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Catching Up With DJ Kenii
What first drew you into music production?
I remember watching some of my favorite DJs play their best tunes at music festivals such as Ultra, Tomorrowland, EDC, etc. I then told myself that I wanted to attempt to do what they were doing, I wanted to make people dance. I first started off by learning how to DJ. I am very grateful for my parents’ support along the way. They bought me equipment, paid for classes, and tried to get my name out in the world as I began my music career. However, I felt that just being a DJ was not enough, knowing that many of the current music producers played their own music at festivals and clubs: I wanted to do the same thing. This is where it all began.
You are one of the best electro house producers we have ever encountered on the internet! And your latest track “Highways” is one of our all time favorites. Could you tell us more about how you achieved your signature sound?
My sound design process has approximately 3 to 4 steps. I use Serum as my main synth-making tool. It is amazing… the opportunities are practically endless on serum. First, I think of a certain sound that would go well with the melody I am trying to achieve. Then I build the sound in serum. Nevertheless, I tend to feel as if my sounds are not rich enough, so I add another bass or synth depending on what floats my boat. I think of the sound I want, then make the sound I want. It can be very hard at times but it is very fulfilling when I hear the final product sound so much like the idea in my head.
”Grand” is another great example of how capable you are as a producer! The mixing is on point and the melodies/ideas are out of this world! Could you tell us more about your studio setup and your creative process?
My studio set-up is pretty basic: I have two speakers and one mixing table. From there on, my creative process is kind of complicated. I first start off by building my drop and my intro, thinking of a certain tune in mind and then creating it. The hardest aspect for me in the midst of my process is trying to compose a song that is different, that has swang and makes people want to dance. Once that is completed, the rest is relatively simple, mixing and mastering takes a minimum of 5 hours and then waiting to release a track at the right time also takes about 5 hours.
How is it like DJing in New York? Do you DJ your own music?
The only real experiences I have had djing in New York City was at a club in Harlem a couple times. I also DJ-ed at a couple private parties for free. I am hoping that I will be able to perform this summer at a music festival in New York City.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
That is a very tough question, I recently committed to Oberlin College in Ohio and am counting on studying mathematics and music production. My dream would be to be able to perform at an EDM concert in front of a couple thousand people or in a club. In 5 years, I see myself with a lot more music released and much more knowledge in mathematics and music production.
What are your goals for 2018? Any upcoming projects we can get excited about?
My goals for 2018 are still unclear. If we’re being completely honest, I just make as I create. Innovation is one of my main goals as a music producer. I have been working on a new remix of Sam Feldt’s latest track entitled “Sensational”, giving it a nice future house melody. I also just released my “Rockstar” Remix on Soundcloud. It is a waiting game for me. Even though I have not released as many songs as I would have wanted to, I still am quite proud of my progress, so far. I am also counting on releasing an EP entitled “Stagnate”. It will include “Highways”, “Bad Beliefs”, and two new songs I have been working on named “Zero Kills” and “Pure Ice”. This EP is one I have been meaning to create and release for a long time, the only thing that is holding me back honestly is time. UPDATE: “Stagnate” EP has been released. Currently, I have three songs that are private links on my SoundCloud account and am waiting to release them.
“Breathe” is a new kind of House music I launched myself into. I was mostly inspired by Wax Motif and many other of those underground house music producers.
“Haters” is my favorite so far in terms of recent unreleased songs. Some classic melodic House there.
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