Monolink (real name — Steffen Linck, born June 6, 1989 in Hamburg, Germany) is a German musician, singer, songwriter, and electronic music producer. He is known for his unique style that blends elements of folk rock with electronic music, including techno, house, melodic techno, and ambient. Monolink has become one of the leading figures of a new wave of live performers who merge club energy with live vocals and instruments.
Early Life and Musical Influences
Steffen Linck began playing guitar as a teenager, inspired by British rock bands such as The Libertines and Oasis. Later, he became fascinated by music production and Berlin’s electronic scene, discovering artists like Paul Kalkbrenner, Trentemøller, and Bonobo. Combining acoustic guitar, vocals, and electronic textures, he created the project Monolink — a fusion of live performance and DJ culture.
Career and Artistry
In 2015, Monolink debuted with the track “The End”, produced together with Acid Pauli. This release brought him early recognition in underground circles. His first album, Amniotic (2018), became a milestone in the development of the melodic techno live genre, earning critical acclaim for its emotional depth and cohesive sound. Singles such as “Swallow”, “Sirens”, and “Father Ocean” cemented his status as one of the most talented live artists of the decade.
His second album, Under Darkening Skies (2021), showcased Monolink’s evolving sound — from melancholic ballads to cinematic compositions. The release was followed by a large-scale world tour across the USA, South America, Europe, and Australia.
In 2024, Monolink released his new single “Light Up My Dark”, a preview of his upcoming third studio album currently in production in Berlin. According to the artist, the new material will be “brighter but equally emotional,” blending acoustic elements with digital atmospheres.
Discography
Albums:
- Amniotic (2018)
- Under Darkening Skies (2021)
- Light Years (expected in 2025)
Selected Singles:
- “The End” (2015, with Acid Pauli)
- “Sirens” (2017)
- “Swallow” (2018)
- “Father Ocean” (2018)
- “Black Hole” (2019, with Ben Böhmer)
- “Sinner” (2020)
- “Turning Away” (2021)
- “Don’t Hold Back” (2023)
- “Light Up My Dark” (2024)
Live Performances and Festivals
Monolink is renowned for his captivating live shows, where he performs vocals, plays guitar, and simultaneously controls synthesizers and drum machines. His sets combine the power of club beats with the intimacy of live concerts. He has performed at the world’s biggest festivals, including Coachella, Burning Man, Tomorrowland, EXIT Festival, Fusion, and Awakenings.
In 2024–2025, Monolink is touring globally on the Light Years Tour, with shows in Berlin, Amsterdam, London, New York, and São Paulo.
Style and Influences
Monolink’s music is a fusion of emotional vocals, atmospheric guitars, and deep electronic textures. He draws inspiration from 1960s–70s folk, the poetry of Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan, as well as Berlin’s techno sound. His songs often explore themes of time, solitude, spiritual awakening, and the search for meaning in a digital world.
Interesting Facts
- Monolink is among the first artists whose live sets surpassed 100 million views on YouTube (Cercle, KEXP).
- His tracks are frequently featured in films and fashion campaigns, including Balmain and BMW.
- In 2023, he was ranked among the top 10 Melodic Techno artists by Beatport and Spotify’s Electronic Rising.
Today
Today, Monolink stands as one of the key representatives of the “new wave” of electronic live artists who unite music, visual art, and poetry. His concerts are emotional journeys where the line between club and concert hall disappears. Monolink’s music continues to inspire listeners worldwide with its sincerity and depth.
