Berlin-based duo Soft Changa returned with an intoxicating new track ‘Surely’, which dropped on May 9, 2025 via House Of Frequency, and premiered by tastemaker This Song Is Sick. Made up of Jo.Ke, the voice behind the Burning Man anthem ‘Who Loves The Sun’ (with over 350 million streams), and his longtime collaborator ulises, the genre-fluid pair continue to enchant with their immersive blend of indie electronica and global influences. With standout performances at WOMOON (Ibiza), Burning Man, and BRAVO GNP, they’ve carved out a space among electronic music’s most compelling acts. A pillar of Berlin’s BAR25 scene, Jo.Ke boasts 2.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, revered for his poetic depth and bringing the sonic ethos of collectives like Feathered Sun into his music, while ulises, a Buenos Aires-born multi-instrumentalist, draws from a palette spanning Zen Buddhism, Dadaism, and native folk traditions, with releases on Sol Selectas, MoBlack Records, and more. Together, they create music that feels both ancient and futuristic – an alchemy of pulsing rhythm, melancholy vocals, and cinematic textures that speaks to fans of WhoMadeWho, Monolink, and RÜFÜS DU SOL alike.
Stream ‘Surely’ while you read our interview with the pair below.
Paint us a picture: what sparked your passion for the arts in the first place? Was there a single moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue this path?
Music has been accompanying us from an early age. Jo:Ke started with the Blockflöte in kindergarten, then piano at age 6, and guitar at 12 to emulate his favorite grunge songs. ulises started on a Casio keyboard at 5, then moved to cooking pans, and finally guitar at 12.
There have been many moments, but processing emotions in a healthy, transmuting way brought us to where we are now.
When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
All three avenues can lead the way. Sometimes a personal story guides the song, other times the sound conjures a feeling that channels into the lyrics.
What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
Ableton Live, electric guitars, analog synthesizers, and a microphone.
What’s your go-to ritual or trick for getting into the creative zone?
For creating: a cup of coffee.
For performing: a shot of mezcal.
What’s the one item you always keep within arm’s reach while creating or performing?
ulises’ evolution as a producer and multi-instrumentalist inspired Jo:Ke to write his first proper toplines and hooks. Our sound is deeply rooted in underground electronic music but not afraid of big moments, flirting with pop.
How did you ultimately end up defining your sound?
It started with our first track, ‘Wave’, where Jo:Ke mused on the Lima seaside over ulises’ organic house textures and synth lines. Then came ‘Gerne Alleine’, Jo:Ke’s first German song. Momentum built, and ulises spent a winter in Berlin to finish the album.
How has your creative process or perspective shifted since you started your journey?
We evolved through collaborative moments—starting with ‘Wave’, then ‘Gerne Alleine’, then finishing the album in Berlin. Our dynamic shifted from individual efforts to a shared, coherent project.
Walk us through a recording session: what’s the most memorable moment you’ve had in the studio?
Singing together for the first time on ‘Can’t Control’, with lyrics and melody by ulises—a transcendental moment that sparked the album’s energy. Also, all sessions at House Of Frequency—a dream space for artists.
Are there any unexpected or dream collaborations hidden in your work?
This is the dream collaboration. We started with ‘Wave’ and ‘Gerne’, then fused our live sets at Six Senses Ibiza. With the studio there for days, we created more. Diego Torán from House Of Frequency saw the magic and encouraged us to keep it as a unified project.
Any side projects you’re working on?
We both have solo projects. Jo:Ke also collaborates with electronic downtempo collective Feathered Sun.
Are there any unexpected hobbies or projects you’re exploring outside of your main work?
Outside of music, we love Tofu-Curry, sauna sessions, and watching sunrises and sunsets in beautiful, random places.
If your life and career were an album, what would its title be, and what’s the hidden track only your fans would know?
From Córdoba through the sea to the gritty streets of Berlin
Hidden track: Ricardo Villalobos – ‘Arild’
Give us a glimpse into the future – what surprises or milestones are coming up for you this year?
Our debut album is the milestone and lighthouse for the year. We hope you’ll love some—or all—of the songs.
Famous last words?
“Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.” – Marco Aurelio
Follow Soft Changa:
Instagram – Soundcloud – Youtube – Spotify
Follow Jo.Ke:
Instagram – Facebook – Soundcloud – Youtube – Spotify
Follow ulises:
Instagram – Soundcloud – Spotify
