The boundary between human intuition and digital programming is becoming increasingly blurred. As our daily routines, media consumption, and even belief systems arrive pre-configured by invisible tech monopolies, the creative mind faces a choice: succumb to the stream or dissect it. Enter Co.LeGa, an independent electronic project that dares to explore this exact point where humanity begins to feel processed. Following the success of the EP, ‘Nobody Goes to Heaven’, which successfully cracked the NACC Top 30 Electronic chart, the project is diving even deeper into concept-led, thought-provoking sonic territory.
With the highly anticipated new single, ‘Digitally Modified’, set for release on May 29, Co.LeGa delivers a dark, alt-pop, rhythm-driven track steeped in industrial textures and post-punk vocals. Beneath its infectious, electronic pulse lies a sense of quiet unease and a striking contradiction: the terrifying yet slightly absurd reality of human existence on a cosmic scale.
We sat down with the mastermind behind the project to discuss childhood obsessions with melancholy, the frustration of cloud storage, and what it truly means to be controlled in the modern age.
Thanks so much for joining us! Let's dive right into the music! When did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you?
“It started when I was a kid, really. I listened to a lot of Chopin, and my first big obsession was his Funeral March. I know it sounds strange, because it’s obviously seen as this very dark piece, but for me it was just beautiful. I’ve always loved minor keys. They somehow put me in a good mood. Funny enough, very happy songs, or more ‘entertaining’ music, often had the opposite effect on me.”
“They could make me feel worse, haha. I think I just trusted melancholy more. So maybe that’s where it began — with the feeling that dark music doesn’t have to be depressing. Sometimes it’s the thing that makes the most sense.”
Can you tell us a bit about ‘Digitally Modified’ and what it means to you?
“I try to make sure that every single I release is about something. Without a doubt, it’s a reflection of what I see, what I read and what I watch. Let’s leave wars aside. But what is happening to us? We are being controlled 100%. Subscriptions that make you feel like you’re being taken for a ride, everything saved in the so-called cloud – can’t you even save a project on your own drive anymore? Do we need to share everything? The flattening of stories in TV series... because someone might lose the plot and stop watching? Constant suggestions of what you should watch, what you should see. You’re supposed to be happy, and you’re not supposed to experience real life.”
Were there any particular artists, moments, or visual experiences that influenced you whilst writing this new single?
“One of the most interesting things I’ve seen recently was ‘GENER8ION – STORM’, starring Yung Lean. Apart from that, I think I’m often more inspired by things I watch or just see around me, not only by musicians. Artists in a wider sense, really. For example, I recently saw this amazing Greek documentary about a boy who genuinely managed to tame a grasshopper, he was driving around with it in the car, swimming with it, things like that, haha. Something like that makes you want to create something inspiring. And then you realise that in the Milky Way alone there are maybe 100 to 400 billion stars, many of them with planets, and that’s the end of thinking really, you don’t understand anything anymore, haha.”
What was your songwriting process for ‘Digitally Modified’, and how did the collaborations come together?
“First the music comes, together with the melody line. Then the words. The words are the hardest part; sometimes it’s torture ;-) The guitars were added by an incredibly talented musician from the north of England - thanks, John. The vocals are by Silke, and she brings so much to it that it’s hard for me to even describe. Without her, this song would only be a shadow of what it is now. The same here – everything is tied together by Mr Ho, an extremely talented producer – the person who somehow makes what Co.LeGa creates start to sound like a song. There is also Fred, who does the mastering, and a few other inspiring people who I’m really grateful to for their input.”
How would you describe the sound of this release? Do you feel your style has evolved since you first started out?
“I try to make every song a separate being. I don’t like limiting myself to one sound or one style, at least I think so, and I hope so. This song is more rhythmic, with bass, but in the middle it also has this more rave-like part, maybe electro-punk. In general, it should also feel original and enjoyable. With this kind of music, unfortunately, you sometimes need to listen to the song a few times. The first time it may feel a bit too strange, because you haven’t really heard it before. But I still try to make my songs catchy too, in the good sense of the word. To make something original that is also catchy, that’s the hardest art.”
Is there a central message or a specific lyric in the track that perfectly captures the theme of digital control?
“I think this part is probably the most telling: 'You know that we can tune your love believe or not we'll find your turning knobs; there's nothing that we can't supply, and you know you can't deny.' After everything I’ve said before, I’m not sure it really needs much more explanation.”
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations? How do you see the project evolving both musically and personally?
“We already have seven singles prepared. I’d like to release them one after another, each one with a new side to it. Co.LeGa is also a kind of collective, so I’m open to anyone who would like to collaborate, whether it’s in the visual world or in any other area. For one of the next singles, I already have artists I’m working with, and we’re creating visual material together. It’s extremely inspiring, and it makes the whole journey even more interesting.”
“I’ve also had the chance to work with an incredible person and friend, Michal Urbaniak - a real legend, a jazz musician. Sadly, he passed away in December, and it’s hard to fill the space he left behind. It’s difficult to describe how much love and creativity he had in him. Working with him on the vinyl “Abstract” was a great honour.”
What's next after the single drops? Are there any live shows or unique performances on the horizon?
“There are more singles ready after this one, seven at the moment. There are no live shows booked right now. The project is still centred on recording, production and the visual world around the releases. Live is possible, but I don’t think it has to be a traditional band-on-stage thing. It could be a DJ set, a visual performance, or something built with the right collaborators. Co.LeGa is quite open in that sense. It can work as a collective, so I’d be interested in developing a live form with people who understand the atmosphere of the project.”
What sort of reception have you had to your music so far? Are there any standout moments?
“’Digitally Modified’ is still at the beginning of its life, so we’ll see what happens with it. The previous EP, ‘Nobody Goes to Heaven’, reached the NACC Top 30 Electronic chart, and 'Absence of Doubts' also picked up some radio chart support. That was encouraging, mainly because it showed that the music could reach beyond the immediate circle. But I try not to build the project around reception. Co.LeGa is about making songs that feel like they need to exist. The rest is important, of course, but secondary.”
Lastly, is there anything you would like to say to our readers, and how can they best support Co.LeGa?
“Just listen, if you can. If it connects with you, leave a comment, share it, or follow the project. Those small things matter more than people think. Co.LeGa is still growing, and the most useful support is simply knowing that the music is reaching the right people.”
By challenging the passive numbness of modern life, Co.LeGa creates an essential space for reflection amidst the noise of the digital age. ‘Digitally Modified’ promises to be more than just a song; it is a captivating, multi-layered experience that holds a mirror up to our algorithmic existence. Make sure to support this incredible independent project by streaming the new track on May 29, and by pre-saving today.
You can follow Co.LeGa on Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube to stay updated with their upcoming releases and collective visual collaborations.
