FÜR ELISE is a Berlin-based band that emerged from the inclusive music project Ick Mach Welle – a platform that doesn’t just promote diversity in the electronic music scene, but truly lives it.
The band embodies a musical fusion where contrasts turn into pure magic: Elise Neumann, a German African vocalist raised in Barbados, captivates with her soulful voice, explosive stage presence, and impressive freestyle skills. At her side: Khan of Finland, a Turkish-Finnish producer and crooner who has been a defining figure in the queer underground scenes of Berlin, New York, and Mexico for over 30 years. What began as a spontaneous encounter in late 2023 quickly evolved into one of the most exciting music projects in the German capital. Their debut EP was released on the young label IMW Records, followed by celebrated performances at Berghain, Pop-Kultur Festival, Nation of Gondwana, and numerous club nights. In 2024, FÜR ELISE was nominated for the POLYTON Music Award.
Musically, the duo defies categorization: dub, tropical sounds, hip hop, and electronic avant- garde merge into a sound that’s both danceable and deeply emotional. Their lyrics revolve around themes of alienation, isolation, and longing – hitting the heart with emotional intensity. Despite their strong roots in the Berlin underground, FÜR ELISE often surprises with an infectious pop appeal.
Elise and Khan are currently working on their debut studio album, set to be released at the end of 2025. As a first taste, the new EP “Shimmy Shimmy” drops in June 2025. The title track „Shimmy Shimmy“ is groovy, sexy and kind of abstract with its spaced out guitar and the layered sound effects. One could think „Shimmy“ could be a word from an intergalactic language unknown to earthly club culture yet, but the word actually refers to a form of dancing and wobbling and is therefore more than suitable as a title for this song.
„Carnival“ is a dubby summer hymn which immediately makes you wanna hold a mojito in your hand and dance into the sunrise. „Everything flowing, all the vibes right..“ - perfect for the starting festival season.
„Therapy“ is the darkest track on this EP with its intense lyrics, the distorted low-fi beat and the melancholic choir-like melodies in the background. Anxiety? Dance it away. Community? Yes please! Never has therapy been more appealing!
Roll over, Beethoven – Go FÜR ELISE!
IMW is a relatively new label linked to the Berlin project Ick Mach Welle, which aims to push for inclusivity in electronic music and culture. The label covers a wide range of styles. So far the artists Für Elise, JP Toulouse, Schrunzel and Sopht have been featured. Expect more releases very soon!
Tracklist:
1 SHIMMY SHIMMY
2 CARNIVAL
3 THERAPY
Music: Elise Neumann & Khan Of Finland
Produced: Khan Of Finland at Studio 3.16 Berlin
Mastering: Jammin’ Masters
Artwork idea: Khan of Finland
Artwork: Del Zomber
Original Photo: Alexander Malecki
Release Date: June 27th, 2025
