Mike Mago, CampelPhat, KC Lights
Mike Mago, CampelPhat, KC Lights

Interview with effortlessly cool house music producer KC Lights

Image credit : Lanty Zhang

Releasing effortlessly cool, calm and collected tribal house track ‘Cold Light (feat. Leo Stannard)’ earlier this year via Toolroom,  KC Lights proves to be a force not to be challenged.  Realising previous single ‘Girl’, the DJ’s track dominated  BBC Radio 1’s daytime playlist, KISS FM, Capital Dance, Sirius XM in the US, Australian channel Triple J  along with France’s FG to name a few. KC Lights is set to share some more releases this year just in time for this perfect summer weather that we have been slowly been experiencing lately.  We had a chat with the CamelPhat collaborator and realized that he is as laidback and passionate as the sounds he produces.

Enjoy this exclusive interview with KC Lights below.

How did you get into music and for how long have you been involved in the arts?

Music has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember! I started performing at an early age after learning the saxophone and playing in various bands throughout school. I fell in love with electronic & dance music and turned my hand to music production & writing while at University and haven’t looked back since!

What inspires you and what makes you want to keep making music?

Music will always be a passion of mine before a career. Writing music means so much to me, I know it’s something I’ll always do. Inspiration can come from anywhere for me. Sometimes it can stem an emotion, a piece of music or even a walk through the street, it tends to just grab me when I least expect it.

Which artists are you currently listening to? And is there any one of these that you’d like to collaborate with?

I’m really loving anything from Fred Again.., Mele & Paul Woolford at the moment. As far as a dream collaboration – all of the above!

How do you separate yourself from other artists and producers right now?

It’s actually not something I consciously try and do. I think it’s so important to just do you when it comes to writing music. Everyone has a unique pool of influences and experiences and if you focus on that in the studio, naturally you’ll stand out on your own.

What do you consider a really successful or high point in your career so far?

I get some really amazing messages from people telling me how much a song of mine means to them and that it’s helped them through a difficult time. These are always such high points for me, that’s what it’s all about. On a personal level though, I remember playing in the main room at The Warehouse Project in Manchester and couldn’t quite believe that I was there!

For aspiring musicians, what advice would you give to simplify making music?

For me, the best music I write is when I’m not trying too hard. I think that if you’re having to really work at something and forcing an idea then maybe it isn’t the right idea. Often, I find a demo I’ve thrown together in a couple of hours is some of my best work.

Which piece of hardware or software would you consider the most essential in your setup, and that you would be a little lost without?

I’d have to say the entire Native Instruments collection, combined with my Komplete Kontrol S88 it’s so easy to pick out amazing sounds and create quickly when the ideas are flowing.

Which is the one piece of software or hardware you’re still looking to add to your collection?

I’d love an acoustic upright piano, or even a baby grand since I’m wishing for things!

Tell us about what your upcoming releases or projects?

I’ve basically been in the studio non-stop for the past year, so have so many exciting upcoming projects! My next single is coming out in July though. I’ve collaborated with one of the hottest artists in dance music at the moment and I couldn’t be more excited to get it out there!

Follow KC Lights:

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Soundcloud

Keep Exploring
VibeLab’s NightSchool Programme Injects €75,000 to Empower Emerging Curators