Howling, RY X, Frank Wiedemann: Masters of Atmospheric Electronica

Howling is a collaborative electronic music project formed by Australian singer-songwriter RY X and German producer Frank Wiedemann of the acclaimed duo Âme. The project, born in Berlin, achieved a significant milestone when its debut single, "Howling," became a global club hit and was certified Gold in several European territories.

Early career

RY X, born Ry Cuming in 1986, began his solo career with folk-inflected electronic music, releasing early EPs on labels like Dumont Dumont. Frank Wiedemann, a key figure in Berlin's influential Innervisions collective alongside Dixon, helped shape the city's deep house and techno sound. Their paths crossed in the creative hub of Berlin, leading to a spontaneous studio session in 2012 that yielded their first track.

Breakthrough

The project's breakthrough was immediate and powerful with the 2012 release of their first collaborative track, "Howling." Initially a free download, the song's haunting vocals and driving, minimalist production created a viral sensation, leading to an official release on the legendary UK dance label Monkeytown Records in 2013. The track dominated underground and mainstream dance charts, achieving Gold certification in Germany and Belgium.

Key tracks

Howling — The self-titled debut single defined their signature sound and became an international club anthem, securing their place in modern electronic music.

Signs — This standout track from their 2015 debut album "Sacred Ground" showcased a more expansive, album-oriented sound while maintaining dancefloor potency.

Bind — A prime example of their emotive, vocal-driven production, this track highlighted the seamless fusion of RY X's folk roots with Wiedemann's precise electronic frameworks.

Phases — Released in 2020, this single marked their return after a hiatus, demonstrating a refined, mature evolution of their collaborative aesthetic.

The duo's debut album, "Sacred Ground," arrived in 2015 on Counter Records, a Ninja Tune imprint. The record received critical acclaim for its atmospheric depth and cohesive journey, solidifying Howling as more than a one-hit project. Following tours and festival appearances, the members focused on their primary projects—RY X on his solo work and Wiedemann with Âme—before reuniting to release new singles and perform select live shows in the 2020s.

Fans of Howling's immersive and emotionally resonant electronic sound also frequently enjoy the work of artists like Moderat for their similar blend of poignant songwriting and complex production. The deep, melodic techno of Jon Hopkins shares a focus on cinematic atmosphere and sonic detail. The vocal-driven electronic landscapes of Apparat offer a comparable German-engineered depth, while the collaborative project Bob Moses explores a parallel intersection of indie vocals and club-ready rhythms.

The music of Howling maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on stations specializing in cutting-edge electronic music, late-night alternative FM programming, and dedicated online streams that focus on atmospheric house and techno. Their tracks are staples in sets that bridge the gap between introspective listening and dancefloor energy.

Listeners can explore the evocative sound of Howling, RY X, and Frank Wiedemann through the curated electronic and alternative radio stations featured on onairium.com, where their defining tracks and album cuts remain in regular rotation.