Over these last few months, fast-rising duo BIGGER THAN US have established themselves as one of the more innovative names emerging right now. And with that status continuing to grow, they are now cementing their legacy to date with their eagerly-awaited debut EP ‘THE BEGINNING’.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we joined them in conversation to find out more about their background, influences, and where they are heading next.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
We both come from different musical worlds, but there’s always been this undeniable connection to music within us. For Stephan, it started with DJing on vinyl, learning from the underground scene in LA, and then evolving into production with projects like BOSA and Psychedelic Tractor. Marieme’s journey began with singing, weaving together soul, R&B, and global rhythms. When we came together as Bigger Than Us, it was like this unspoken musical language, pulling from all the eclectic experiences we’ve had. It’s as if we were always meant to make music together. Our sound is a blend of nostalgia, world rhythms, and something completely new—it feels otherworldly, but also familiar.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
We’re both inspired by a wide range of artists. Marieme’s influences come from icons like Nina Simone, Sade, and Fela Kuti, while Stephan draws from electronic pioneers like Aphex Twin, Bonobo, and deeper house producers. But beyond that, it’s the experiences that shape our sound. Traveling, meeting people from all walks of life, and feeling the pulse of different cultures all influence the music. That’s why you’ll hear a mix of soul, dance, and global rhythms in Bigger Than Us. It’s less about trying to sound like someone else and more about channeling these influences into something that feels expansive and boundary-pushing.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
There wasn’t really a single moment—it was more of a calling that built over time. For Stephan, after experiencing the underground LA scene and realizing how powerful music could be in bringing people together, there was no turning back. For Marieme, it was realizing how music gave her a voice and a platform to explore deeper truths about herself and the world. When we formed Bigger Than Us, it was clear this wasn’t just a project—it was a journey we were meant to take together, and the music was the way we were going to share that journey with others.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
We’re very collaborative. Sometimes Stephan will start by laying down a beat or melody, and Marieme will come in with an idea for lyrics or a vocal melody. Other times, it’s the opposite—Marieme might have a lyrical concept or melody that Stephan builds around. There’s a lot of back-and-forth, a lot of feeling things out. We never really follow the same formula twice because every song comes from a different place, a different energy. But at the heart of it, we’re both really focused on creating music that makes people feel something—whether it’s joy, reflection, or connection.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
Inspiration comes from everywhere—our experiences, the people we meet, and the world we live in. For Marieme, it’s about capturing emotions and truths that resonate universally. For Stephan, it’s about creating a sound that pushes boundaries and feels transcendent. Sometimes we’re inspired by a feeling, sometimes it’s a visual or an idea about the universe, love, or human connection. Our music is always tied to something deeper than just sound—it’s about the journey, the inner exploration. That’s what we try to tap into.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Bigger Than Us is about breaking free from the limits we place on ourselves. It’s about exploring the vastness within and realizing that we’re all connected in this human experience. The music touches on love, ego, self-discovery, and the idea that we’re all part of something much larger than ourselves. We hope listeners feel empowered to go on their own inner journey when they hear our music—to explore their own universe within and find the source of love and connection within.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
The industry is always changing, and as artists, we have to evolve with it without losing who we are. It’s been challenging to carve out space for a project that’s a bit unconventional, that pushes boundaries. But that’s also what drives us—we don’t want to be boxed into one genre or one idea of what music should be. Another challenge is navigating the business side of things while staying creative, but we’re learning to embrace both sides and are grateful there is momentum behind the project.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
The most rewarding thing is seeing how people respond to the music, how they connect with it on such a deep level. We’ve had people tell us our music has helped them through tough times or made them feel more connected to themselves. That’s everything for us—creating something that resonates with people’s souls. We’re working with incredible artists across different mediums, which makes it feel like we’re creating an entire universe and ethios, not just an album.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
We remind ourselves why we started making music in the first place—because it’s who we are. The industry will always be changing, but our purpose remains the same: to create music that feels real, that pushes boundaries, and that speaks to something greater. We don’t chase trends; we chase the feeling that the music is right and true to who we are at that moment. We trust that by staying authentic, the right people will find and resonate with what we’re creating.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
We have a lot in the works! Our first EP “The Beginning” just dropped, and we’re working on even more music, videos, and immersive live experiences. We’re also planning some special shows that will take the audience on a real journey—not just sonically, but visually and emotionally. Fans can expect us to keep pushing boundaries and creating experiences that transcend just a typical live show. We want to transport people to another world.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
In five years, we see ourselves creating on an even larger scale. Bigger Than Us is more than just music—it’s an entire universe, an art movement. We want to continue collaborating with amazing artists across different mediums, from music to visual art to immersive experiences. We see ourselves touring, creating even more immersive shows, and connecting with audiences all over the world. Most importantly, we’ll still be staying true to who we are, pushing boundaries, and evolving as artists both together as BIGGER THAN US and in our independent projects as well.
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Listen to BIGGER THAN US’ debut EP ‘THE BEGINNING’ below.
