Stefanno b2b Julianno Discuss ‘The Blackout’ and Their Creative Vision
by Alicia Cruz November 27, 2024
Stefanno b2b Julianno continue to push boundaries in the Progressive Trance and Techno space, delivering tracks that resonate with fans and showcase their evolving creativity. Their latest release, ‘The Blackout’, is a prime example of their ability to blend atmospheric depth with driving energy. In this interview, the duo share the story behind the track, their creative process, and what’s next in their journey.
Hi Stefanno b2b Julianno, how are you guys? Hey! We’re doing awesome, every day working on new music and keeping the vibe alive. Thank you for inviting us for this cool interview.
‘The Blackout’ has a distinct atmosphere. Was there a particular setting or scene you imagined while creating this track? ‘The Blackout’ was heavily inspired by the atmosphere of October, by the crisp air, the moody skies, and the eerie vibe of Halloween, because this record was produced in a couple of days, three weeks before Halloween. We also drew inspiration from Markus Schulz’s annual Afterdark series, aiming to blend those dark, haunting elements with a driving techno energy beat. It’s a track that reflects the mysterious and atmospheric side of the season.
When you began working on ‘The Blackout,’ did the track start with a specific element—like a beat, melody, or texture—or did it evolve from a different concept? ‘The Blackout’ started with those vocal adlibs, which set the tone for the entire track. We processed them with some plugins from Soundtoys to create that dark, atmospheric feel. Once the mood was established, we brought in the drums, the repetitive techno patterns that drive the energy and give the track its hypnotic groove. From there, the rest of the elements naturally fell into place.
What tools or software were essential in producing ‘The Blackout’? Did you experiment with any new plugins or gear for this track? For ‘The Blackout,’ we relied on our usual plugins, but this time we really leaned into the Soundtoys bundle. We experimented heavily with their effects to craft the dark, atmospheric mood we envisioned for this track. The bundle is incredible for processing and adding character, and it played a huge role in shaping the sound we wanted to achieve.
The breakdown introduces filtered details and new energy. How do you approach breakdowns to keep listeners engaged but still build anticipation for the drop? In ‘The Blackout,’ we approached the breakdown by keeping the groove alive with subtle percussive elements, ensuring the energy stayed consistent. Our focus was on building tension naturally, layering filtered details to create anticipation while maintaining a danceable vibe. This way, the breakdown feels like an integral part of the track, seamlessly leading into the drop.
Do you have a favourite part of the production process? Our favourite part of the production process has to be the ‘hey’ and ‘aha’ vocal hooks. It came about spontaneously and instantly clicked with the vibe of the track. We were inspired by the timeless energy of the ‘Stranger to Stability’ remix by Len Faki released 15 years ago, a record we’ve played a lot in our live shows in those times. It’s always been a record that stuck with us, and we wanted to capture a similar vibe in our own way.
The track has a layered, evolving sound. How do you avoid overcrowding the mix while still creating such a rich texture? The key to avoiding overcrowding while maintaining a rich texture is proper stereo placement. We ensure every element has its place in the mix: the lows, especially under 100Hz, are kept in mono and centered, while the mids and highs are widened and panned left and right. This approach creates space and clarity, allowing the layers to evolve without clashing.
You both have different musical backgrounds and influences. How do you combine those when working on a track like ‘The Blackout’? Actually, we don’t have very different backgrounds. We both started exploring the full spectrum of electronic music back in high school. For us, it’s less about our past influences and more about the feeling we have in the moment when we’re in the studio. Inspiration can come from anywhere… from a progressive house track or a trance 138 bpm track, from the weather outside, or even something we’ve heard from other artists. It’s about channeling that vibe into the music we create.
How would you say ‘The Blackout’ reflects where you are creatively right now? Did you approach this track differently than previous releases? ‘The Blackout’ came together very quickly, reflecting how we like to let creativity flow naturally. We don’t want to confine ourselves to a specific genre or bpm—it’s all about capturing the feeling of the moment and letting our subconscious guide us. For example, on December 1, we’re releasing a progressive house track at 122 BPM, which we’re really excited about. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll experiment with hardstyle or lounge music. We’re open to every electronic genre and its influences. For us, it’s all part of the journey. 💜
Lastly, what’s next for Stefanno b2b Julianno? On December 13, we’re dropping a massive house remix of the classic ‘In for the Kill,’ and we’re super excited to share it with you. We’ll kick off 2025 strong with an EP featuring two new tracks, already signed with our friends from Addictive Sounds label. For the rest of the year, our biggest goal is to meet you guys around the world, bringing the energy and good vibes wherever we go!
Thank you for the interview! Was a pleasure for us!
Stefanno b2b Julianno continue to push the boundaries of their sound, blending influences and emotions into tracks that resonate with fans worldwide. With ‘The Blackout’ and exciting new projects on the horizon, they remain a duo to watch in the Electronic Music scene. Whether through their productions or their dynamic live performances, Stefanno b2b Julianno promise to keep delivering music that inspires and excites.
Listen to ‘The Blackout’ Now:
Stefanno b2b Julianno Online
