Duotone is an alias used by Dutch musicians Chris Beemster and Auke Ferwerda. The pair meet in 2007 and work together under this name on electronic music that draws on neotrance and techno, with later material also linked to chillout, pop, downtempo, alternative and trip-hop contexts.

Background

Duotone begins as a collaborative project between Beemster and Ferwerda in the Netherlands. Their work develops from studio sessions into a live act, with the project presented as a continuing partnership rather than a one-off release name.

Sound and releases

The duo’s music is described as having a techno-infused direction, with releases appearing on labels including Deep Focus, Hotkitchen and SAW Recordings. SAW Recordings is associated with Satoshi Tomiie, and one of the project’s later label connections is made alongside Paris house figure DJ Yellow.

Collaborations and performances

Duotone works with a number of other artists, including DJ Yellow, Applescal and Eelke Kleijn. The project also tours live with Dave Clarke, which serves as an early presentation of the live set.

Profile

The act is presented as having a growing body of releases and collaborations, with attention from techno-focused listeners and critics. A recurring part of its identity is the emphasis on a layered or “extra dimensional” approach to sound, established from the first studio sessions.