Daniele Aprile and Mario Roberti of melodic house duo Fideles know a thing or two about putting together captivating live sets. Since they banded together in 2010, these Italian producers have played the most prestigious stages in dance music. Fabric in London, Amnesia in Ibiza, Rex Club in Paris, and Watergate in Berlin have all hosted them. Though they may be top-tier performers, the boys of Fideles have a few production tricks any DJ can use to give their sets some extra oomph.




First, they recommend setting up a trusted tech foundation. Before you chase the high-tech additions du jour, prioritize connecting with the software that you do have.




“We know how tempting it is to keep fiddling, changing your routings, rebuilding, and trying a different software synth, but it will just confuse you and waste precious time that should be spent practicing your set,” they recently told Electronic Groove. You can also add this bit of healthy obsession to your live set. They suggest planning out your details as extensively as you like and attest that the time you invest preparing will always pay off.




When it comes to your tracks, they suggest listening to your selects over and over, at least ten times, ideally, in order to learn their intricacies. “Twisting the tune to reveal new aspects helps maintain your audience’s interest. Don’t feed them the same parts and accompanying chord progressions throughout the set.”

Fideles attest to two main ingredients in a great track: powerful vocals and powerful melodies. Even a short vocal sample can loosen up an otherwise tight techno track. And the melodies? The boys recommend observing the rules of tension and release and bringing some humanity to your instruments.




“We highly recommend giving your string and pad arrangements more realism and honesty by creating string counter-melodies that work on their own, in terms of melody, harmony, and rhythm.”













































Fideles Share the Blueprint for Their Captivating Brand of Melodic House and Techno

When Daniele Aprile and Mario Roberti formed Fideles in 2010 at their small studio in southern Italy, they had no idea they’d end up playing the most prestigious stages in dance music. Fabric in London, Amnesia in Ibiza, Rex Club in Paris, and Watergate in Berlin have all hosted them. Their pathway to success stands out in earnest in a modern world saturated with trends and tech. Instead of molding their music to fit the market, they chased their passions.




“Nowadays it seems people are totally focused on the e-social side of being an artist, and this isn’t the best way to enter the underground scene,” the duo said in a 2018 interview with Project Revolver. “In our opinion, you should follow the music and its beauty, collecting all of its energy and delivering the best production you can.”




Aprile and Roberti note that this more “underground” approach may close some doors, but that’s ok. They’ve candidly shared how their rejected requests allowed them to spend more time with their music, shaping it into something they adore. And with releases on labels like Bedrock, Afterlife, Innervisions, and Exit Strategy, it’s a dedication that’s proved fruitful.




Their hypnotic take on techno and melodic house has remained personal and authentic. Eventually, heavyweight artists began to hear it too. Armin van Buuren, Hayden James, and MEDUZA have all featured or collaborated with Fideles in the last two years alone.








They also cite their varied taste in music as an inspiration. Classical music and dream pop are among some of their favorites.




Above all else, Fideles gives the expert advice of following the music you want to make rather than letting what you think you should make take the reigns. “We simply suggest (for you) to respect, love, and free the music you feel inside.”





















Fideles: “Follow the Music and Not the Market”

Italian duo Fideles, fronted by Daniele Aprile and Mario Roberti, have engaged their fans with varying subgenres of electronic music since they launched in 2010.



Throughout Fideles’ formative years, their music leaned toward a more minimal tribal house tone marked by distinctive conga beats, faint lyrics in different languages, or reverbed sounds of English lyrics. The listener trusted the rhythmic drum lines, knowing they would always fall on the same beat. The backing instrumental percussion relied on hand drums, shakers, or synthy bass drums to back the entire tune.





Early on in Fideles’ discography, the duo told stories through repetitive synth leads that honed in the message. The single “Just a Dream” launches into a dreamy landscape underscored by a four-four beat. Following that drumline, a female voice enters the scene to offer esoteric advice. 



“In those early days, there were choices to make and directions to choose,” she sings. This voice relays a story about life and the dreamlike aspect it evokes. While this tune hints at their evolving sound, it stays streamlined. 



Today, Fideles favors a more ethereal and progressive style of house music. While we saw glimpses of that in “Just a Dream,” their tone shifted around 2015 with the EP Beentouchedseries23. The artwork boasts a cyborg-like creature with multiple arms floating around a cubic object. The single “Shortly” teleports the listener to this otherworldly place with notable hi-hat placement and echoing synthesizers.





After Fideles shifted their sound, they focused more on buildups than distinct patterns to draw the listener into the music. When the beat drops, you find yourself in the world they’ve created. There is less black-and-white percussion and more clapping sounds, synth melodies, and experimental noise.





Their 2021 single "Awe" begins with a straight bass drum line, and new elements jump into the mix every few bars. By the first minute of the tune, swirling synths and crescendoing, trumpet-like sounds reverberate through the arrangement. When the intensity lowers, prominent keys ripple in the chromatic scale to encourage the swelling sounds to come back. This video-gamey sound transports you to a different dimension on the dancefloor.



Fideles’ newest releases flirt with questions of existentialism and mortality, all surrounded by pulsing rhythm and experimental basslines.

Phase Shift: How the Fideles Sound Evolved Over the Years

Italian DJ duo Fideles first joined forces in 2010. Daniele Aprile & Mario Roberti embarked on a project that would focus on beautiful melodic techno, delivering a mature and modern sound consistently over the years. Their discography after a decade plus of producing is substantial. They have released on labels such as Bedrock Records, Stil vor Talent, and Innervisions.

