From their intimate coffee shop performances to commanding the Main Stage at some of the biggest festivals in dance music, me n ü are rapidly establishing themselves as one of the genre’s most exciting sister duos. Born and raised in Chicago, Liana and her sister have crafted an emotionally resonant sound they call “Hope House,” which has brought them acclaim at prestigious events such as Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland, Red Rocks, and EDC Orlando.
While their rise to fame has certainly been aided by viral moments that introduced their authentic sound to a larger audience, it’s crucial to recognize that years of dedication to songwriting, production, and teamwork laid the groundwork for their success. During an enlightening conversation with Dancing Astronaut, the sisters discussed their creative synergy, the pressures that accompany fame, and their commitment to authenticity amid a landscape often dominated by trends.
Defining “Hope House” Sound
Liana started off the interview by asking about their unique sound, which they describe as “Hope House.” The sisters articulated their aspiration for listeners to feel both nostalgia and euphoria through their music, emphasizing the emotional depth embedded in their tracks. “We always want people to leave feeling that bittersweet essence of remembering moments in their lives,” they explained. They also shared their love for performing in unconventional settings, such as natural environments, which amplifies audience connection and enriches the musical experience.
The Backbone of Collaboration
Before solidifying their identity as me n ü, years spent writing and producing together fortified their creative partnership. This shared history equips them with a unique ability to bounce back from exhaustion creatively, as they demonstrated when preparing for a New York show. “After years of consistently creating, you can still find inspiration even when you’re tired,” they revealed. This synergy allows them to balance each other out; the sisters bring both the honesty needed to confront challenges and the support that drives them forward.
Moments of Realization
The duo acknowledged that they are still on their journey and have greater ambitions, but certain milestones have given them pause to appreciate their progress. Their unforgettable show in New York, where a storm delayed their performance yet over 700 fans stayed in line to see them, marked a significant moment of connection. “That’s when we realized we were building something special,” they reflected, highlighting the profound impact of genuine engagement over mere online streams.
Managing Expectations
Their catchy single “Jump” became a springboard for their music career, but the sisters faced the challenge of evolving creatively without succumbing to the pressure to replicate its success. They confessed that the success of a hit song can create mental blocks, making it hard to create new music. However, they learned that every release offers a fresh opportunity. “We just had to keep moving forward,” they advised, emphasizing the importance of trusting their instincts rather than chasing after formulas that may not work.
Empowering Female Producers
As women making strides in a predominantly male music scene, the duo recognized the importance of offering guidance to other aspiring female producers. After realizing they were the only women on the Main Stage at Ultra, they shared their observations: “Somebody booked you because you earned your place.” They urged others not to let the industry’s gender dynamics create doubt but to focus on their individual journeys and continue producing great music without limitations.
Envisioning Future Success
Looking ahead, Liana asked about their definition of success. The sisters dream of continuing to play larger festivals while also aiming to create cohesive album projects rather than being pigeonholed as single-focused artists. They expressed a desire for listeners to engage deeply with their artistic narratives: “We want to make bodies of work that people can experience from beginning to end.” Creative freedom, they emphasized, is vital as they navigate their musical journey.
Dream Collaborations and Stages
As the conversation turned more personal, they shared lofty aspirations for future collaborations, with Peggy Gou topping their list of dream artists to work with, given her creative influence on their own work. Festival dreams included Coachella and Lollapalooza, alongside aspirations to tour Asia and Australia. Ultimately, they kept their sights on playing shows dressed in their favorite styles across Europe, embodying the essence of their artistic expression.
Through appearances at essential dance music festivals and a commitment to authenticity, me n ü are not just a fleeting trend; they are evolving into multi-dimensional artists. Their journey, marked by emotional depth and collaborative strength, signals that their path in the electronic music scene is just beginning, and their story continues to unfold. With a focus on creativity, emotional resonance, and the breaking of barriers, me n ü is poised for considerable future success.
