For the third episode of Beyond the Beats, Billboard showcased the evolution of two songwriting sisters from dance DJs into a self-described “rock n’ rave” live act.
Krewella‘s Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf have traversed the road to dance stardom together — a luxury not often afforded touring artists in what can be an alienating and exhausting industry.
“We’re basically the same person,” says Jahan. “We’ve lived the same life, have the same experiences, lived in the same house… there’s not any sort of relationship you could ever have that would be closer to that.”
Related
“And when shit hits the fan and it’s really bad… we’re there for each other,” adds Yasmine.
Krewella Photos: Behind the Scenes at EDC NY
Krewella rose to prominence with their 2013 debut Get Wet, which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and spawned Top 40 hit single “Alive.” The past year has been rife with change, from the departure of third member Kris Trindl to the transition to rock elements on their forthcoming sophomore album.
Krewella’s Jahan Yousaf Op-Ed: ‘I Have Been Silent for Too Long’
The Yousaf sisters are singer/songwriters at heart who were reared on punk rock — and they’ve always envisioned moving beyond the DJ format to deliver the concert experience of their dreams. Teaming up with a live drummer and guitarist, that time is now. The group invited Billboard along to document that journey — from LA rehearsals and red-eye jets to taking the stage at EDC New York.
Watch the full premiere of Beyond the Beats‘ third episode above.
More Beyond the Beats videos: Paul Oakenfold | Steve Aoki