NO2talti

NO2talti is a contemporary electronic music duo originating from Berlin, Germany. Formed in 2014, the group consists of keyboardist and producer Helmut Schäfer and vocalist and lyricist Lena Müller. Their music blends elements of minimal techno, ambient soundscapes, and experimental pop, often incorporating unconventional time signatures and field recordings from urban environments.

The duo’s debut self‑titled EP, released in 2015 through the independent label PulseWave, attracted attention for its juxtaposition of driving beats with ethereal vocal layers. Their follow‑up album, Horizons (2017), expanded on this aesthetic, integrating live instrumentation such as saxophone and violin, which broadened their sonic palette and earned critical praise for its innovation in textural depth.

NO2talti’s live performances are noted for their immersive audiovisual presentations. In 2018, they premiered a multimedia show at the Festival of Electronic Music in Valencia that combined LED projections, kinetic sculpture, and live improvisation. The duo has collaborated with visual artists, choreographers, and the Berlin Philharmonic’s electronic wing, further cementing their reputation as boundary‑pushing artists.

The group’s lyrical themes often explore urban alienation, technology’s impact on identity, and the intersection of nature and city life. In interviews, Schäfer cites influences ranging from Kraftwerk and Brian Eno to contemporary glitch artists. Müller has highlighted the emotional resonance of contrast – between human warmth and cold circuitry – as a core driver of their songwriting.

In 2020, NO2talti received the German Music Award for Best Electronic Album for their release Echoes of Tomorrow. They continue to produce new music, perform internationally, and participate in experimental cultural festivals.