In 2018, the Fideles single "Resonant" was included in Tale Of Us’ fabric97 compilation, which ultimately led to an EP and string of singles on their legendary Afterlife label. It is always a telltale sign of success when high-level peers support and promote an artist's music. The inclusion and literal sign-off by Tale Of Us has not gone unnoticed, helping to propel the duo into the international spotlight. 

As one of the hottest names in melodic techno, it is important for music fans to familiarize themselves with the Fideles sound. Below is our selection of essential Fideles tracks.



1. Monolink - Otherside (Fideles Remix) 







Monolink’s ascension over the last five years is undeniable. The live electronic act burst into the scene after Artbat remixed his legendary track "Return to Oz." Monolink has since risen to headliner level and made a name for himself as a true tastemaker in the world of melodic music. Tapping Fideles to remix his track "Otherside" is simply another testament to the duo's skill. Fideles take the source material and put a heavy, dark melodic spin on the track. Monolink’s vocals remain true, but the song is transformed into a festival-ready soundscape.



2. Ross Quin - Away With Me (Fideles Remix) 





Once again on remix duty, Fideles transformed Ross Quin’s original track, "Away With Me." Working with beautiful vocals is clearly a specialty for Fideles. They take the original, which is a silky deep house roller, and once again craft their own unique spin. Layering the vocals over their signature uplifting synth lines, the track swells and builds continuously until the eventual breakdown arrives, leaving listeners swaying.



3. Stephan Bodzin - River (Fideles Remix) 







Stephan Bodzin’s album Boavista may have been the electronic album of the year in 2021. A stunning collection of the melodic master's sounds, he followed it up with a truly incredible remix package. With names like Solomon, Boris Brejcha, and Dubfire gracing the remix pack, it is no small gesture for Fideles to be tapped to remix a track from the album. Stuttering piano keys dance playfully over the drumline as the duo once again breathe fresh energy into an already fantastic track.



4. Fideles - Impressum 







Impressum marks Fideles' first EP on Afterlife, and the title track says all you need to know about why the duo are ones to watch. When Tale Of Us begin to support any artist, the melodic techno world stops and pays attention. The EP is an impressive collection of high-level music in which Fideles flex their diverse production ability.



5. Fideles - Kellerkind 







Fideles’ 2016 EP on Stil vor Talent arguably marked the most crucial turning point of their career. The legendary label run by Oliver Koletski is known for groundbreaking melodic music. After signing their six-track EP to the label, the duo was firmly on the radar of all acts in this sphere. Although they likely would have been discovered at some other point due to their immense talent, this EP helped them take a true leap forward.




5 Fideles Tracks Every Melodic Techno Fan Must Know

Daniele Aprile and Mario Roberti first joined forces in an official capacity in 2010, beginning their legacy as the Italian DJ duo Fideles. Their project has since garnered incredible praise as they consistently craft beautiful melodic techno, delivering a developed and creative sound throughout the past 12 years. Their catalog after more than a decade of creating music is a veritable journey unto itself. They have released on prominent labels such as Innervisions, Stil vor Talent, and Afterlife.



The Fideles sound is known for its intoxicating blend of percussion and layered melodies highlighted by joyful synths. In 2017 they were featured in Pete Tong’s favorite tracks of the year and have since received support from acts like Solomon, Tale of Us, and Oliver Koletski.



In the past few years, the duo also started a label called Impressum. It has given them the opportunity to expand their releases, putting out music whenever they like. As the label has gained popularity, so too have their live sets. Known for taking their fans on a journey of mysterious, dreamy and powerful soundscapes, Fideles' performances are marked by driving bass lines and sensory-inducing melodies. 



Fideles truly know how to deliver emotion and create a unified experience for those on the dancefloor. As they approach their debut New York City headline show, fans can experience their magic in advance through the below selection of live sets from the last few years.


1. Fideles on Unity Live, 2020







There were no shortage of live-streamed sets during the 2020 worldwide quarantine. Certain brands made a stronger effort than others to consistently put out a high-quality product. The label Afterlife was one of these, delivering their Unity Live series, which highlighted both up-and-coming and established artists. Delivering a masterful, 90-minute set, Fideles dropped two IDs as well as countless other fan favorites during their guest mix.



2. Fideles at Forteresse Royale de Chinon in France for Cercle, 2019







Playing for Cercle has become a rite of passage for electronic acts, especially those on the melodic end of the spectrum. Although acts of all genres participate, the Cercle group has a propensity for melodic techno, and therefore being chosen to perform for them is as much a sign-off as any artist supporting your music. Performing on top of Forteresse Royale de Chinon in France, Fideles took those lucky enough to attend on a true journey, bouncing their signature sounds off the castle walls.




3. Fideles at Tomorrowland, 2022







Playing at Tomorrowland is a career goal for any dance music act. To play a prime time slot on the Afterlife stage at Tomorrowland was likely a thing of dreams for the Italian duo Fideles. Their two-hour set afforded them the opportunity to truly build and craft a musical journey for their fans. Rifling through their biggest hits and hottest IDs, they delivered a must-watch performance.



4. Fideles on Creative State Live at The Grand Factory





Playing inside a castle for an intimate crowd is a far cry from the massive stages of Tomorrowland — and yet as always, Fideles delivered. Tailoring their sound to their surroundings, Fideles played a set smartly curated without going over the top considering the size of the crowd.




5. Fide at Caprices Festival, 2022





Falling somewhere between the previous sets, Fideles' performance at Caprices Festival in Switzerland saw the Italian duo play to a medium-sized crowd during the daytime. As always, they left the crowd hanging on every melody, and their constant ability to impress regardless of who is in front of them was on full display.




Fideles

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Sierra Vandervort

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Jonah Flint