The Roots of Krewella: A Musical Journey Fueled by Passion and Nostalgia
Without the Northbrook Public Library, the meteoric rise of the electronic dance music duo Krewella might never have occurred. For Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf, it was more than just a repository of books; it became a treasure trove of music. Reflecting on their formative years, Jahan recalls, “It was an embassy of music for us and an incredible resource for records. We’d dive into the treasure chest of CDs and then rent them and upload them at home on iTunes.” It was within the library’s walls that the sisters first dreamt up their project in 2007 while still navigating the complexities of high school, their heads filled with the sounds of the Cranberries, ABBA, and an eclectic mix of Bollywood and Arabic music.
Their foray into the music world was also colored by the early days of internet piracy, where services like Napster and LimeWire became their underground portals to discovering new genres and artists. “Another huge influence for us was pirating music… laughing at the antiquated memories,” Jahan fondly remembers, revealing how the environment they grew up in was steeped in a rich tapestry of diverse musical influences that shaped their artistic identity.
The Latest Evolution: Krewella’s “Peak”
Krewella’s newest album, aptly titled “Peak,” embodies the narrative theme of old-school technology interspersed with the duo’s musings on modern society’s obsession with novelty. The album art captures this sentiment artistically, featuring the sisters surrounded by outdated tech—defunct laptops, printers, and monitors—set against the backdrop of an e-waste recycling center in Los Angeles. “Everything you see are props made out of people’s old things,” Yasmine explains. “Each one of them held someone’s entire life… then suddenly it’s obsolete and gone.” This project invites listeners to reflect on the transient nature of material possessions and the importance of remaining grounded amidst rapid change.
Krewella’s music has historically resonated with themes of euphoria, and with “Peak,” they aim to help fans reconcile with the tumultuous transformations of contemporary life. Yasmine’s hope that the album could assist listeners in navigating these changes is a testament to the sisters’ thoughtful and introspective approach to songwriting.
Return to Chicago: A Full Circle Moment
As Krewella prepares to perform at Sound-Bar in Chicago on September 19, memories of their early days in the city flood back. With the festival season in full swing—particularly Riot Fest—Jahan and Yasmine are excited to revisit their roots. “Jahan loves Tool and I love Morrissey,” Yasmine mentions, hinting at their eclectic tastes and connection to the broader music scene. For Jahan, the nostalgia is palpable as she reflects on their debut show at Cobra Lounge and the old haunts around the city that once fueled their artistic ambitions.
Krewella’s rise to fame was meteoric, culminating in the release of their hit single “Alive” from the 2012 EP “Play Hard.” The duo quickly became one of the few prominent female acts in a male-dominated EDM landscape, securing their place on the charts and festival lineups around the world. Their early experiences at venues like The Mid and Sound-Bar played a crucial role in shaping their identities as artists.
Embracing Change: A Necessary Break
The journey leading up to “Peak” was not without its challenges. After a four-year hiatus from the music industry, Krewella took the time to recalibrate. Jahan ventured into cooking and dedicated herself to community health initiatives in Pakistan, co-founding Nagar Women’s Health House to address maternal health issues. “The universe has given us so much to be well-resourced, to take care of ourselves. So that’s our way of giving back in Pakistan,” she shares, highlighting their commitment to social issues alongside their musical endeavors.
Conversely, Yasmine pursued personal projects while remaining discreet about her future artistic direction. Acknowledging their need for this break, she explains, “I was pretty burnt out. The thought of making music again felt impossible… and I don’t want to fill the space with music that wasn’t made from the heart.” Both sisters recognize that their time apart allowed for personal growth and insight, paving the way for a rejuvenated return to music.
A Resilient Chicago Scene
As they re-enter the music scene, Krewella finds themselves part of a burgeoning moment for Chicago DJs and producers, with the likes of Honey Dijon and John Summit leading the charge. “Chicago is so deeply embedded in dance music, and I feel like it’s always going to be,” Yasmine asserts confidently. This certainty reflects their belief in the enduring power of dance music—a space for liberation and emotional release.
Jahan emphasizes, “People will always need to dance. It’s a somatic release for us.” Their perspective underscores the importance of music as a form of escapism, highlighting a cultural resonance that transcends mere trend or fad. With Krewella’s return, they not only reclaim their spot in the EDM landscape but also carry forward a message of resilience and joy that influences countless fans.
Both sisters embody a blend of nostalgia, hope, and determination, creating music that resonates not only with their personal journey but also with the collective experience of a generation navigating a complex world.
