Double Touch Are Finding Melodic Magic Between Two Worlds

In an electronic music shaped predominantly by technology, Australian duo Double Touch have built their reputation on something altogether more human.

Comprised of acclaimed classical pianist and composer Van-Anh Nguyen and DJ, percussionist and producer Mark Olsen, Double Touch have spent the last several years carving out a unique space between the concert hall and the dancefloor. Their sound blends live piano, percussion, organic grooves and melodic house into something that feels both intimate and expansive; a fusion that has taken them from Australia to some of the world's most celebrated stages, including Burning Man, Brooklyn Mirage, Ibiza, Mykonos and playing as part of Lee Burridge’s All Day I Dream family.

Yet despite their growing international success, the duo's story began with something remarkably simple: curiosity. "We actually met during a studio session many years ago," recalls Olsen. "What excited us from the beginning was how different our musical backgrounds were. I had always loved classical music, while Van-Anh was equally passionate about house music, so we were curious to see what would happen if we blended those worlds together."

For Nguyen, the project evolved organically. "We started by experimenting with a fusion of classical and electronic elements, and over the years that naturally evolved into what people now recognise as the Double Touch sound."

That sound has become increasingly difficult to define, and that is precisely how they like it. Their productions move effortlessly between ambient textures, organic house, Afro-inspired rhythms and melodic soundscapes, but neither artist appears particularly interested in genre labels.

"We've always drawn inspiration from a wide range of genres throughout our music careers and that's something we never want to lose," says Olsen. "These days we don't really think too much about fitting into a specific category."

Nguyen agrees. “Sometimes we write music that sits somewhere between genres and we're not even sure where it belongs or which DJs might play it, but that's part of the fun. We try not to overthink it and instead focus on creating whatever feels inspiring and authentic in that moment."

That freedom of expression extends directly into their live performances, which sit somewhere between a DJ set and a live concert. Unlike many electronic acts, Double Touch bring genuine spontaneity to every show, with Nguyen performing live keys while Olsen adds live percussion throughout their sets.

"Our live show is built around a continuous DJ set, with the tracks mixed together at compatible tempos, so maintaining the flow and energy of the dancefloor is always the priority," explains Olsen. "Within that framework, we love adding spontaneous live elements. We think of it as adding little moments of magic on top of the foundation of the DJ set rather than disrupting the momentum."

Those moments often emerge unexpectedly. "Sometimes Van-Anh will start playing a piano melody or chord progression that I've never heard before, and it just works perfectly in the moment," Olsen says. "There's definitely an unspoken musical connection that develops after performing together for so many years."

Then, laughing, he adds: "Usually I'll be looking over at her with a huge grin or yelling 'Keep going!' because I'm just as excited as everyone else."

The chemistry is no accident. After years of touring and working together, the pair have come to realise that their differences are among their greatest strengths. "We've learned that we're actually very different people, and that's one of our biggest strengths," says Olsen. "We often approach situations from completely different perspectives, whether it's music, business or travel, but we've come to appreciate that those differences help us make better decisions."

Nguyen describes the relationship more simply. "We are like Yin and Yang. We each have our fortes and weaknesses. We have worked these out and it's like each of us covers several departments of a business."

Their rise within the melodic and organic house scene accelerated after joining Lee Burridge’s influential All Day I Dream family, a community they still regard as home. "The All Day I Dream community is incredibly special and has felt like home for us from the very beginning," says Olsen. "The artists on the label and at the events are like a family, and the people who attend the parties bring such a positive energy."

That relationship also provided one of the defining moments of their career. "I think our first All Day I Dream show in San Francisco was a real turning point," Olsen reflects. "We'd just released our first EP on the label and this was our first major international performance as Double Touch."

At the time, securing bookings even in Australia remained a challenge. "After videos from that event started circulating online, everything seemed to shift. Suddenly promoters who we'd been reaching out to for years were contacting us directly to book shows. It was one of those moments where years of hard work finally started to gain momentum."

Since then, Double Touch have built a loyal global following, performing everywhere from Ibiza and Mykonos to South America, where Nguyen says audiences left a particularly strong impression. "We played in South America for the first time earlier this year and the crowds completely blew us away. There is such a deep passion for house music there, and the energy was infectious from the very first moments of the set."

For all their international success, however, the duo remains convinced that audiences are increasingly searching for something more authentic in live electronic music. "Technology has opened up incredible possibilities in electronic music, but people are always searching for a human connection," says Nguyen. "After spending so much of our lives looking at screens, there's something powerful about seeing real musicians performing in the moment."

Olsen is quick to point out that technology is not the enemy. "For us, the sweet spot is combining both worlds; using technology as a tool while keeping the emotion, interaction and human imperfections that make a performance feel alive. I think audiences connect with that because it feels authentic."

That philosophy will soon be tested in a completely new way as Double Touch prepare for one of the most significant chapters in their career to date. This summer, the duo will become resident artists for HEDONISM Sundays at DIO, Crete's ambitious new luxury beachfront destination. It marks the first residency of their career and an opportunity to become part of a community rather than simply passing through as touring artists.

"We're incredibly excited," says Olsen. "This is actually our first ever residency, so we'll be experiencing it for the first time ourselves."

Unlike a one-off festival appearance, the residency offers something deeper. "What makes it so special is that instead of flying in for a single show and leaving the next day, we get the opportunity to become part of the island for the summer, get to know the locals, the venue staff and the community around the party."

The pair are even planning to relocate their portable studio to Crete, creating and testing new music throughout the season. "We're setting up our portable studio in Crete, so we'll be writing a lot of new music during the week and then testing those ideas on the dancefloor each week," says Nguyen. "For us, that's one of the most exciting parts."

As for what guests can expect from HEDONISM Sundays? "We'll be bringing the full Double Touch experience with live percussion, piano, plenty of unreleased music and hopefully a few surprises along the way," she smiles.

The Mediterranean setting feels perfectly aligned with the duo's sound. "There's something about being surrounded by nature, the ocean, sunshine and open-air venues that really complements this style of music," says Olsen. "Organic and melodic sounds tend to create emotion and atmosphere, while Afro and Latin-inspired rhythms bring energy and movement."

Ultimately, though, their ambitions for DIO extend beyond music. "Our goal has always been to give people an opportunity to switch off from the stresses and worries of everyday life and become fully immersed in the moment," Olsen says. "Whether it's through an emotional melody, a beautiful sunset, a few tequilas, or a shared experience on the dancefloor, we want people to forget about everything else for a few hours and simply enjoy where they are and who they're with."

And if the residency succeeds in creating those moments, Nguyen believes the audience will leave with something far more valuable than a memory. "More than anything, we'd love people to leave with a feeling rather than a specific memory. Maybe it's a moment they shared with friends, a song that gave them goosebumps, or simply a few hours where they forgot about everything else and were completely present."

As Crete prepares for a summer of sunsets, sea views and late-night celebrations, Double Touch are preparing to write the next chapter of their story on the shores of the Mediterranean. If their vision comes to life, HEDONISM Sundays at DIO may become more than just a residency; it may become the soundtrack to one of the island's most talked-about summers.

Learn more about Double Touch’s residency at DIO in Crete HERE.

Read the full interview with Double Touch on The Night Bazaar website HERE.