Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with slender flame
Slenderflame is an electronic wave-pop duo from Hannover, Germany. Blending melancholic melodies, german lyrics, and electronic sounds, We explore themes of identity, emotion, and human connection. In recent years we have published several EPs which are available on the common streaming platforms.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
m.vox: We were on the same primary school and participated together in the school choir. But our goal was not to sing, our goal was to get kicked out of class so we could go home earlier. Our attitude towards music has naturally shifted a lot since those days.
h.key: At home, my parents didn’t listen to pop music a lot. I would rather hear classical orchestral sounds. But that never caught me. It was such a revelation when I heard Depeche in a radio show, recorded it on tape and kept listening to it. That really connected for the first time.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
h.key: We would hang out together and listen to music all the time, and then a bit of the blue we had this thought: Why don’t we try to create ourselves the music we love? I had received some classic music training on cello and piano which gave us the confidence to give it a go.
m.vox: And that’s how it all started. The next day we presented each other with first lyrics and a few days later started shopping around for used instruments.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
m.vox: After that kickstart we were completely on fire and learned a lot about music every day. Within a year we had put together a complete recording studio with a fine selection of synths and outboard gear.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
h.key: We call it wavepop, where wave is representing the melancholic element and popis represting the synthpop element of our music. Expect to hear melodic songs (as opposed to dance tracks) with inspring vocals atop consciously selected electronic sounds.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
m.voc: That perfection isn’t the goal. Emotion and authenticity matter far more than technical flawlessness. Sometimes the imperfect take is the one that truly connects.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
h.key: Let’s first talk about what isn’t essential any more. It was along process, but we got rid of the majority of our hardware synths and effect processors, as it is more accessible and convenient to produce in the box, and nowadays without audible disadvantages.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
h.key: I’m always drawn to artists who focus on atmosphere and honesty rather than trends. The indie and electronic scenes still offer many exciting projects that value mood over hype.
There are a couple of german indie band, some oft them aren’t electronic at all. The solo Album of Christian Schottstädt sounds great.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
m.voc: Life experience plays a huge role. The lyrics and moods are shaped by observation, reflection, and emotional moments — both positive and difficult. Music is a way to process and transform those experiences.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
m.voc: I hope listeners feel understood. The music isn’t about giving answers, but about creating a space where emotions are allowed to exist without judgment.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
h.key: Patience and humility: Creative work takes time, and meaningful results can’t be rushed. Music has its own rhythm — you have to respect that.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
h.key: That’s a very good question, and something we have thought about very little. In the past years we have focussed on recording and releasing music rather then performing it live.
Any venue where people truly listen. Of course, playing at a respected electronic or alternative festival would be special, but connection matters more than size.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
m.voc: Artists from the classic wave and electronic era would be fascinating collaborators — those who shaped emotion through minimalism and atmosphere. Their approach still feels timeless.
Bernhard Lloyd of Alphaville would be a dream to work with. He produced one oft he most underrated Pop-albums: Prostitute.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
- Website: www.slenderflame.de
- Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming platforms
- Social media channels linked on the website
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
m.voc: To continue releasing honest music, reaching new listeners, and keep evolving creatively — without losing the core identity of the project.
h.key: We publish music, and we would like it to be heard. Releasing a song that gets 1 million listeners would be fantastic. Not so much as a measure of success but rather knowing that we have reached and touched many people.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
h.key: That Slenderflame isn’t about trends or quick success, but about long-term artistic expression, emotion, and authenticity.
m.voc: I hope they will like the songs and find them meaningful for their own lifes.
