Insight Interview: Kazukii

In this interview, we chat with the amazing California-based producer Kazukii and find out all there is to know about their career so far and their future goals.

 

Hey Kazukii, thanks so much for agreeing to an interview. Where are you based? Do you tend to travel a lot, or are you firmly rooted at home?

Thanks for having me! I’m currently based in a little country town in Northern California. I’ve never really traveled outside of the state, but I’d love to at some point or another.

Can you recall your first real exposure to music?

I think my first exposure to music was probably with the 80’s rock my mother always had playing when I was a kid. That and the old Big Band music my grandfather always loved to show me.

How and when did you first begin writing and creating music?

I started making music a little over 6 years ago now. I don’t really have a musical background or anything like that, but I do remember the first time I looked into music production. It was after I heard some of Deadmau5’s older work. It really got me curious on how to make music the same way.

So I figured out he had used FL studio in the past. I went and downloaded that and messed around for about three years before getting anything I was really happy with.

 

 

How did you decide upon the name Kazukii?

I had been using this name online for awhile before I even thought about making music. From what I know the name can mean “Peace” or “Hope.” I felt like that ended up fitting the music I make now.

Have you made or released music under any other name?

I actually have! I’ve had two other side-projects in the past. The music I made under those names was very different from most of the music I make as “Kazukii” though.

Can you describe your music for us?

It’s kind of hard for me to try and explain it in a certain way. I’d probably describe it as airy, atmospheric, and progressive. But I’ve had a lot of people just describe it as calming or relaxing.

Have you played live recently? Would you like to do more shows or tours in future? Anything coming up soon you’d like to tell us about?

No, I’ve never played any kind of live show before. I’d love to do some performances or something in the future though! I just wouldn’t know how to get my music to really work in a live setting.

What have been your biggest influences?

Musically, some of my major influences come from artists like Owsey, Burial, and Stumbleine. The way that each of them can create such wonderful and mysterious kinds of atmospheres is amazing. I’m also often influenced just by my friends and the experiences I’ve had over these last 6 years. Music has been my escape in that way, and that alone is inspiring to me.

 

 

Do you think producing electronic music requires technical or creative skill? Or both?

I think that at it’s core, creating music that is true to you requires a creative skill. I feel that technical skills will come along the way. Both are important though for sure.

Do you tend to find the creative process a cathartic or therapeutic experience? Has creating music helped you cope with difficult times in your life?

I personally find the creative process to be very therapeutic most of the time. Working on music has helped me get through a number of personal losses over the years. Putting focus and emotion into something that can be so rewarding is one of the best feelings to me.

Any collaborations, remixes or joint projects on the horizon?

Most of my upcoming collaborations are with some very talented vocalists that I’ve come to know.

Any new genres or musical styles you’d like to explore in future?

I think I’d like to get into writing more indie or chill-wave music at some point. I really enjoy the calming kind of simplicity a lot of it has.

Any new releases coming our way?

I’ve got a lot of new music in the works! A lot of which should be coming very soon. I’m really looking forward to getting it all out there.

 

 

Do you have a favourite track / song of all time? Favourite artist?

That’s kind of a hard one… I listen to a lot of music every day. I don’t think I’d be right in saying I really have a “favorite” track. Some of my favorite artists are the same ones that have influenced me though.

It’s been said that a life in music can be a hard one. Would you agree with that?

I agree with that to an extent. It can be a hard life but as long as you’re enjoying the work you put in, it can be a rewarding one.

Do you have any words of advice for aspiring young producers?

Try to be yourself through your music. Don’t be afraid to let your inner thoughts or emotions out with what you write and try not to compare your music to others’ too much.

And finally – are there any tracks / artists that are relatively unknown that you’d like people to know about?

I recommend checking out Dakun. He’s a very underrated producer I’ve met recently. I see him going really far once he starts putting more stuff out.

I also recommend checking out Tyrrer. He’s more of a neuro-artist, but has done some beautiful work as well.

Thanks so much Kazukii!

No problem at all!

Kazukii’s music is available here and here.