Japan’s SUDO return to Drumcode with We Are Free, following their landmark 2024 debut Real World.
Last summer brothers Isao and Takashi aka SUDO gifted Drumcode one of the most inspiring releases we’ve heard in recent times with Real World. Inspired by Underworld’s incendiary “Rez,” the EP was the sound of two producers pouring all their passion and shared musical history into a work that’ll be remembered for years to come. The release peaked at No. 1 on Beatport’s Release Chart and saw a follow up collaboration with Bart Skils, “Nexus,” out later that year on Drumcode.
We Are Free continues SUDO’s emotion-led and timeless approach to techno, crafting a four-tracker inspired by the concepts of “freedom, divinity, memory, and transition.” The title track genre-hops between electro-edged techno, silky ambient textures and breakbeats. Isao says: “We wanted to express in a powerful and explosive way one of our purposes on the dancefloor – a time of celebration, and freedom from restrictions.”
“Elysium” is a transcendental slice of techno that juxtaposes tough industrial rhythms with a stunning break that was inspired by a children’s choir Isao heard one day at Berlin Cathedral. “It took a long time to produce with many patterns until we were satisfied,” Isao shares. “It was a real process of immersing oneself in the hypnotic groove and finding divinity.”
Initially inspired by watching Bart Skils play a NYE 2025 set in Argentina, “Lost in Paradise” is led by a delicate Latin vocal and crisp sun-dappled beats, before stepping up the pace in the second half. “As the production progressed, we were led to a wonderful result with the track’s vocal, a tribute to one of our biggest influences – the untouched nature of Ibiza and the vibes of the light and beautiful people that flow there.”
The EP winds down with “Horizon,” a simultaneously beautiful yet bittersweet hymn that signals the end of the party.
Tracklist:
- We Are Free
- Elysium
- Lost in Paradise
- Horizon
For more information about SUDO, go to:
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Techno DJ / Producer / Berlin
Few artists capture emotion on the dancefloor quite like Japan’s SUDO. Brothers Isao and Takashi have been crafting a sonic journey that transcends borders, blending rhythm, melody, and memory into something timeless. Their sound is more than music, it is storytelling through frequencies, pulling listeners into an immersive world where every beat carries meaning.
After topping the Beatport charts with their Drumcode debut Real World and delivering a standout collaboration with Bart Skils, SUDO returns to the label with We Are Free. This EP is more than a release, it is a statement of freedom, divinity, and transformation, pushing the boundaries of their artistry while moving both body and spirit. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to SUDO.
Welcome back to Drumcode! How does it feel to return to the label after the success of Real World and your collaboration with Bart Skils?
We’re really happy about this release. The EP has four tracks, each with its own style, and we’re honored that Adam chose to put it out. The Drumcode team is both professional and warm, and we’re grateful to have the chance to work with them again.
We Are Free is described as touching on ambient, breakbeat, and electro, alongside your signature techno sound. How did you approach the sonic diversity of this EP?
As the title suggests, this track is all about releasing energy. To make the drop hit with maximum impact, we shaped the breakdown to strike a balance — not too dark, not too bright — but full of anticipation for what’s coming.
We experimented these elements on the synths to create a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The title track seems to celebrate freedom on the dancefloor. Can you talk about the emotional intention behind “We Are Free” and how it sets the tone for the rest of the EP?
“We Are Free” is meant to capture that moment of celebration when everyone’s energy connects on the dance floor — a feeling of being completely free from any constraints. It’s the most energetic and uplifting track on the EP, while the others each have their own character — deep, groovy, and melodic.
“Elysium” has a striking break inspired by a children’s choir you heard in Berlin. What was it about that moment that influenced the track’s composition?
This track is very hypnotic and minimal, but we wanted the breakdown to feel contrasting and impactful. We went through many versions and weren’t satisfied with any of them. Then one day, I heard children singing hymns in Berlin Cathedral, and it inspired me — that moment brought a beautiful harmony to the whole track. I still remember crying from happiness when I first played it at Die Rakete in Nuremberg and got such an amazing reaction.
“Lost in Paradise” was inspired by Bart Skils’ NYE set in Argentina. Can you walk us through how that performance sparked the creation of this track?
While watching his set on YouTube, I was especially moved by the incredible vibe during sunrise, and it inspired us to start creating. Then we came across this amazing Latin vocal that fit perfectly with our memories of Ibiza’s beautiful nature and people, and the track came together with incredible momentum. Bart is one of those artists who always inspires us.
The EP closes with “Horizon,” which feels like a bittersweet farewell. What emotions were you channeling in that final track?
We created it with the image of that moment when the party is about to end — releasing all your emotions and energy, feeling physically exhausted but completely fulfilled. The sky is morning, but it carries the same fragile, beautiful feeling as a sunset.
There are four songs on the EP. How do you decide when it’s time to release a single versus crafting a full EP or even a longer LP?
