Denmark, Australia, rests on the lower left corner of the continent.
The middle of nowhere, in other words. The small town is best known for its karri trees, bottlenose dolphins and gentle rock slope beaches. On a list of the locations central to the evolution of dubstep music, it would not show up. And yet it is the birthplace of Maaike Kito Lebbing, 24, and Reija Lee Thomas, 23, childhood friends who have become two of the few female voices in a field of club music dominated by the bros.

“I have a memory of writing a song about ‘all the animals in the zoo’ when I was about five years old,” Kito recalls with a smile. “For my mum, it’s my biggest hit so far.” Kito is the beatmaking half of the platinum-blond duo. Reija Lee sings the sugary hooks. Dubstep is defined by its aggressive, stuttering rhythms. It is music built for fist pumping and gut rumbling. With Kito & Reija Lee, there’s a pop shimmer glossed over the booming bass growls.

Today the two are signed to Mad Decent, the label of über-DJ Diplo, and living in London. Kito lives in a shared house, her bedroom essentially serving as the group’s studio. Reija Lee boards with her brother and his girlfriend in a large commercial space. “My room is like a dungeon,” she sighs. That softness running through their songs just might be homesickness. Sweet Talkfloats like some dream of a beach party.

Q & A with Kito & Reija Lee

The first record you owned?

Kito: I think it was Madonna, Like A Virgin or True Blue. My sisters used to give me a lot of cassettes.
Reija Lee: Silverchair, Frogstomp.

Your favorite beach?

Reija Lee: A little bay in Denmark, Western Australia!
Kito: My hometown. Denmark is extremely isolated and remote but also very beautiful with an incredible coastline. The best beaches!

Your favorite sport?

Reija Lee: Dancing and basketball.
Kito: Does yoga count?

Something from the past you wish you could bring back.

Kito: Jet packs.
Reija Lee: Drive-ins. There’s not enough of them still standing.

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