’d surpass our initial dreams,” he says. The trio stands on the brink of something monumental, ready to embrace both the weight of their past and the promise of the future.
