Label Spotlight: DEEWEE
A taste of Belgian techno excellence takes over ZeyZey this September.
by Katherine Wong
DEEWEE: A curator’s safe-haven
Combating a splintered ecosystem of electronic music production, the label DEEWEE was created as a collaborative anecdote in 2015 by David and Stephen Dewaele of Soulwax and 2manydjs. The label’s namesake hones in on the synthesis-based ethos, and the brothers’ surname. Contrary to the norms of a record label, the first project in their expansive catalog came as a commissioned building in Dewaele’s hometown of Ghent, Belgium–affectionately nicknamed DEEWEE-001.
As such, the inception of Studio DEEWEE marked a new era of tastefully curated and visually striking electronic music deeply rooted in community. Holding true to their commitment in creating artistic refuge, the brothers are intimately involved within each project. As detailed in the DEEWEE manifesto: “Every DEEWEE release is written, recorded or mixed in the building by David and Stephen Dewaele.” In dedicating themselves to this degree, the Dewaele’s approach to catalog curation has led to an intentionally small roster of artists, as remaining niche has proven to produce sonically impeccable releases.
Seeking to align themselves with like-minded individuals, the original DEEWEE lineup encompassed artists that the brothers had previously collaborated with. DEEWEE’s first releases featured mainly emerging artists such as Klanken, Bolis Pupul and Laila Sankini. In 2017, Soulwax released the highly anticipated and self-produced FROM DEEWEE (DEEWEE-022).
Nearly a decade later, the label has matured into a cultural touchstone in electronic music, with a carefully cultivated discography that remains both adventurous and tightly focused. This fall, Soulwax are set to release their new album, ALL SYSTEMS ARE LYING (DEEWEE-086) on October 17, 2025.
Artist Highlights:
This September brought a rare treat of not one but two DEEWEE artists gracing the ZeyZey stages.
SWORN VIRGINS
The London-based duo, Sworn Virgins first graced the DEEWEE label in 2018 with their single Fifty Dollar Bills (DEEWEE-028), and 2019’s Lazer Beam (DEEWEE-035). Their latest release, and their first EP, Strangers Hands (DEEWEE-051), was released in 2022. Now, the pair have dedicated themselves to producing remixes, including Hot Chip’s Down, and most recently, teaming up with close collaborators Warmduscher for Yakuza.
Sworn Virgin's close nature to Warmduscher should come as no surprise, as one half of the electronic duo, Clams Baker, pulls double duty through serving as the front man of the band. Baker is joined by Quinn Whalley, a renowned producer in his own right who also performs under the moniker Paranoid London. Together, they outfit DEEWEE’s more grit heavy and propulsive outputs.
BOLIS PUPUL
One of the original members of the DEEWEE roster, Bolis Pupul has showcased his talents across both his solo projects and his collaborations with Charlotte Adigéry. Starting in 2016 with the single Moon Theme / Sun Theme (DEEWEE-014), Bolis Pupul made a namesake for himself throughout his tenure at the label for rooting his sound in identity, cynical humor, and tonal journeys.
After collaborating with Charlotte Adigéry for their shared debut album Topical Dancer (DEEWEE-055), Pupul set to finish his solo debut album Letter to Yu (DEEWEE-074) — a project he began in 2018 with his first visit to Hong Kong.
FROM GHENT TO MIAMI
The Dewaele brothers curated their label to reflect an innate desire to cultivate an electronically sound, global community of artisans. Be prepared to immerse yourself within this cultural bridge between Ghent and Miami, as DEEWEE’s finest are being dropped straight into the Floridian heat. Sworn Virgins passed by Saturday, September 20 in the Disco. Bolis Pupul followed Wednesday, September 24 for a deeper night on our Zaku stage.