A solitary, inspired sonic explorer, Kmalectro champions an icy, digital and hypnotising take on trance and techno, crafting material at the intersection of leftfield and dance music. It must be working: the German talent has amassed a sizeable following on his YouTube channel, a sign that people are slowly connecting to the project.
‘digital Highway’ is Kmalectro’s latest effort, a mesmerising journey into arpeggiated synthetisers and groovy beats, with a certain amount of psychedelia and trance textures thrown into it. Self-produced in his spare time, the record continues Kmalectro’s personal journey into experimental territories, refining the project’s sound release after release.
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with Kmaelectro to find out more about his artistry and future goals… Interview below!
Hey Kmalectro, how is it going? some of our readers might not be familiar with your project, how would you describe yourself, in a few words?
Hey there! I’m doing well, thank you. To describe myself briefly, I’m an artist who blends a wide array of musical genres and styles into my work. My music is a journey that explores the complexities of the digital age and our ever-evolving relationship with it. I create sounds that fuse my cultural background with my love for electronic music, and I’m on a quest to share these sonic adventures with the world.
Your current work is the result of a long journey; What first drew you to making music?
My initial attraction to music stemmed from the rich and diverse cultural environment I grew up in. The people around me, who gathered to make music together, showcased the power and expressiveness of music. It became a medium for me to articulate my thoughts and emotions. This fascination ignited my passion for sound, setting me on a journey into the world of music.
If you had the opportunity to pick any artists in the world for a collaboration, who would be your first choice? (and second choice, perhaps?)
Daft Punk of course, and many others.
You recently released an evocative track, ‘Digital Highway’. There’s a lot of sonic research and design into it. What was the inspiration behind it, and what does it mean to you?
‘Digital Highway’ is a reflection of the profound impact of the digital age and the intricate complexities of Big Data. It’s a musical exploration of our journey from the initial, bewildering days of the internet to its current integral role in our lives. The inspiration behind the track lies in the need to understand the evolving relationship between humans and the digital world. It’s a creative endeavour that holds immense meaning for me, as it allows me to explore the challenges and transformations that the digital era has brought into our lives. The track represents a sonic adventure, resonating with the constant evolution of our interconnected existence.
Do you feel more confident writing music alone, or within a team?
I feel equally comfortable both writing music alone and within a team. When working alone, I have the freedom to explore my ideas and experiment without constraints. It’s a deeply personal and introspective process that allows me to express my individual creativity.
On the other hand, collaborating with a team brings a different kind of energy. It’s inspiring to bounce ideas off others, and the synergy of a collective effort can lead to unexpected and exciting results. Collaboration often enhances the creative process and allows for the fusion of diverse influences and perspectives.
In the end, whether working solo or with a team, it’s all about the music and the journey of creative exploration. Both approaches have their unique merits, and I appreciate them for what they bring to my artistic endeavours.
Can you explain a bit about your production process? Do you work with analogue machines or digital plugins?
I work with both analogue hardware and digital plugins in my production process. While I have a preference for analogue equipment, I also acknowledge the power and flexibility that digital plugins offer. The key is to strike a balance and create a symbiosis between the two. It’s crucial to know your gear and plugins inside out, understanding their strengths and limitations.
Analogue equipment provides a unique warmth and character that can be challenging to replicate digitally. The tactile nature of working with physical hardware is a creative experience in itself. However, digital plugins offer convenience, versatility, and a vast array of sound-shaping tools.
In my production process, I often start with an idea or a concept, and then I experiment with various sound sources, both analogue and digital, to bring that idea to life. I aim to create a harmonious blend of organic and electronic elements, focusing on what sounds best for the particular project. Ultimately, it’s the music and the emotions it conveys that drive my choices in the production process.
Artistically speaking, what challenges have the last two years presented you with?
The past two years have been a unique and challenging period for artists globally. One of the significant artistic challenges I’ve faced during this time is the inability to connect with audiences in a traditional live setting due to the restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Live performances are an essential part of an artist’s journey, and not being able to share my music with a live audience has been a profound loss.
Additionally, the evolving landscape of the music industry, with streaming platforms and changing audience behaviours, presents a challenge to artists in terms of visibility and monetization. The digital age has brought both opportunities and challenges, as artists must navigate the complex world of online promotion, streaming, and the struggle to earn a fair income from their work.
However, these challenges have also encouraged me to explore new avenues for creativity and connection. The digital world offers alternative ways to engage with fans and share music, and it has inspired me to experiment with different approaches to reach my audience. Despite the hurdles, these two years have pushed me to grow as an artist, adapt to changing circumstances, and find innovative solutions to continue creating and sharing my music.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
The next steps for my project are filled with excitement and creativity. I have several projects in the pipeline, each offering a unique musical journey. I’m currently working on new tracks that span various genres, from EDM to independent electronic music. These tracks are a reflection of my evolving style and my constant exploration of different musical influences.
I’m also collaborating with other artists, such as Tonee Jukebox, which promises to bring fresh and dynamic elements to my music. These collaborations are incredibly exciting, as they allow me to expand my creative horizons and bring diverse perspectives into my work.
Additionally, I’m planning to continue growing my online presence and engaging with my community on platforms like YouTube. The overwhelming support I’ve received in the past year has been truly inspiring, and I’m eager to connect even more with my fans and fellow music enthusiasts.
In the coming months, expect a series of new releases, each offering a unique sonic adventure and emotional journey. I can’t wait to share these musical explorations with the world, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue creating and evolving as an artist.
