Howling: The Soulful Voice of German Electronic Pop

Howling is the acclaimed musical project of German singer-songwriter and producer RY X alongside renowned British producer Frank Wiedemann of the duo Âme. Emerging from Berlin's vibrant electronic scene, the project has carved a distinct niche with its emotionally resonant blend of folk-inflected vocals and deep, atmospheric house production. Their debut single "Howling" became a global underground hit, setting the stage for a career defined by poignant songwriting and international festival performances.

Early career

The project Howling was formed in 2014 following a creative connection between Australian-born, Berlin-based artist RY X and Frank Wiedemann. RY X, known for his fragile falsetto and minimalist solo work, found a powerful collaborative partner in Wiedemann, whose expertise lay in intricate electronic soundscapes on the influential label Innervisions. Their first studio sessions, intended as a one-off experiment, quickly yielded a unique and compelling sonic identity that demanded further exploration.

Breakthrough

Howling's breakthrough arrived instantly with their very first release in 2014. The self-titled track "Howling," released on the esteemed Berlin label Innervisions, became an unexpected phenomenon. Its haunting melody, driven by RY X's vulnerable vocals and Wiedemann's hypnotic, building production, captivated listeners and DJs alike, dominating underground playlists and climbing Beatport charts for an extended period. The track's organic success established the duo as a formidable new force in electronic music.

Key tracks

Howling — This debut single defined their signature sound and became an instant classic in the deep house and indie electronic canon.

Shortline — A standout from their debut album, this track showcases their ability to craft a driving, melancholic dancefloor moment with profound lyrical depth.

Bind — Featuring the distinctive vocals of Berlin-based artist Julia Gernetzky, this collaboration highlighted Howling's skill in weaving external voices seamlessly into their atmospheric world.

Phases — This later single demonstrated the project's artistic growth, incorporating more complex rhythms and a richer, more expansive production style.

The momentum from their debut single led directly to the creation and release of their first full-length album, "Sacred Ground," in 2016 on Counter Records, a sub-label of Ninja Tune. The album was met with critical praise for its cohesive and immersive journey, successfully translating their single's magic into a longer format. They have since performed at major international festivals like Coachella and their music has been featured in numerous high-profile television series and films, broadening their audience beyond the club sphere.

Fans of Howling's emotive blend of electronic and organic elements should also explore the works of similar artists featured on our radio stations. Moderat shares the Berlin electronic pedigree and a masterful fusion of haunting vocals with complex, modular synth work. Apparat operates in a similar space of cinematic, emotionally charged electronic music with a strong focus on songcraft. WhoMadeWho offers a dancier but equally artful take on indie-electronic crossover with compelling vocal performances. Jon Hopkins explores comparable terrain of deeply textured, atmospheric electronics that build into powerful, cathartic crescendos.

Howling's distinctive catalog is a staple on sophisticated electronic and alternative radio stations across our network. Their tracks regularly feature in the playlists of cutting-edge online radio streams and independent music radio stations that specialize in curating the intersection of deep house, indie electronica, and atmospheric pop. The project's music provides a perfect blend of introspective mood and rhythmic pulse for discerning listeners.

You can experience the evocative sound of Howling by tuning into the various electronic and alternative radio stations available on onairium.com. Our platform offers dedicated stations where this artist's pioneering blend of soulful songwriting and immersive production is regularly featured for discovery and enjoyment.