This week we had a mix from DJ/Producer Karma Kid who at only 17 years of age has a sonic maturity that really stands out from the crowd. Along with the exclusive 15 minute mix, he answered the Coco Electro questions, with an application that makes for a real interesting read. Check it...
When did you start djing/producing? What got you into it/ why did you start?
I started properly DJing and producing at around the same time in Autumn 2008 as I thought that it would be good to start something new. I've also always liked the idea of making people dance and feel good. That was a massive attraction for me.
In terms of producing, my main reason for starting was purely down to curiosity. I've always wanted to know how producers put songs together and make weird sounds. I hate to say it but Rusko was probably the reason I started producing. I used to be completely intrigued by his wobbles. It makes me cringe to think about that now though.
Who/what are your major influences?
Recently, my major influences have been Rustie, Disclosure, Pasteman, Melé, Bwana and Eliphino. I just love that fact that every single one of these producers is doing their own thing, and making music that pleases them. At the end of the day, having fun is the most important thing and producers that show that through their music inspire me.
Who would you love to collaborate with? (1 realistic, 1 fantasy)
It's half realistic, but I would absolutely love to collaborate with Troy Gunner. He's a really nice guy, and he is on absolutely top form at the moment. I'd love to get the chance to work with him before he get's huge!
If I could collaborate with anyone in the world though, it would probably be James Blake. He's just super-creative, and it would be amazing to pick up some tips from him.
Vinyl, CD or digital?
Well, I started mixing on Virtual DJ, to pick up the very basics, then i invested in a MIDI controller, and recently I got myself some CDJ's and a turntable. I'd absolutely love to learn to mix with turntables properly; it's an awesome skill to have, but in the modern world, it just seems inconvenient. I often find that I can put on a better show if I'm using a controller, as it's a lot quicker and responsive than CDJ's or turntables. I don't have a problem using CDJ's, but if I'm DJing at my own events, I'll always choose my MIDI controller.
What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you on a gig?
The worst thing, hands down was when I was in the middle of my set at an event, and my laptop froze and crashed. All of the music stopped and I felt horrendous.
Do you think anyone can learn to DJ and/or Produce? What’s your best tip for beginners?
I think that anyone can produce music these days, definitely. My best tip would be to find out if there are any local producers that would be willing to talk to you about it for a little while, to give you a slight understanding of the very basics of production. After they have given you some guidance, get yourself on to youtube, have a look at some tutorials, have a look on some forums to see what sample packs, software and vst's other producers are using. Just mess around with it to start off with and don't take yourself too seriously.
What do you listen to most in a track?
I always look out for a clear mixdown and master. It's one of the most basic and important stages of production, but an area that is often overlooked. I'm also always listening out for fat kicks and subs that cut though on headphones and speakers.
Your sound seems to fit in very nicely with the UK bass scene at the moment, was that a conscious decision?
Thank you. I'm not really sure if I’m perfectly honest. I still don't know exactly what genre I produce. I just make music that I like listening to. In that respect, it was definitely unconscious, but there is a massive scope for producers to create these days.
How to plan to set yourself apart from others?
I'm just going to keep producing what makes me happy. Hopefully, people will just keep listening to my music. If my music sounds like someone else’s, I don't mind because I'm not trying to
imitate anyone.
What are you hoping to achieve in the long run/ what’s your ambition?
My ambition has and always will be to have fun. If you look to get famous or make lots of money you simply won't succeed. Producers that have fun with production will always have better quality music than people who chase fame and fortune.
Where will you be playing next/ what projects do you have lined up?
I've got a few free downloads to come on the soundcloud in the next month or two, as well as a possible release on King Pigeon with Warrior One, which is exciting stuff! I also have forthcoming tunes on Immersed Audio and L2S in the next few months that I'm rather excited about. Look out for those on digital!
What are your favourite ways to find new tracks?
Youtube is my first choice place to look for samples. It's like having the world's best record collection at my fingertips. I'm always venturing into the dark corners of Soundcloud too for new music. It's amazing how many awesome artists there are.
What’s the future of Dance music? Who do you think we should keep our ears out for?
I reckon this year will be big for the following producers:
Magical Mistakes - INCREDIBLE producer, currently living in Japan. He releases physical copies of his music himself, but is extremely under the radar. Imagine Gold Panda / Baths,
Kyogi - A friend of mine. His tunes have been off the scale recently, and his fan-base is growing as rapidly as his production skills. Check him out for some nice future garage.
Tom Parker - Another friend of mine. He is one one the reasons i moved away from from dubstep, to start producing garage and stuff. He's massively talented and will no doubt be pulling out some bangers this year.
Troy Gunner - Really nice guy who's just signed to Mindset. Supported by Ifan Dafyyd, Synkro, Giles Peterson amongst others. Some massive things from him this year surely!
Thriftworks - I came across this guy on a random blog, but he gives all of his tunes away for free and he is mental. Imagine Rustie, Two Inch Punch, Slugabed.
Compa - This guy has some of the darkest beats around at the moment. Strictly dubplates!
Mr. Tickle - I have a gut feeling that Mr.Tickle will get closely involved with the Rinse.Fm crew this year. He's already had a release on Roska's Kicks and Snares and support from SBTRKT in their essential mix. Big things coming from him. Citrus (Don't Get Lemon) is a personal favourite of his.
Damu - Absolutely amazing procuder. He has been supporting Disclosure and SBTRKT recently on their tour, so it will be interesting to see what happens for him this year.
Why is music important?
Slightly cliché but I think that music brings people together and allows people to express themselves. It promotes freedom of speech and creativity, and I think it will always have a massive role to play in people's lives.
What are your 10 of your favourite tracks at the moment?
Francis Bebey - Akwaaba
Pasteman - The Movement
Kidnap Kid - If
Michael Jackson - PYT (Ridney Re-Edit)
Quantic - Not So Blue
Mak & Pasteman - Do The Same (VIP)
Nas - Life's A Bitch (Starburst Remix)
Seiji - More of You
King Krule - Out Getting Ribs
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