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Ultra Sunn - sonic quest for beauty and light | Interview

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Death Disco Indoor Festival 2024

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Akill

Ultra Sunn turns the fight to grow and evolve into dynamic EBM beats and catchy electro, cold wave melodies!

Death Disco Indoor Festival 2024 is approaching and one of the bands that we eager to see on stage is one of the most promising names in dark electro and EBM scene. Hailing from Belgium, Ultra Sunn blends their emotions and anxieties with gloomy sounds, melodies that resonates and powerful beats that turns their songs into dark dancefloor hits. Ultra Sunn were formed in 2019 by singer/multi-instrumentalist Sam Huge and keyboardist/producer Gaelle Souflet in Brussels. Since 2020 and their successful "Keep Your Eyes Peeled", the duo from Brussels has won unanimous support by performing concerts all over the world always being in line with classical EBM and Belgian electronic music while they deliver a modern dark view to their dark beats.

In April 2024 the debut full length album "US" was released via "Artoffact Records" keeping their compelling, brooding EBM-influenced sound and conveyed with sweet melancholy that leads to euphoric sentiments.

Almost a year ago percussionist and keyboardist Alexis Andrigo joined the band. They made their debut in Athens last year with Idles at the Plissken Festival and this year they will be participating in Death Disco Indoor Fest 2024 this year, alongside with some of the biggest names of dark wave and dark electro scene!

On the occasion of their visit in Athens, Greece we had an amazing chat with Ultra Sunn about music, influences, feelings and more!

** All photos © Kris Parenti

ES: "Ultra Sunn" reflects the ideals and symbolism of light. How do these concepts influence your music and live performances?

Our project started with a conversation about beauty and aesthetics, which led us to conclude that the most beautiful thing is light. Sunlight acts like a spectrum composed of waves, some visible to us and some not. It’s a bit like sound. Human experience shows a fascination with, even a deification of, the sun. Its various representations in the arts are always deeply moving. We chose this name as a human symbol of our quest for beauty and light.

ES: Your debut album "US" is described as both melancholic and futuristic. What emotions or experiences did you want to evoke in listeners through this album?

We didn’t know it was described like that! The message of this album, as always, is more positive and combative. We invite listeners to fight, to not give up, to stay strong, and to seek to rise above their circumstances. The feedback we’ve received while touring has been incredible—we truly feel that our message resonates with our audience’s hearts.

ES: Your music bridges classical EBM with modern sounds. What has been your approach to merging these influences while keeping your sound fresh and contemporary?

US: We were born and raised in Belgium, so the "Sound of Belgium"—Belgian electronic music like EBM or New Beat—is part of our DNA. It’s the music we grew up with and referenced. Our approach is modern in that our studio equipment, processes, and themes are current. We feel comfortable in our time; we’re not nostalgic, and we aim to honor our musical heritage.

ES: From "Keep Your Eyes Peeled" to now, how has your sound evolved? Are there any themes you’ve explored more deeply in recent works?

US: Perhaps in our influences—we’ve explored new ideas. For example, in our latest album, we were inspired by oriental music (as heard in the strings on *Lost and Found*). We’re also influenced by video game music and listened to a lot of Detroit House Music, which made playing in Detroit Michigan a very special experience.

ES: You’ve collaborated with notable names like Kontravoid and Zanias. How have these collaborations shaped your music and creative process?

US: Kontravoid remixed our track *Keep Your Eyes Peeled*, and his approach, especially to percussion, was fascinating. We also had the pleasure of spending time with him in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. Beyond being incredibly talented and a person of taste, he’s such a kind and cool person—a refreshing presence in this industry! We can’t wait to see him again.
Our collaboration with Alison (Zanias) happened during a transitional period for us. We had just ended a label contract and were looking for a partner to release a vinyl EP. We worked together on the release of this record called *Kill Your Idols* through her label, Fleisch. Alison is incredibly inspiring and talented—a true vocalist with a pure vision of her art, which is rare and worth highlighting.

ES: You’ve performed alongside iconic acts like Front 242 and Nitzer Ebb. What have you learned from sharing the stage with these pioneers of the genre?

US: We’ve had the pleasure of playing with both of these bands, whom we like so much. Our friendship with Front 242 began at a concert in Lille, France, where Patrick approached us to talk about music and technique. Since then, we’ve played together in Belgium, France and Las Vegas. It’s always amazing to exchange ideas with them and hear their advice—whether about album creation or stage setups. Patrick and Richard have greatly influenced our sound and approach as a band.
Their longevity and freshness, both on stage and in their relationship with music, are so inspiring. They also have a fantastic sense of humor, and we’ve had plenty of laughs together. We’ve performed with Nitzer Ebb in Belgium, Canada, and the U.S., and we remember their kindness and genuine interest in our music. Their energy on stage is powerful and infectious.

ES: Your music tackles themes like self-improvement, anxiety, and gender equality. How do these topics find their way into your lyrics and sound?

US: Always with a positive, optimistic, and combative outlook. We’ve both faced difficult challenges during our childhood and adolescence. In a way, the music we create today is the result of a fierce fight to survive, to endure, to grow, and to evolve. Our greatest joy now is to share this thirst for life with our audience, and we’re deeply moved to see how much the message resonates.

ES: You will be in Athens for Death Disco Indoor Festival 2024. Death Disco festivals are known for their energy and audience connection. What excites you most about performing in Athens?

US: Energy and connection with the audience are exactly what we aim for in our performances. In our personal lives, we have a special connection with Greece—Sam has family in the Cyclades, and we visit Greece every year to spend quiet, restorative time there. It’s a country that gives us immense strength. Before starting our band, Sam was completing studies in Greek archaeology and still holds a deep passion for the culture and arts of this country. We know Athenians love to party, dance, and sing, and we can’t wait to share an intense moment with our audience.

ES: What can fans in Athens expect from your live performance? Any surprises or unique elements expected for this show?

US: For us, a show is built together. The band might be three people on stage, but it’s primarily about all of us together. That’s why our first album is called *US*. Beyond being the initials of our band, it’s a tribute to the special bond we share with our audience. We aim to create a complete and shared energy that fills the entire venue during our shows.

ES: Thank you very much for this chat. Would you like to say something to our readers or add something more?

US: Thank you for the chat—we’re so excited to return and share powerful moments with our Greek audience! Ευχαριστούμε πολύ και τα λέμε σύντομα!

ES: Thank you very much. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you on stage!