Soulwax, the Belgian electronic music duo known for their innovative DJ sets and genre-bending productions, has released “Perfect We Are Not,” a new single born from a truly unique creative experiment. The track wasn’t just recorded in a legendary studio—it was written, recorded, and premiered during an after-hours rave at Abbey Road Studios in London, marking a first for the iconic recording space. The release underscores Soulwax’s continued ability to surprise and redefine the boundaries of live electronic music and studio production.
The genesis of “Perfect We Are Not” lies in a five-hour rave held at Abbey Road last month, an event that saw 300 lucky fans selected via an online ballot gain access to a historic night. This wasn’t a typical studio session; it was a fully realized party, complete with a custom-built soundsystem and a palpable energy that fueled the creation of the new track. The Dewaele brothers, Stephen and David, have consistently pushed the limits of what a live electronic performance can be, and this event was a testament to that ethos. The rave itself was documented in a short film, offering a glimpse into the atmosphere and the song’s initial unveiling to an enthusiastic audience. You can view the documentary here.
From Studio Two to the Dance Floor
Just two days before the rave, Soulwax and their full live band – a formidable ensemble including three drummers – convened in Abbey Road’s Studio Two to write and record “Perfect We Are Not.” The song was then immediately cut to vinyl, making its debut as the opening track of their 2manydjs set at the rave. This rapid turnaround, from composition to premiere, speaks to the band’s improvisational skill and their commitment to a truly live experience. The response from the crowd was immediate and overwhelmingly positive, solidifying the track’s potential as a dancefloor anthem. You can listen to the official audio of “Perfect We Are Not” here.
A New Soundsystem and a Historic Venue
The Abbey Road event wasn’t just about the music; it was also a showcase for Soulwax’s DEEWEE Soundsystem, a meticulously crafted setup inspired by New York’s legendary Paradise Garage. The Paradise Garage, renowned for its immersive sound and inclusive atmosphere, served as a blueprint for the DEEWEE system, which aims to recreate that same sense of sonic depth and communal energy. The rave took place in Studio One, the larger of Abbey Road’s two main recording spaces, further amplifying the scale and impact of the event. This marked the first time Abbey Road had opened its doors to the public for a full-scale rave, a move the Dewaele brothers welcomed with enthusiasm.
“It’s hard to say whether we have a perverse or healthy attraction to crazy ideas, that’s for other people to decide, really,” Stephen Dewaele said ahead of the gig, as reported by NME. “So to be approached with a crazy idea is one thing, but to be approached with a crazy idea by the most iconic recording studio in music history is even more attractive.” David Dewaele added, “We embrace and accept this challenge and also sincerely hope this won’t be the last rave at Abbey Road.”
Part of a Broader Creative Output
“Perfect We Are Not” arrives following the release of Soulwax’s critically acclaimed album, ‘All Systems Are Lying,’ in October 2023. Described by the band as “a rock album made without any electric guitars,” the double album demonstrated their willingness to experiment with unconventional instrumentation and production techniques. Since then, they’ve released a series of double singles – ‘All Systems Are Lying’/‘Run Free’ and ‘Gimme A Reason’/’Meanwhile On The Continent’ – alongside the single ‘New Earth Time.’ They also released ‘Nite Version’ remixes of their recent singles, further showcasing their versatility and dedication to the dance music scene.
The band recently concluded a 2026 tour, with performances at venues like O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester and O2 Academy Brixton in London. This extensive touring schedule underscores their commitment to bringing their unique live experience to audiences around the world. Soulwax’s ability to seamlessly blend studio innovation with electrifying live performances continues to solidify their position as one of the most influential and forward-thinking acts in electronic music.
Looking ahead, Soulwax will continue to explore new sonic territories and push the boundaries of live performance. The success of the Abbey Road rave and the release of “Perfect We Are Not” suggest a continued focus on immersive experiences and a willingness to embrace unconventional approaches to music creation. Fans can expect further experimentation and innovation from the Dewaele brothers as they continue to evolve their sound and redefine the landscape of electronic music.
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