Rhythm & Sound

Rhythm & Sound is a collaborative project between Berlin-based producers Moritz von Oswald and Mark Ernestus, renowned for their pioneering work in dub techno. Emerging in the mid-1990s, this alias marked a shift from their earlier, more techno-oriented productions under names like Basic Channel and Maurizio, towards a sound deeply rooted in Jamaican dub and reggae traditions.

Under the Rhythm & Sound moniker, von Oswald and Ernestus crafted minimalist compositions characterized by deep basslines, echo-laden textures, and a deliberate use of space and silence. Their music often features collaborations with esteemed vocalists such as Paul St. Hilaire (formerly Tikiman), Cornel Campbell, and Jennifer Lara, blending electronic production with soulful, roots-inflected vocals.

The duo released a series of influential records on their own labels, Rhythm & Sound and Burial Mix, both distributed through the Hard Wax record store, which Ernestus founded in 1989. These releases, including the albums Showcase (1998), Rhythm & Sound (2001), and See Mi Yah (2005), are celebrated for their atmospheric depth and have significantly influenced the development of dub techno and related genres.

Rhythm & Sound’s work stands as a testament to the duo’s commitment to sonic exploration, bridging the gap between electronic minimalism and traditional dub, and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary electronic music.