Krewella Returns: Ditching EDM for Techno After Three-Year Hiatus

Krewella Returns with New Melodic Techno Track

Sister duo Krewella released their new single, “Crying On The Dancefloor,” on June 9, 2025, their first original track since the 2022 album The Body Never Lies. The release marks a significant shift in their musical style, moving from their well-known EDM and dubstep roots to melodic techno. The track was released on the duo’s independent label, Mixed Kids Records.  

The release date holds personal significance for Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf, as it marks the anniversary of the day in 2010 they committed to pursuing music full-time, an event commemorated by their “6-8-10” tattoos. This new single signals a deliberate evolution for the artists, described not as a “return to form,” but as a “leap forward”.

The Sound of “Crying On The Dancefloor”

“Crying On The Dancefloor” is a 4-minute and 19-second track that establishes a new sound for Krewella. Publications describe it as a “moody, pulsating techno anthem” built on the “pulse-pounding sound of melodic techno“. The production moves away from the “aggressive distortion” of their earlier work, featuring a “cavernous kick drum” and “wafting synth textures” that create a hypnotic soundscape. The lyrics explore themes of “loss and longing” and “mourning and momentum“.

While the three-year gap since their last album was seen by some as a hiatus, the duo continued to perform at select festivals and club events. Their independent status allowed them the time to experiment creatively, leading to this new direction.  

The Krewella Eras

The duo’s career can be segmented into three distinct artistic phases, each characterized by significant shifts in sound, identity, and professional structure.

This framework visually codifies Krewella’s entire career arc, providing a clear structure to understand their evolution. It contextualizes the “Techno Pivot” not as an anomaly, but as the third distinct chapter in a story of continuous reinvention, serving as a narrative anchor for their complex journey.

Independence and A New Identity

Following their split with Columbia Records, the Yousaf sisters founded their own label, Mixed Kids Records, to gain full creative control. They stated the move allowed them to be “patient with the creative process and to experiment”. The label’s name is an “ode to our duality,” referencing their Pakistani-American heritage and their interest in blending genres.

This focus on their identity has been accompanied by activism, including the co-founding of a women’s health clinic in Pakistan. In interviews, the sisters have stated that they now define relevancy by the genuine connection they have with fans through their music, rather than by social media metrics or chart performance. This perspective aligns with their musical shift toward a more introspective and emotionally focused sound.

The new track has been met with positive reception from both music publications and fans. The move to melodic techno is seen as a successful reinvention that allows the duo to explore more complex emotional themes while proving they are “unafraid to evolve.”

FAQs about Krewella

What is Krewella’s musical style and genre?

Krewella’s musical style is primarily described as EDM (Electronic Dance Music), with strong influences from dance-rock and dance-pop. However, their sound is a dynamic blend that incorporates various electronic sub-genres, including dubstep, progressive house, electro, drum and bass, trap music, and future bass. This diverse approach allows them to create energetic and often heavy-hitting tracks that are a staple at major music festivals.

Who are the current members of Krewella, and who was in the original lineup?

Krewella currently consists of the sisters Jahan Yousaf and Yasmine Yousaf. The group originally formed as a trio in 2007 with producer Kris “Rain Man” Trindl. Trindl departed from the band in 2014, leading to a lawsuit, and Krewella has continued as a duo since then.

What is the significance of the “6-8-10” tattoo that Krewella members have?

The “6-8-10” tattoo on the Krewella members commemorates June 8, 2010. This date signifies the day when Jahan, Yasmine, and former member Kris Trindl collectively agreed to dedicate themselves entirely to their music careers, abandoning other pursuits and intentions for their lives. It represents their full commitment to the band.

What are some of Krewella’s most popular songs and EPs/albums?

Some of Krewella’s most widely recognized and popular songs include “Alive,” “Live for the Night,” “Enjoy the Ride,” and “Killin’ It.” Their debut EP, Play Hard, was released in 2012, and their debut album, Get Wet, followed in 2013, charting in the Top 10 of the US Billboard 200. Other notable releases include the Ammunition EP (2016), New World, Pt. 1 EP (2017), and their album Zer0 (2020).

Has Krewella won any awards or received significant recognition?

Yes, Krewella has received notable recognition in the electronic music scene. They won the 2012 International Dance Music Award for “Best Breakthrough Artist.” Their performances at major festivals like Ultra Music Festival and Electric Daisy Carnival have also earned them significant acclaim, with Billboard even declaring in 2013 that “Krewella is going to be huge!” Their debut album Get Wet also achieved Top 10 success on the US Billboard 200.