Thanksmate’s Timeless groove...

In an era where house music is both looking back and forging ahead, Thanksmate stand out for their ability to merge the emotional honesty of classic 90s house with the playful innovation of the present. From their roots in London to the founding of Soul Express Records in Italy, their journey is woven with analog warmth, diverse influences, and a relentless commitment to musical evolution. As they return with “Insatiable”—their latest deep, groove-laden release—we sit down with Thanksmate to explore the stories, sounds, and philosophies that shape their music, and to find out what lies ahead for this boundary-pushing duo.  

What inspired you to merge classic 90s house with modern elements in your music?

For us, it’s always been about creating something familiar but unexpected. There’s a depth and emotional honesty in that era of house music that resonates deeply but we wanted to reshape it with the tools and sensibility of today. It’s not nostalgia for us, it’s evolution. The goal is to speak a timeless language, but with a new accent.

How did you develop your distinctive sound, and what challenges did you face in maintaining cohesion across diverse tracks?

We approach each track like a chapter of the same book: different tones, same voice. Our signature lies in subtle harmonies, playful percussions, and analog imperfections that humanize the rhythm. The main challenge was balance, allowing every track to breathe on its own while still flowing together as a whole. It took a lot of editing and restraint.

What draws you to analog textures, and how do they contribute to your sound?

Analog has that unpredictability, that warm grit that makes a loop feel alive. It reminds us that music is not just math it’s skin, sweat, and mood. These textures give weight and depth to the sound, making it feel timeless, like it could’ve come out yesterday or 25 years ago.

How has early Chicago house influenced your production techniques and the feel of this EP?

Chicago house taught us that simplicity can be soul. We often strip back tracks to their essence , a drum machine, a bassline, a synth stab, and ask ourselves: is it still grooving? That raw, hypnotic loop mentality is a big part of how we build energy.5. How do you integrate Balearic and Italo influences into a cohesive soundscape?

We think in moods before genres. Balearic gives us warmth and narrative, Italo adds tension and eccentricity. We use them like colors, sometimes soft pastels, sometimes neon hits, to paint emotional arcs that feel cinematic but still club-ready.

“Insatiable” is portrayed as a journey into the deep and groovy side of house music. How do you weave storytelling into your tracks, and what narratives or emotions are you aiming to convey to your listeners?

We see each track as a scene. Our storytelling doesn’t rely on words but on shifts in tension, space, and texture. We want people to move, but also to feel. Whether it’s a moment of introspection or a shared release on the dancefloor, we build layers that open emotional doors, slowly, subtly. The real story is what happens between the notes.

How did your collaboration with Soul Express Records come about, and how has this partnership influenced the creative direction of your new release?

Since forming Thanksmate in 2011, we’ve shared a deep bond, both personally and professionally. Our years in London immersed us in diverse musical cultures, and upon returning to Italy, we founded Soul Express in 2015. After a decade-long hiatus from the studio, we’ve recently reignited our passion for production, channeling years of experiences and influences into our music. “Insatiable” marks our third release since 2014, and we’ve already lined up several more. Rather than a single performance, it’s this rich tapestry of experiences and interactions with various artists that has profoundly shaped our creative direction.

How did your collaboration with Soul Express Records come about?

Soul Express is our house. We founded it as a collective to connect music, art, and people. The label is a natural evolution, a way to press our ideas into wax and amplify the sound of our scene. It’s more than a release. it’s a manifesto.

Where do you see house music heading, and how do you see Thanksmate contributing?

We view house music as a continually evolving genre, enriched by its history and the innovations of new artists. Our focus is on honing our craft and contributing authentically to this landscape. While it’s challenging to predict the future, we hope that our dedication and unique perspective will leave a meaningful imprint on the genre in the years to come.

What’s next for Thanksmate?

After Insatiable, we’ve got a string of releases lined up, each exploring different corners of our sound. We’re also curating a series of intimate club nights across Europe, and diving into collaborations that stretch our identity. The journey’s just getting warmer.

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