Within a couple of years, andhim have skyrocketed to the top of the underground house community. From creating their own “super house” sound to being a very well branded duo complete with beards and quirky shirts, Simon and Tobias now prepare to launch their own Superfriends label with the release of Tosch EP on December 5th, 2016. Hailing from Cologne, Germany, Simon and Tobi(as) are determined to use this step in their career to continue growing as artists and industry leaders.
After they returned home to Kreuzberg from their North America tour — with stops in Miami, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, New York and more — 6AM had the awesome opportunity to catch up with Simon to talk about the duo’s latest projects.
How did you two meet?
We often answer this question with a lot of lies, (laughs) but we really met at a turntable competition. Tobi was one of reigning champs and I knew I would be up against tough competition. We met that night and immediately clicked.
Where does your name come from?
The Greek Gods sent us the message!
What are your personal interests, and you can’t say making love to one another?
Simon: (Laughs) I love fine dining and cooking at home. Anything that has to do with good food and eating well.
Tobi enjoys flying his remote controlled airplanes, or whatever you call them, with his little brother.
I know you’ve had a hell of two-three weeks, how amazing and difficult was your North American tour?
I would say it was much more amazing than difficult. We’ve been to the States several times before and we’re always happy to go back. It’s great seeing more and more people come out to support us.
Where was your favorite stop?
All of our shows were really great. The SAKE.Enter gig with Richie Hawtin was probably the most unique since we’ve never done anything like that before. We opened up for Richie and we were just playing really chill stuff; opening set type of stuff. We really enjoyed that experience.
In San Diego, it was rainy and wet (the only day it was like this), but it was nice to see everyone stay and have a great time. Thanks for that!
In regards to your new Superfriends label, what is the vision for it? What inspired you to create your own thing?
We wanted something that could be about us. Our style. It’s so much easier having our own label, platform, and being able to manage ourselves. This is, also, of course about money. When you release music on third party labels, you are forfeiting your rights to that piece. Just absurd. So we made Superfriends Records.
How can people submit tracks?
They cannot. We are the only ones who will be featured on the label. Maybe remixes by some, but for now, the platform is solely for our output. Maybe down the line.
What about your new Tosch EP?
It’s the first release on our new Superfriends label, and we wanted to do something that was completely our “super house” sound with a heavy bass-line and vocals.
Listen to the Tosch single here:
What else is in the pipeline for you?
We are touring in Australia and South Africa after the holidays. I, Simon, am going on a solo adventure in New Zealand. Going to rent a car and just get lost there. I heard it was a breathtaking place.
Tobi is flying back home after the Australian tour for his girlfriend and extending his South Africa stay to adventure there together.
What’s the word with your beards? Do you ever plan on shaving it?
I probably can shave it, but I won’t. I have had it for about 10 years now. It’s a part of me.
What’s your favorite german beer?
In Cologne I love drinking Kölsch out of a small caliber glass.
What’s your favorite spot to eat when you are home (in Cologne)?
I love to eat at my Grandma’s house. There are these meatballs she makes that are incredible. And, of course, she doesn’t let me leave until I’m sick from eating. It’s great.
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