CHROMEO
There’s a certain magic to Chromeo, a magnetic pull that draws you into their world of funk, soul, and impeccable grooves. The duo, composed of Dave 1 (David Macklovitch) and P-Thugg (Patrick Gemayel), isn’t just a band; they’re a phenomenon. Over two decades into their career, Chromeo remains unapologetically committed to their mission: bringing the funk into the future while preserving its roots in authenticity, human connection, and artistry.
From their humble beginnings in Montreal to international acclaim, Chromeo’s journey is as unconventional as their sound. In an era where algorithms dictate much of our media consumption, the duo’s insistence on preserving the human touch feels like a rebellion and it’s one they’re ready to lead.
“We’re just getting lazier and lazier,” P-Thugg said, reflecting on the impact of algorithms on listeners. “The algorithm disadvantages the artist, but it disadvantages the listeners too. And that, to me, is the saddest part.”
For Chromeo, this loss of serendipity is personal. They argue their very existence as a band might have been impossible in today’s music landscape. “Chromeo wouldn’t exist if we had algorithms when we were 15 years old,” Dave 1 said. “There’s nothing that could have predicted that we would listen to funk music, being like, two French-speaking immigrant kids in Montreal.”
P-Thugg nodded, adding, “And the connections we made between funk, between rock, when we’re like, ‘Steely Dan is actually really funky,’ those connections are made by humans.”
While their critiques of algorithm-driven uniformity are pointed, the duo also stressed the importance of maintaining a human touch in music discovery. Since their 2004 debut album, She’s in Control, Chromeo has been on a mission to bring funk into the 21st century. Blending analog synths and infectious grooves, the duo has carved out a unique niche that’s both retro and forward-thinking.
We like to bring artists into our world and their voices into our kind of universe,” Dave 1 explains. “I think every time we collaborate with an artist the idea is, take someone out of their element, put them into our element, but make it seem like, ‘Oh man, they belong in there too.’”
Their commitment to authenticity extends beyond their music. Whether it’s advocating for the American Music Fairness Act or supporting initiatives that champion curators and tastemakers, Chromeo is deeply invested in preserving the culture of music. This passion for preserving the craft extends beyond reviews and discovery—it’s about the entire ecosystem of music. “In fine art, painting, sculpture, you still have these very old-school techniques, and they’re pushing back and really valuing this almost archaic craft,” Dave 1 said. “It sounds crazy in 2024, but they fight to keep this. And we should fight in music to keep certain things like that too.”
For the duo, the human element of discovery and critique is essential, not just for their career, but for the integrity of music as an art form. P-Thugg explained, “For us [it’s about] the human element of musical discovery and musical recommendation and musical curation. The disappearance of that makes it less fair and disadvantages smaller artists.”
Dave 1 shared the story of stumbling upon the artist Estevie, whose music surprised and inspired him: “I didn’t know who she was. She didn’t know who we were, but she was funny and fun and cute. And who would have thought you’d put us with her? That’s discovery.”
Despite their concerns about technology, Chromeo isn’t anti-progress. In fact, they’re quick to acknowledge the opportunities digital platforms provide for artists. But for them, these tools should augment human creativity, not replace it. “You don’t know what I like,” Dave 1 said passionately. “In fact, you should show me stuff that you think I won’t like, and then surprise me, and I like it. That’s actually much better that way.”
In a world dominated by algorithms and automation, their message is clear: music should be about more than predictable playlists and passive listening. It’s about connection, surprise, and the human element. And for Chromeo, keeping those elements alive is a cause worth grooving for.