solo nour – limits

Cologne-based duo “solo nour” has emerged with their debut single “limits”, marking the beginning of an intriguing musical partnership between Billie Barleben and beat-maker Anatolian Lover (Yaşar Fidan). Their name, combining Spanish ‘sol’ and Arabic ‘nour’, reflects their mission to bring light through their music.

The duo’s formation has an interesting origin story. They first crossed paths at minhafaktur, a cooperative space in Colognel where Barleben organised events. However, it wasn’t until a chance meeting at a French surf camp that their musical collaboration took root. By winter 2023, they were creating music in Fidan’s Cologne-Mühlheim studio with such intensity that Yaşar eventually needed “a break from hearing Billie’s voice during mixing.”

Their creative chemistry stems from diverse backgrounds: Barleben brings theatrical training and dance experience. Fidan contributes his classic hip-hop production skills and social activism background.

“Our music has become a place of encounter and connection,” Barleben shares, highlighting how their artistic collaboration has evolved into a deep friendship they’re now ready to share with the world.