We sat down with French DJ/producer Klingande to talk about his latest release ‘Nightlife’ featuring KOATES on the famed Ultra Records, as well as the origin of his name, collaborations and future plans. Check out the conversation in full below!
Nightlife’ feels like a fresh chapter in your sound—what inspired the track sonically and emotionally?
Each time I make music, I always try to innovate — to avoid repeating the same patterns and constantly look for new sounds. But I also make sure to keep an acoustic element in there, because for me, that always brings soul into the production.
For “Nightlife,” I received the topline from KOATES — just a guitar and vocal. Everything came together quickly after that. I found this sexy, slightly deeper bassline idea, and I felt like it needed a riff to echo the guitar in the intro. So I recorded a few simple guitar notes on the drop, and kept that acoustic touch that KOATES had brought in. The process was actually quite simple for this track.
How would you describe the track to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?
I’d say it’s both melancholic and joyful — a track that makes you want to dance. It definitely carries an indie vibe, which is something that runs through a lot of my music. That indie influence is really important in this project.
What story or mood were you hoping to capture in ‘Nightlife’? Is there a personal connection to the theme of the song?
For me, Nightlife is about those intense, unpredictable moments you live at night — where everything feels a bit more alive and a bit more free. Nights like that can feel endless, and in a way, the song captures that mood — something between reality and a dream. So yeah, I definitely connected with that feeling while producing the track.
How did your collaboration with KOATES come about? Had you been following his work before this track?
I met KOATES a few months ago during a writing session in London. We worked on a track together, and later on he sent me this topline, remembering the kind of inspiration I had shared in that session. He thought it would really fit my universe — and he was absolutely right. It matched perfectly with what I was looking for at the time.
What did KOATES bring to the track creatively that you feel made it special or different from your previous work?
What stood out to me the most was his voice and his songwriting talent. I think the melodies he wrote feel really honest — they connect perfectly with the emotion and the theme of the track.
Your name comes from the Swedish word for ‘Sounding’ — how did you land on this name and what is it about the Swedish language that drew you in?
It was actually a pretty simple process. I wanted a name that sounded Swedish, because I was really influenced by artists like Avicii and Swedish House Mafia. While looking online for words that related to sound or music, I found the word “Klingande” and loved the way it sounded. It felt right, and it was also a way to stay anonymous when I first started — using a name without a French-sounding tone.
Can we expect more collaborations in the near future? Any dream artists on your radar?
Yes, absolutely — there are quite a few collaborations, with people I’ve written music with in London over the past few months. There are many artists I admire — Denis Lloyd, Lorde, Clementine Douglas, Tove Lo… So many names I’d love to work with. But honestly, for me, what matters most isn’t the name itself, but finding voices that sound unique and different.
Has working with KOATES opened new directions or influences you want to explore further?
Yes, definitely. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me space to experiment with slightly different sounds. I think every track teaches me something and adds a new layer to the project. That’s how the sound matures and evolves over time.
What’s next for you in 2025? Any tours, festivals, or upcoming releases you can tease?
I have quite a few shows lined up, and at the same time working on lots of new music. I can’t wait to share the new tracks with everyone. I really hope you’ll enjoy it.
