Milky Chance

Biography

Milky Chance is a German band that originated in Kassel, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Clemens Rehbein and bassist and percussionist Philipp Dausch. The duo first met in an advanced music course in high school and played together in a jazz quintet called Flown Tones. After the group disbanded, Rehbein and Dausch continued to collaborate, blending electronic production with acoustic guitar and vocals.

Breakthrough with "Sadnecessary"

In 2013, Milky Chance released their debut single, "Stolen Dance," which quickly became a viral hit on YouTube. The song topped the charts in several countries, including Austria, France, Switzerland, and Hungary. This success led to the release of their debut album, "Sadnecessary," in October 2013. The album, recorded in Rehbein's childhood home, was praised for its unique blend of folk, reggae, and electronic music. It peaked at number 14 in Germany and earned the band a European Border Breakers Award. In 2014, Spin named "Sadnecessary" their Album of the Week.

Musical Style

Milky Chance's sound is characterized by a fusion of genres. They incorporate elements of folk with electronic beats, reggae, and jazz. Their influences are diverse, citing artists like Bob Marley, Ray Charles, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers' guitarist John Frusciante. The band often starts with an acoustic song written by Rehbein, which Dausch then builds upon with electronic production.

Subsequent Albums and Collaborations

The duo released their second album, "Blossom," in 2017, which saw them experimenting with a more organic sound and was recorded with real instruments instead of a purely digital setup. Their third album, "Mind the Moon," followed in 2019 and featured collaborations with artists like Tash Sultana and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. In 2023, they released their fourth studio album, "Living In A Haze," which showcased a wide range of influences from New Wave and 80s synth-pop to Afrobeat and deep house, and included guest appearances by Charlotte Cardin and Fatoumata Diawara.

Touring and Recognition

Milky Chance has toured extensively worldwide, performing at major festivals such as Coachella. They made their US television debut on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in October 2014. The band has expanded to include Antonio Greger on guitar and harmonica and Sebastian Schmidt on drums for their live performances. Their hit single "Stolen Dance" has achieved over a billion streams on Spotify.