The new hour-long documentary by AlphaTheta and Pioneer DJ explores how rhythm, community, and neuroscience intersect on the dancefloor.
WATCH THE WE BECOME ONE
The film follows DJ, producer, and curator Kikelomo Oludemi as she travels through the U.S., Ghana, South Africa, Germany, the UK, and France to understand the science and soul behind sound.
It features notable artists like Seth Troxler, Moodymann, and KiNK, alongside insights from neuroscientists Dr. Julia C. Basso and Dr. Daniel J. Levitin. We Become One explores a simple yet profound idea: music is a universal force that transcends borders and boundaries.
But what actually makes that possible? The film seeks to answer that question by blending insights from world-class neuroscientists and iconic artists alike.
TALK- A Conversation with the Directors of We Become One
We had the chance to interview Dan Tait and Laurence Koe, the directors of the We Become One documentary, in order to dig deeper into the ideas that shaped it.
Music on the dancefloor is more than just beats—it’s a form of communication. How do you think this primal connection impacts our sense of community today?
I think it is more important than ever. As the power of the internet grew and we had all these new forms of communication available, some people were suggesting that our communities would all end up online, but particularly after COVID when we lost this primal connection I think people are realizing more and more that there is something unique, irreplaceable and that resonates with our very core when we hit the dancefloor. There is a joy and sense of togetherness that we only get when we dance to music with others.
The science of music is fascinating, but how did you balance these complex ideas with the raw energy of club culture?
The first question we faced during pre-production was how to balance genuine, cutting-edge science with entertainment. Our goal was to keep the film accessible while staying true to the subject matter.
This tension quickly became the core challenge of the project. We experimented with several formats before landing on an approach: deliver the science in bite-sized chunks, then bring it to life with the raw energy of the club scene. As the film took shape, it became clear that this contrast- the precision of science paired with the chaos of the dance floor—made the viewing experience more powerful. The club moments became the perfect visual metaphor for the theories we wanted to explore.
Clubbing and electronic music have long been a space for rebellion. How do you think these scenes continue to challenge societal norms?
There is no doubt that commercial imperatives and capitalism have had a huge impact on clubbing and electronic music, but you just have to look at the way the scene is constantly evolving from the ground up to see that there are new artists, new scenes, new collectives and fresh ideas coming through all the time.. These initiatives are generally driven by the next generation of electronic music lovers and driven by passion for the music and freedom of expression and it is this new generation of clubbers and electronic music lovers that help create these 3rd spaces where open-minded people can still come and challenge the norms of society and lose themselves in the music.
The film touches on how music and light create a transformative experience. What do you believe is the future of these sensory experiences in club culture?
This is going to be a fascinating area to keep an eye on. If we look at the evolution of the sound and light systems and the production done in many of the best clubs and festivals around the world over the last 20 years or so, it is truly astounding. The science that we learnt while making the documentary is only just starting to ripple through the industry. When organizations really start to play with our feelings and emotions and understand the science behind what the impact of all the different elements brings and how they can combine them to create a truly euphoric effect, they will want to explore and create new ideas and techniques to enhance our collective club experience. One thing is certain, though, as much as the virtual world and online world will evolve at a pace, the most powerful, transformative, and joyous experience will always be getting together with others in the real world and experiencing the power of music together on the dancefloor.
The new film is the latest chapter in AlphaTheta/Pioneer DJ’s documentary series on electronic music and nightlife culture. It follows The Evolution of Ibiza (2024), which charted the island’s rise from hippy haven to global clubbing hotspot. That documentary featured insights from Carl Cox, Chloé Caillet, Fatboy Slim, and other key voices in the scene.
We Become One goes beyond the typical music documentary format. It explores how sound unites us—emotionally, scientifically, and culturally. As the film closes, Moodymann offers a final, powerful reflection on music’s deeper meaning.
“When we get together… we become one.”
Paulina Gonzalez for KEYI Magazine
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