Soulwax and Anja Sugar

It’s important to point out that, just because 2manydjs and Soulwax involve the same people - specifically, David and Stephen Dewaele - and just because the pair often play shows that involve both sides of their musical careers, with both of those acts involved, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t entirely distinct entities, not least sonically. Where 2manydjs, perhaps unsurprisingly, have always been very much a dance act, Soulwax has seen the brothers explore the alternative rock scene, instead; for proof of their early credentials, consider the fact that their debut record under the moniker, 1996’s Leave the Story Untold, was produced by none other than Queens of the Stone Age collaborator Chris Goss. In the years since, they’ve gradually begun to work in more and more electronic, synthpop and dance influences into their sound, whilst keeping it entirely separate from their work as 2manydjs. Their live shows, as Soulwax, continue to incorporate a full live band, similar to, say LCD Soundsystem, with the rhythm sections key to a sound that, with its repetitive and often droney nature, is not too far removed from krautrock. The pair continue to play regular Soulwaxmas events at the end of the year across the UK to packed rooms; nothing’s been announced for this coming December yet, but certainly keep your eyes peeled.