Synths and spycraft merge in Maile and Demarre’s ‘Number Stations’
In a haunting new single, Heiko Maile and Julian Demarre unveil ‘Number Stations,’ a track inspired by the mysterious radio broadcasts from Cold War-era Europe.
Maile and Demarre’s ‘Number Stations’ delves into the chilling transmissions of the 1950s, where Berlin became a key city in the covert exchange of coded information. Built around voices reciting cryptic sequences of numbers and letters the track captures the eerie, detached aura of these clandestine broadcasts. Directed by Daniel Lwowski, the music video takes a documentary-style approach, drawing viewers into the shadowy world of espionage with visuals reminiscent of declassified footage, paralleling the track’s dark yet strangely serene undertones.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the single, Maile notes:
“We live in a moment of uncertainty right now, dancing on the tightrope above the abyss. This track is not just about history, it’s equally about our world today.”
Julian Demarre adds:
“‘Number Stations’ offers a poignant look at the intersection of past and present, reimagining an era of espionage and secrecy in a track that feels timelessly relevant.
Out now, ‘Number Stations’ blends historical significance with an atmospheric soundscape, bringing the enigmatic spirit of those broadcasts to life in both song and video.
When you’re done here be sure to check out our interview with Heiko Maile + Julian Demarre as we discuss the single and its origins in greater depth.
Connect with Heiko Maile:
Connect with Julian Demarre:
We’re an independent, ad-free music publication, and we rely on the support of readers like you to keep things running. If you enjoy what we do, consider buying us a beer—every contribution helps us stay focused on bringing you quality music news without the clutter.