Modelers: Two Generations, One Sound with "We Work"
The Italian duo on building music for the live set first, the lesson they took from opening for Paul Kalkbrenner, and why staying true to your own sound is the only rule that matters.
Modelers are an Italian duo built on a decade-long friendship between two generations. Denny and Filippo bring different musical backgrounds to every session, blending the raw energy of Detroit with the precision of Berlin, and making music that is designed for one place first: the stage. With their "We Work" EP on TalkTalk Records, they deliver four distinct moments that reflect exactly who they are. In this interview, they talk about how their partnership evolved, why the live set is the starting point for everything they create, and what opening for Paul Kalkbrenner taught them about performing at scale.
Q: Modelers was born from two different generations and a longstanding friendship. How did that come about, and how does that generational gap actually show up in the music?
A: Our friendship started many years ago. Filippo, the younger of the two, used to always come to me for advice and feedback on his productions. Over the years, our bond grew stronger. This fusion heavily influences our music because we come from totally different backgrounds. We hope people can hear this synergy in our tracks an old-school foundation that flows into the new school.
Q: Detroit and Berlin are two very different cities with very different electronic music cultures. How do you draw from both without it feeling like a mix of references?
A: We think this happens precisely because we come from different backgrounds. Perhaps subconsciously, we blend the two cultures, but we do it with a lot of respect and by treading lightly. It's exactly this respect that allows us to create music with the right balance.
Q: You have been making music together for over a decade. How has the dynamic between you two changed over that time?
A: (Denny) Initially, I carried out the project as a solo artist, but step by step Filippo joined in until we became a duo. Over time, we definitely learned how to split the roles within the Duo. Today, our roles are well-defined, and we don't step on each other's toes, while always maintaining a constant dialogue.
Q: You describe your music as made primarily for yourselves and your live sets. What does that mean in practice and how does the live context shape what you create?
A: This is a crucial aspect for us. When we create music, it has to work for our live set first and foremost; the style, genre, and arrangement of the tracks must blend seamlessly with our live performance. Because of this, our music has a very specific character, structure, and direction, and we already know exactly where each track will fit within the show.
Q: What does your production process look like as a duo? Do you work in the same room, or do you pass things back and forth?
A: We create music together, but it often happens that one of us starts a demo, which we then define and complete together. It has never been an issue of 'who did what' — the only thing that matters is the final result.
Q: "We Work" is four tracks that each feel like their own moment. Do you approach an EP as a sequence, or do the tracks come together more organically?
A: It's rare for us to create an EP where every single track is calculated. We let ourselves be guided by inspiration or by what we need for our show. One thing is for sure: we like to offer a variety of choices within our EPs.
Q: Opening for Paul Kalkbrenner was a milestone. What did that experience teach you about performing and about your own music?
A: Opening for Paul Kalkbrenner was an amazing experience. It definitely gave us a deeper understanding of how to manage a big stage, a live show, and a crowd that is there to dance but also to watch a proper concert. The vibes are completely different from what you would usually find inside a club.
Q: You have been supported by artists like Âme, Solomun and Musumeci. Does that kind of recognition change how you think about what you make?
A: We can't deny that sometimes, during the creative phase of a track, we ask ourselves questions like: 'Would Âme or another big DJ support this track with this sound? Or with this bassline? Or with this groove?' But we promised each other not to get stuck in the limbo of letting that thought influence us. Self-criticism is fine, and having references is healthy, but during the creative process, our own style and sound must come through because if that doesn't happen, we'll just end up being a copy of someone else.
Q: What artists or records have shaped the way you think about electronic music?
A: Without a doubt, our go-to reference artists are Henrik Schwarz, Carl Craig, The Chemical Brothers, and Stephan Bodzin.
Q: What is next for Modelers after this release?
A: We hope for more releases on TalkTalk and Bar 25, as we're truly honored to be part of them. We're already planning a showcase at ADE 2026 with our own label, DC Records, along with more releases and collaborations with other artists. Plus, we're planning another tour in Mexico for this January, so stay tuned to our channels.
