Interview with Klingande

Cédric Steinmyller, multi-platinum DJ & producer and pioneer of the melodic house genre – best known as Klingande – has been breathing new life into the electronic music world with his flawless productions and uplifting tunes.

Discovering his passion for electronic music during his teenage years, he quickly has become one of the leading figures within his field, releasing standout music alongside fellow tropical house founders Kygo, Bakermat or Sam Feldt. Inspired by Sweden's vibrant dance culture, he adopted the moniker KLINGANDE, derived from the Swedish word for 'sounding'.

Klingande's unique contribution lies in his commitment to crafting unconventional and mesmerizing soundscapes, frequently incorporating instruments rarely found in traditional electronic music. Since 2016, he has consistently featured a saxophone player in his live performances, ensuring this experimental spirit permeates his shows. It is therefore no surprise that he has been called upon to play at major festivals like Ultra Music Festival Miami, World DJ Festival Korea, Tomorrowland, Creamfields

and many more. His captivating performances continue to enthral audiences in intimate venues and grand festival stages across Europe and the US.

His multi-platinum award-winning track ‘Jubel’ has rightfully catapulted the young producer into the spotlight, amassing over 239 million YouTube views and 400 million streams on Spotify to date. It claimed the #1 spot in 30 countries on Shazam and held the #1 position in Germany for impressive 48 weeks.

Klingande has consistently delivered a string of hits, including 'Riva', 'Pumped Up' and his debut album 'The Album' – a celebration of his iconic feel-good sounds including 10 brand-new productions. His undeniable success has garnered recognition within the industry, leading to remix collaborations with well-known names of the electronic music scene such as Avicii, Robin Schulz, Felix Jaehn and David Guetta.

We recently had the opportunity to talk to him about his influences, collaborations and future plans.

Take us back to the start of your musical journey. What or who inspired you to begin

producing music?

"From what I can remember, the artists who really inspired me to get into electronic music were Avicii and Swedish House Mafia. They were the ones who got me hooked and made me want to start producing music myself."

Your sound uniquely blends house music with live instruments like the saxophone. What inspired you to develop this signature style?

"At the time, I discovered a track called Sonnentanz by Klangkarussell, and I immediately fell in love with that sound. Later on, I came across Bakermat, who was also blending house music with saxophone, and that really resonated with me. The use of live instruments like the saxophone gave the music something special. Since then, I've always wanted to incorporate live elements into my tracks. I’ve never been drawn to making fully electronic tracks—bringing that live feel adds soul and emotion to my music."

You’ve collaborated with a range of vocalists and musicians. How do you choose who to work with, and what do you look for in a collaboration?

"I don’t have a fixed process or specific criteria. It often happens naturally, through writing camps or studio sessions where I get to connect with different artists. Sometimes I receive toplines as well. I’m always open to collaborations, as long as the music and the intention feel aligned. What matters most to me isn't working with a well-known name, but rather finding a unique voice—something that gives the track its own identity and emotion."

We’re huge fans of ‘Nightlife’. Tell us more about how that collaboration with KOATES came about. Did you get to create the track in the studio together?

"Funny thing is, I met KOATES not that long ago during a studio session in London. We really hit it off creatively and stayed in touch. In fact, the session led to one track not released yet. Nightlife started when he texted me an acoustic version of the song, and I absolutely loved it. I instantly wanted to produce it. He remembered the vibe I was aiming for in our previous session—even though this song wasn’t written during that time, it matched the creative direction I had in mind. It just felt like the perfect fit."

“Jubel” became a global hit. How did that track change your life and career trajectory?

"Jubel was definitely the turning point in my career. Thanks to that track, I was able to play at major festivals, gain recognition, and collaborate with incredible artists. It opened so many doors for me. Without a doubt, it was the most significant moment in my journey and what allowed me to become a full-time producer and DJ."

What’s been the most challenging moment in your career so far, and how did you overcome it?

"One of the hardest moments was when the touring schedule became too intense. I had to find a healthier balance in life to make space for a more fulfilling personal life—not just focus entirely on my career. Another big challenge has been constantly reinventing my sound over time. I’ve always tried not to repeat the same formula, which can be difficult but also creatively rewarding."

The electronic music scene has evolved rapidly in the last decade. How do you see your role in that landscape today?

"It’s true that music is constantly evolving, almost day by day. But for me, one thing I’ve always made a point of is staying true to my style. I try not to chase trends too much, and instead, stay in my own creative bubble. The times I did try to follow trends too closely were actually the moments I felt the most lost. I believe people connect with you first and foremost for who you are and the music you create, so there’s no need to become someone else. Even if your sound is not the current trend, I think music moves in cycles—it always comes back around. I also try to make music that’s less disposable—something you can still listen to one, two, even five years later without it sounding dated. I believe the Klingande project has found its identity and brings something a bit different, maybe even niche, to today’s musical

landscape."

Your live sets often incorporate real instruments. What’s the biggest difference for you between performing live vs. a standard DJ set?

"Actually, I always perform with a live instrument on stage. There was a time when I even had

a full band with me—saxophone, violin, drums, harmonica, sometimes trumpet, vocalists... But now, I usually perform with a saxophonist at every show, and sometimes other instruments like violin join as well.

My dream has always been to have a full live band on stage permanently, but as a DJ, it’s not always realistic—it involves a lot of logistics and costs, which can make it tough. Still, I almost never perform without at least one instrument. If I don’t have a live musician with me, I honestly feel a bit exposed on stage. That live element is essential for me—it brings energy and emotion that my standard DJ set alone just can’t match."

What’s one unforgettable moment you’ve had on stage?

"One of the most incredible moments for me was when I had the full band on stage with me. We performed that show in New York, Tomorrowland, and many other places. It felt like the ultimate achievement—seeing the music I created in the studio truly come to life on stage, with each instrument adding something unique and elevating the track. That was a special experience I’ll never forget."

What’s next for Klingande? Do you have any upcoming projects or musical directions you’re excited about?

"Right now, I’ve been working on new music for quite some time. I always want to give myself space to explore new artistic directions and musical ideas. I’m really excited about the idea of doing something fresh and discovering new sounds that can evolve my music and bring a new perspective to my project."