The Roots of Krewella: A Musical Journey from Northbrook Library to New Heights
In the world of electronic dance music, few names resonate as powerfully as Krewella. The duo, composed of sisters Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf, has not only made a mark on the global stage but also credits their humble beginnings to a surprising source: the Northbrook Public Library. Reflecting on their early days, Jahan reminisces, “It was an embassy of music for us and an incredible resource for records.” The convenience of accessing a treasure trove of CDs allowed them to explore diverse musical styles, from the Cranberries and the Doors to their parents’ eclectic mix of ABBA, Bollywood tunes, and Arabic music.
High School Dreamers
Krewella began their genesis as an experimental electronic project during their high school years in 2007, while still enrolled at Glenbrook North High School. Amidst the sounds of iconic albums and the thrill of pirated music via platforms like Napster and LimeWire, the sisters formulated their vision of creating something vibrant and uniquely their own. Their experiences are a testament to how embracing varied influences and innovative technology can pave the way to artistic expression.
A Nostalgic Reflection in ‘Peak’
With the release of their latest album, “Peak,” Krewella embraces a major theme: the contradiction of our fast-paced culture and the nostalgia of old-school technology. The album artwork vividly captures this essence, featuring the sisters lounging on discarded tech—stacked laptops and outdated printers—at an e-waste recycling center in Los Angeles. “Each single one of them held someone’s entire life on them,” Yasmine notes. “We felt it was really important to capture the feeling of how temporary everything is … while trying to be present with how fast things are moving.” This sentiment breeds a deeper reflection on change and identity, a quest to navigate the pressures of modern living alongside the swift transformations of the world.
Homecoming to Chicago
The sisters’ homecoming to Chicago carries its own significance. As they prepare for a performance at Sound-Bar after attending Riot Fest, memories flood back of their early experiences in the city’s vibrant club scene. Jahan reminisces about Krewella’s inaugural show at Cobra Lounge and humorous incidents like sneaking a younger Yasmine into Sound-Bar to shoot their 2012 music video for “Killin’ It.” Those moments, infused with joy and the thrill of breaking into the music industry, remind them of the bustling culture that shaped their artistic trajectories.
Navigating a New Era
Krewella’s journey took a pivotal turn when their meteoric rise propelled them onto the Billboard Hot 100 and into significant festival lineups, including Lollapalooza and Electric Daisy Carnival. At a time when representation for women in EDM was scant, their success was especially groundbreaking. As artists who have straddled genres and challenged norms, Jahan and Yasmine assert their place in a rapidly evolving industry.
Reflecting on the recent release of “Peak” on September 4, which marks a new chapter under their own label, Mixed Kids Records, they celebrate the empowerment that comes from ownership and creative freedom. “I had this huge wave of tears come over me,” Yasmine shares, recalling the emotional weight of their journey. “I feel so grateful for the place that we have.”
Growth and Renewal
After a four-year hiatus—two of which involved a complete pause on music—Krewella embarked on personal journeys that would ultimately enrich their artistic process. Jahan embraced community work in Pakistan, co-founding Nagar Women’s Health House, a nonprofit aimed at improving women’s health and maternal care. Her experiences amid challenging circumstances provided a broader perspective on life and artistry.
Yasmine also pursued creative endeavors but prefers to keep some details under wraps for potential future projects. Both sisters recognize that their hiatus was beneficial. “If I had done it, it would have been forced. People would have heard it,” Yasmine explains. Their decision to step back from the noise of the industry allowed for substantial introspection and a renewed passion.
Chicago’s Dance Music Renaissance
As Krewella returns to the scene, they find themselves amid a Chicago renaissance, parallel to the meteoric rise of local talents like Honey Dijon and John Summit. The resurgence of Chicago’s dance music culture highlights the city’s everlasting influence in the electronic landscape. Yasmine passionately asserts, “If you know Chicago, you know that it’s always been doing the thing and it always will be… Chicago is so deeply embedded in dance music.”
Jahan echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the role of dance as a mode of healing and liberation. “People will always need to dance,” she remarks. “It was never a phase. It was never a trend. Club culture and dance music will always be an escape.”
As they usher in a new era for Krewella, the sisters are poised to not only create music but also foster a community where emotional expression and connection flourish. Their journey from the cozy confines of their local library to the global stage serves as a compelling narrative of resilience, creativity, and the power of music to transcend barriers.
