Other meanings of Tale of Us
Music
Tale of Us is an Italian electronic music duo comprising Carmine Conte and Matteo Milleri, known for their melancholic and cinematic blend of techno and house. Formed in Berlin in 2014, they have become leading figures in the melodic techno scene, co-founding the influential label Afterlife. Their sound, characterized by lush textures and emotive melodies, has earned them a devoted global following and headlining slots at major festivals.
Tale of Us was formed in 2014 when Italian-born producers Carmine Conte and Matteo Milleri met in Berlin, a city that would become their creative base. Both had earlier solo projects—Conte as Mind Against and Milleri as Aether—but their collaboration quickly gained attention for its distinctive emotional depth. Their debut EP, Dark Song, released on Visionquest, established their signature style: brooding, atmospheric techno with a strong narrative arc.1 The duo's name reflects a fascination with storytelling through sound, a theme that permeates their work.
Tale of Us rose to international prominence through a series of acclaimed releases and relentless touring. Their 2016 album Endless, released on their own Afterlife label, was a critical and commercial success, charting on Beatport and receiving praise from publications like Mixmag. They became regulars at major festivals such as Tomorrowland, Coachella, and Awakenings, and their Afterlife events—known for their immersive visuals and emotional curation—became a global brand, expanding to cities like New York and London. Their remixes, including for artists like RÜFÜS DU SOL and The xx, further broadened their appeal.
Musically, Tale of Us are often categorized as melodic techno, but their sound incorporates elements of ambient, progressive house, and even classical music. They are known for using minor keys, lush pads, and intricate percussion to create a sense of longing and euphoria. Their DJ sets are meticulously crafted, often blending unreleased tracks with classics to maintain a hypnotic flow. Their influence is evident in the rise of similar acts like Adriatique and Mind Against, and they have been credited with shaping the modern festival techno sound.
Beyond their public persona, Tale of Us have several lesser-known facets. They are deeply involved in visual art, collaborating with artists like the Japanese collective Daito Manabe for their live shows. Their Afterlife label also serves as a platform for emerging talent, releasing music from artists like Colyn and Cassian. In 2020, they launched a podcast series, Afterlife FM, which features guest mixes and interviews. Additionally, both members are known for their reclusiveness, rarely giving interviews, which has cultivated an air of mystery around them.
This article focuses on the electronic music duo Tale of Us, not to be confused with other uses of the term.
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