Parallelle
Book artistBiography
Growing up under the influence of jazz, hip hop, and soul, Julien and Thomas de Bie, two brothers hailing from the South of France, embarked on a journey that would take them across the globe in search of diverse cultures and sounds. A shared love for creation and composing united them in true symbiosis.
Their lives took a significant turn when they moved to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and delved into the world of electronic music. It was here that Parallelle was born, and the brothers decided to dedicate their lives to music as composers, performing artists, and field recorders.
In a remarkably short span of time, Parallelle made their mark on the global music scene, captivating audiences at prestigious festivals like Burning Man, DGTL, Wildeburg, and SXM Festival, as well as renowned clubs like Fabric London, Pacha Ibiza, and Kater Blau Berlin. Their success culminated in the launch of their own artist imprint, Klassified Records, and the establishment of “The Klassified Studios” in Amsterdam—a creative haven combining recording facilities, art galleries, and co-working spaces.
The evolution of Parallelle’s sound was a fascinating journey. Starting with a slower, organic house vibe, they gradually transitioned into a more groovy, faster, and minimalist approach. During the Covid pandemic, they collaborated with conservatory students to create a unique jazzy electronic album. This experimental period allowed Julien and Thomas to refine their signature style: electronic club music with groovy rhythms, pounding basslines, live-recorded instruments, and uplifting vocals. The versatility displayed through this stylistic shift showcased their unwavering passion for exploring the full spectrum of their musical potential.
However, Parallelle’s creativity extended beyond music. Fascinated by the power of sound and its role in videos, they were approached by Peugeot to compose music for their Peugeot 5008 ads. This experience opened their eyes to the underrated influence of sound in filmmaking, leading them to expand their Klassified label brand by offering sonic branding services to projects and brands seeking to convey impactful messages.
Their first album, ‘A DAY AT,’ was an innovative venture, as they captured sound samples from various locations like hospitals, airports, and dentists, transforming them into mesmerizing electronic tracks. As they collaborated with Gnawa musicians in Essaouira, Morocco, as part of the Moga Festival’s ‘Moga Creation’ initiative, their curiosity for working with local artists deepened. This sparked the idea for ‘A DAY IN,’ an ambitious project that took them on a three-year journey around the world to record sounds and instruments while creating music alongside local musicians. Each of the 11 destinations resulted in a track featuring a local artist or band, along with the recorded sounds. Partnering with Marriott Bonvoy Hotels, they created five captivating videos in Asia/Pacific that added another dimension to the project. ‘A DAY IN’ aimed to shine a spotlight on diverse cultures, communities, ethnicities, instruments, and rhythms while promoting contemplation, local engagement, and the power of listening.
Today, all their videos are accessible on Youtube, and their music releases are available for download and streaming, providing a captivating and immersive experience for all those who wish to embark on a sonic journey with Parallelle.
