WOO YORK on "Samum", Irish Bagpipes and Watergate Records

From the FUTUREMAG archive. Originally published in FUTUREMAG #03 — Afterlife (June 2023).

Congratulations on your upcoming EP with Watergate Records. How do you feel about releasing on such a prestigious label?

We're honored to be releasing on Watergate Records, a label that has been a staple of the electronic music scene for years. As artists who have released on other major labels in the past, we see this opportunity as a testament to our hard work and dedication to our craft.

The title track of your EP includes folk elements and Irish bagpipes. What inspired you to experiment with these sounds?

We wanted to challenge ourselves creatively by experimenting with different genres and instruments. Irish bagpipes were an interesting choice because they have a distinctive, powerful sound that evokes a sense of history and tradition. By mixing this instrument with our signature techno sound, we thought we could create something fresh and unexpected.

We have a collaborative, iterative approach to the creative process. We talk about our vision for the track and the mood we want to convey, and from there we start playing with different melodies, chord progressions and drum patterns. Once we have a rough idea, we start shaping it and refining the details.

How do you balance electronic and instrumental elements to create a cohesive sound?

We try to include elements with a more organic, natural feel to balance the electronic ones. We carefully consider which sounds and instruments will work best in each track, making sure every element brings something unique and complementary. We also pay close attention to arrangement and production to create a cohesive whole.

How has your sound evolved, and what direction do you see for WOO YORK?

Our sound has evolved over the years. When we started, we were heavily influenced by techno and electronic music, but we've incorporated more diverse sounds, textures and organic elements. We keep looking for new ways to bring different sounds and textures into our music, and we're excited to see where this exploration takes us.