From opening intimate coffee shop performances to landing on some of dance music’s biggest stages, me n ü are in the midst of a breakout year. The Chicago-born sister duo have quickly become one of electronic music’s fastest-rising acts, bringing their emotionally driven “Hope House” sound to Ultra Music Festival’s Main Stage, Tomorrowland, Red Rocks, EDC Orlando, and beyond.
While viral moments helped introduce listeners to the duo, years of songwriting, production, and collaboration laid the foundation long before the spotlight arrived. In a recent conversation, the sisters reflected on their creative partnership, the pressure that comes with rapid success, and why authenticity remains their biggest priority.
Defining the “Hope House” Sound
When asked about the emotional core of their music, the sisters emphasize a desire to evoke nostalgia and euphoria. “We always want people to leave feeling nostalgia and euphoria,” they explain. “It’s important that our music creates an emotional reaction—not just happiness, but that bittersweet feeling of remembering moments in your life. That’s always been the goal.” They note that performing in nature or unconventional settings helps foster this unique, atmospheric connection with their audience.
The Power of a Creative Partnership
Before becoming a breakout act, the sisters spent years honing their craft together. They compare their creative process to athletic training, noting that years of consistent work allow them to perform at a high level even on their most exhausted days. “Working as sisters also helps. We can be incredibly honest with each other, and our strengths naturally balance each other’s weaknesses,” they share. While they admit that the collaborative process involves its fair share of arguments, they maintain that their shared vision keeps them grounded.
Navigating Success and Authenticity
The duo’s rapid ascent was solidified by a memorable moment at a New York show, where over 700 fans waited in line for hours despite a severe storm delay. “Streaming and going viral are amazing, but seeing people wait hours just to experience the show, that’s a completely different level of connection,” they reflect. This experience shifted their perspective on success, moving them away from chasing viral formulas and toward trusting their own instincts.
Addressing the challenges of being women in a male-dominated industry, the duo offers simple advice: “Somebody booked you because you earned your place. It’s easy to compare yourself to everyone else, but the more you focus on your own journey, the better.”
Looking Ahead
As they look to the future, the sisters aim to evolve into album artists. “Dance music is so focused on singles, but because we produce our own music, we feel like we can create full projects that tell a bigger story,” they explain. With dream collaborations like Peggy Gou on their radar and a desire to tour internationally, the duo remains committed to building a career defined by authenticity rather than algorithms.
