An infusion of nostalgic 80s melodies, pulsating disco rhythms, and hypnotizing synths create the uniquely captivating style of the dynamic alternative duo Retrofile.
Twin brothers Luke and Noah Martino burst onto the music scene in 2017 with their first single, “Two Words,” immediately earning them millions of streams and capturing hearts worldwide.
Following their initial success, the twins released their debut EP “Heard It All Before'' in 2019, which was entirely written, recorded, produced, and mixed by Luke and Noah. Retrofile’s distinctive fusion of new wave and retro pop soundscapes has propelled them to the forefront of the alternative scene, and they show no signs of slowing down.
During the 2019 pandemic, when lives were disrupted and work stopped, the Martino twins recognized an opportunity to hone their craft and immerse themselves in the production of their long-awaited debut album. Released on April 14th of this year, the album’s lead single, “In Stereo,” offers listeners an exciting preview of their latest creative explorations.
The song opens with a blend of harmonic vocals, a plucked guitar tune, and a lively drum cadence creating an uplifting, vibrant ambiance. The nostalgic melody whisks listeners away on a journey back to simpler times, instilling a renewed sense of faith and optimism. The rich bassline propels the song forward into the euphoric chorus, embellished with resonant synths, sparkling percussion, and an utterly infectious rhythmic pulse. From the moment you hear this track, you won’t resist dancing.
“‘The key hook on the chorus is ‘Music gives me faith when there's nothing to believe in anymore.’ That line sums it up for us. Our love of writing and recording music has been the driving force of our creativity over the years.’”
In a recent interview, Retrofile delved into the inspiration behind their latest release. “In Stereo” transcends the boundaries of a typical catchy summer anthem; it stands as a reflection and testament to Retrofile’s artistic development. Life is a journey characterized by trials, error, and subsequent growth.
Whether these experiences manifest in our careers, relationships, emotions, or spirituality, they are essential to our personal development. “In Stereo'' conveys a powerful message highlighting the importance of discovering faith through passion. The song encourages listeners to look within themselves to uncover their source of faith.
Welcome to BuzzMusic Retrofile! Could you share with us what inspired your unique sound as an alternative group?
Hello BuzzMusic! We are very open-minded listeners, which has helped us find inspiration from current and retro acts. Our sound is generally influenced by synth-pop, disco, and indie rock groups. We like jangly guitar-driven pop/rock like Two Door Cinema Club/The Strokes/The Killers .. but we also love dark reflective synth music like Depeche Mode/New Order. Toss a bit of Chic/ABBA in there, and you've got Retrofile.
How do you navigate the creative process of writing, producing, and mixing a song as a duo? Do you carry specific roles, or is everything divided equally between you?
It's divided relatively equally. I usually do more with the initial demo creation/writing, and Noah does more with the engineering/production. We don't have any rules, though. We both know how to play a few instruments and can take turns performing on the tracks. Our songs are more about the entire picture and less about individual virtuosic parts, so it's not like only one of us would be able to play a specific part. Staying flexible in the studio has kept the creative process from getting boring.
In your latest release, “In Stereo,” you touch upon how music is a source of faith during challenging times. Has music always been a therapeutic outlet for you?
Absolutely. As long as I can remember, music has been THE escape. Put on some headphones and let the whole world slip away. Finding a song or album you love is almost like meeting a new friend. Music can be such an emotional escape. We want to create the type of music people can disappear into. That's what we are always shooting for! A song that becomes someone's new escape.
Among all your performances, is a particular show that stands out as your favorite?
We just recently played our first show back since the pandemic, and it was great. I'm sure the next one will be even better. Performing live is so interesting because different songs stand out in different venues with different crowds. There are so many variables. We are in a career stage where every next show will be our favorite.
If you had the opportunity to collaborate with any artist that’s ever lived, who would it be?
That is such a tricky question. I'd go with someone insane, like Mozart. I don't know how much of a collaboration it would be. Noah and I likely wouldn't get a chance to contribute. Can you imagine Mozart with modern-day recording technology and equipment? Wearing a powdered wig, churning out pop bangers like it's nothing. It would be amazing.
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