If we had our own label, we could decide for ourselves, but since we work within the circumstances of the labels we release on, We haven’t really made that decision yet. These days, most labels focus on singles, but we’ve never released a full LP — and that’s something we’d really like to do someday.
Why an EP here, and not an LP? Are you ever tempted to create a longer narrative through a full-length album?
Right now, we don’t have enough time to make a full LP, and it’s a bit sad that the environment for listening to LPs is disappearing with mobile phones and digital devices taking over. But as we mentioned earlier, we still want to tell our story through an LP someday.
You’ve worked with a variety of labels over the years. What makes Drumcode a unique home for your music?
When we first got into techno, Drumcode was already around, and we collected a lot of their analog records. Adam has been making great music since then and has stayed at the top of the scene—a really amazing achievement that’s hard to put into words and truly deserves respect. Of course, there are other artists like that, but Drumcode’s quality feels unique and special to us. On top of that, everyone on the team is warm and professional.
You mentioned “freedom, divinity, memory and transition” as themes. How did those concepts influence the creative process for this project?
These themes come from our own experiences. They can change depending on the creative process. The four tracks on this EP capture the emotions we were feeling at the time, and in the end, they reflect exactly how we felt in that moment.
How does listening to We Are Free on Spotify or streaming platforms compare to experiencing it live at one of your shows?
Of course, we are happy that people are listening.
Basically, SUDO’s tracks are made to be played in a club, festival where we can dance along, so they really come alive on the dance floor.
We definitely recommend experiencing them there.
Do you have plans for a tour this summer or fall to bring the EP to dancefloors around the world?
Right now, Isao is back in Japan, and we’re touring around Japan—Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Nagano—as well as South Korea. In the fall, we’re also planning tours in Europe and South America.
Being based in Berlin, you’re surrounded by one of the world’s most iconic club scenes. What are some of your favorite venues in the city?
Berlin is definitely changing, with famous clubs like Watergate and Renate closing down, but there are still many clubs I love.
KitKatClub, where I play every month, has a dress code, but inside you leave your phone inside and lose track of time—people just freely express themselves. The club is always packed, and the dance floor is incredible.
I also really like Sisyphos. The lineup is kept secret, but the club has a long-standing reputation and is always buzzing with energy.
Have you had a chance to play at, or experience, the legendary Berghain? If so, what was that like?
Unfortunately, my musical taste has been a bit different until now, and I don’t have many connections there, so I haven’t had the chance to play yet. But recently I’ve been enjoying minimal techno sets too, so I hope I’ll get the opportunity someday.
How does the city of Berlin influence your music, both in terms of creative energy and your day-to-day workflow?
This city was once divided by a wall, and when it came down, an incredible energy erupted—a rare moment in world history. That legacy gives us a sense of true freedom, and artists from all over the world have come here to shape the city. While some parts are becoming more modern, the underground spirit remains strong. There’s no doubt that the city’s atmosphere fuels creativity.
Your debut EP Real World hit No. 1 on Beatport’s Release Charts. Did that kind of recognition influence your mindset going into We Are Free?
Reaching number one was a huge honor. As an artist, it’s something we have always dreamed of, so we are really happy it happened. We can even tell our own kids about it! But when it comes to the next track, that achievement doesn’t carry over—it doesn’t affect what comes next.
Today, music is consumed quickly, yet even techno classics from almost 40 years ago still sound incredible.
Our real goal is to make tracks that stay timeless, even for people listening decades from now.
You’re brothers making music together. What’s the collaborative dynamic like between the two of you in the studio?
Being brothers makes our music special.
Growing up together, we share the same experiences, and that shows in our work. In the studio, we often don’t need to speak — our years making music together in Kobe and in Berlin and Japan do the talking.
Takashi handles melodies, I focus on rhythm, and sometimes a track comes from combining our separate moments into one.
Finally, what’s next for SUDO? More releases, more collabs, or something completely unexpected?
We have a collaboration track with the legendary Jam El Mar from Jam & Spoon coming out on Zoomer Records.
We were also offered a remix of a track from The Matrix by Juno Reaktor, and it’s just been completed. We love the movie, and it was a huge project, so it’s a real honor. And we’re also working on a remix for Hungarian artist Gaga, which will be released on his label, Dark Face Recordings.
Also, under our alias SUDO Brothers, we explore even freer musical expressions. A remix we did for Dougal Fox will be released on September 5th on Ray of Light Records.
We’ve covered a lot of ground today. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share?
The We Are Free EP, recently released on Drumcode, is very special to us. We’re truly grateful not only to Adam, Bart, and the Drumcode team for their support and trust, but also to everyone who supports our music. We hope the energy we put into the studio reaches you on the dancefloor.
Thanks for doing this. I enjoyed our time together and getting to know you. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thanks again. Keep enjoying music, stay curious, and live without limits. We Are Free.
