Weval’s Evolution: Celebrating a Decade with ‘Chorophobia’
Marking ten years in the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music, the Dutch duo Weval—comprised of Harm Coolen and Merijn Scholte Albers—unveiled their latest album, ‘Chorophobia,’ late last year. This project is intriguing not only for its sonic evolution but also for its ironic embrace of the duo’s hesitation to produce a full-fledged dance record. While Weval has long been celebrated for their genre-bending sound that fuses krautrock, jazz, and ambient elements, ‘Chorophobia’ signifies a decisive shift towards a more conventional electronic music form. Here, they have created an album that intimately connects with the dance floor, offering a bold and direct experience.
“We realized we were a bit scared of doing that [making a full dance record], which is weird because we are already like 10 years into electronic dance music.”
A Return to Roots: DJ Sets as a Lifesaver
The creative revitalization for ‘Chorophobia’ came notably from a resurgence in performing DJ sets. This return to the decks proved to be a “lifesaver” for the duo. Engaging directly with live audiences reconnected them with the pulsating energy and immediacy that can often be lost in the solitude of the studio. “Overthinking” can often stifle creativity in a controlled environment, but the dynamic of live performances allowed Weval to rediscover the visceral nature of electronic music. This refreshing experience sparked a creative fire, motivating them to focus more on speed and instinct rather than getting caught up in endless production revisions.
Streamlined Production: The Rock and Roll Ethos
Adopting a distinct “rock and roll” and “punk” ethos, Weval embraced a streamlined approach to their production for this album. Gone are the days of meticulous tweaking and second-guessing; instead, they chose to prioritize spontaneity and instinct. This decision resulted in a collection of tracks that feel both familiar and invigoratingly bold. Their studio dynamic played a significant role in shaping this album, with Merijn acting as the quick arranger and Harm serving as the idea generator. This synergistic collaboration facilitated an organic flow, leading to the creation of material that feels both authentic and tailored for the dance floor.
Milestones and Nostalgia: A Decade of Weval
In a recent conversation with B-Sides host Pete Mar, the duo reflected on their decade-long journey in music. Weval not only shared insights into their evolving creative process but also reminisced about their early days, including a low-key Hollywood show featuring then-unknown Billie Eilish. These reflective moments added depth to their narrative, highlighting how much has changed since their inception while simultaneously showcasing their commitment to artistic growth and evolution.
Watch the Full Interview
For those interested in diving deeper into Weval’s artistic journey, the full interview offers a treasure trove of insights, anecdotes, and personal reflections. It’s a chance to understand the minds behind the music and witness their appreciation for both their past and future. The interview serves not just as a conversation, but as a mapping of the evolution the duo has undergone over these past ten years.
Featured Music Video
Accompanying the release of ‘Chorophobia’ is an innovative music video that captures the essence of their new direction. The visuals complement the album’s themes by showcasing the vibrant interplay between sound and movement. It’s a visually engrossing piece that enhances the listening experience and showcases the duo’s artistic vision.
