How do you handle music requests?
We don’t. Luckily, nowadays nobody really asks anymore but back in the days when the gigs were smaller it was a bit frustrating because nearly everyone is asking for the most random songs. They won’t fit 99% of the time.
What do you do when equipment goes on strike?
First rule is not to panic! Luckily we have a team with us that helps to find the mistake as fast as possible and meanwhile we try to entertain the crowd. It doesn’t happen often, but when it happens it really sucks and the adrenaline is as high as it could get.
What are your musical influences from childhood?
Gregor: I loved Gigi D’Agostino as a child and of course still today. I think he has a very special feeling for melodies and how to create magical moments through music. This definitely plays a big role in how I perceive and think of melodies.
Tobi: I started playing in rock bands and then I was a really into hip hop. But when I was very young, my parents and grandparents had a shop where they sold vinyls and CDs so I was always listening to the newest records.
Is it even possible to argue about musical tastes?
From our point of view not really. Honestly, it doesn’t make much sense to argue about something that is so different to each and everyone. You could argue about external influences and how it affects your own personal taste in music. But that would fill too many pages.
Which track would run when you moved into your boxing match?
Gregor: The Chainsmokers & Tiesto – Split
Tobi: YouNotUs & Aka Aka – Like a Punk
What was the worst job you have ever had?
Gregor: My worst job turned out to be my best. I was a pizza delivery guy back when I was a student. It was paid really bad but because of this job I met Tobi. We had seen each other in university but never did anything together. One day I actually delivered Pizza to Tobi. It was very funny and he showed me a track he was just producing. Well, we ended up sitting there for hours finishing the track and my boss fired me. After that night we started YouNotUs :)
Tobi: When I was a student, I did some different student jobs from time to time. The worst was definitely getting electro shocks for a medical study. And even worse, it was paid very badly.
Describes your sound to someone who has never heard it before.
We would describe our sound as a mixture of dance/pop and house music. We also want to get the right vibe for every song we make. That‘s why some of our tracks are very different from others. But in the end it‘s important for us to make music that people can connect with and dance to.
Do you have any good tour stories from clubs or festivals?
One of the best experiences was the comeback to live shows after the pandemic this year. We played our live show with brass section, live drummer and live singers in Lyon, France and completely were blown away by the energy of the crowd. From minute one they were going completely crazy doing moshpits every 2 minutes and screaming along melodies. They kept that level of rage throughout the whole set. This was so unexpected because it was also our first live show in France and we didn’t really know if they know our music. So definitely one for the books.
What would you do if you weren’t a musician?
Gregor: Haha I’m madly into helicopters so I would probably be a pilot.
Tobi: I would probably work in the music industry but more behind the scenes. Like working for a label as an A&R manager or something like this.
Which style of music should have the most followers? And why?
Dance and House Music of course :D You can party with your friends, dance and have a great time. It drives you and makes people wanna sing along every melody. Thats what we love about this style of music!
What is the most important musical equipment invention of all time – and why?
As Music Producers we would have to say music production software. It makes everything so much easier and gives endless possibilities. Nevertheless, we are pretty huge fans of synthesizers like the Prophet Analog 12 and others. But also, when it comes down to music history, we would probably have to say the piano. It‘s such an old instrument and still part of every song. At least while writing music.
What would you advise to become a professional?
Always stay motivated, become the best in what you do and connect with other people in the industry. Luck is only a mixture of preparation and opportunity. So, if you train and learn to become really good at that what you do, there will come an opportunity eventually. It can really take a while though, so have a lot of patience!
