Kevin Knapp returns to Crosstown Rebels this month alongside UK production duo Audiojack with their ‘Under Your Skin’ release which includes a mix and a dub from Hessle Audio’s Pearson Sound. We put the singer, DJ and producer through our quick fire Q&A.
Why music?
Born to do it, it’s in my blood.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Practicing entertainment law or becoming a licensed therapist.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
What inspires you?
Astonishing creative efforts from all mediums.
What’s the next big thing?
Plump Records
Best club experience?
Playing Elrow in Sydney Australia
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Working as a paralegal in an asbestos defense law firm. Eww!
How do you know when a track’s finished?
The law of diminishing returns, when every time you tinker with an element it just makes it slightly worse, you know it’s time to cut and run.
What was your last day job and when did you realize you could give it up?
Staff Lawyer as a nonprofit law firm in San Francisco. I gave it up for a year in 2016 and then permanently in 2019.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
I don’t think there is one. Be in it for the right reasons and stick around for a minute. That’s what I did.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
Can’t say because it’s a collab and I’m not trying to fly too close to the sun. haha
Which song do you wish you wrote?
‘Shook Ones’ – Mobb Deep
Recommend us a film.
Recommend us a book.
The Stand – Stephen King
What or who is underrated?
Tex Mex – Queso and fajitas in Texas will change your life.
What or who is overrated?
Autotune & Prime Rib (nowhere close to dope as a seared rib eye. Fight me!)
What are you addicted to?
Time with my phenomenal creative partner Hutchtastic, wine & cheese.
What do you lust over?
Blushing.
What is your greatest regret?
Spending any time in life allocated to career aspirations, on anything other than music. It has always been music for me, and I should have been camped out here the whole time.
What one thing would most improve your life?
Work-life balance, I’m a bit of a workhorse.
The technical side of producing is important and helpful, but I take more of a band-aid approach. Just muscle things into the places they need to be until they sound good.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
I can’t remember where, but I showed up to play a club somewhere and they had no monitors. NO MONITORS.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Love them. I do some of my best work in collabs.
What’s the secret to a great DJ mix?
Two or three of what I refer to as texture tracks. They sort of telegraph corners of the set so to speak. Distinctive moment tunes.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
‘I Fall in Love too Easily/The Fire Within’ – Keith Jarrett
How do you relax?
A good film and or game and a nice evening in the kitchen with a bottle of natural wine.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
I use Diva a ton.
Art or money?
Art
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
On the steps at the ferry building plaza while skateboarders stomp kickflips during flatland sessions all around me.
Must-visit record store?
Oye Records – Berlin
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
The lack of professionalism. Coming from a legal background it’s astonishing. I have learned to chill a bit though. I think. haha
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Hot Creations and Dirtybird. They are who I am and they both feel like home.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Waiting to hear if a record is signed.
What’s your motto?
Keep it gangster.
Name something timeless
Miles Davis
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
The technical side of producing is important and helpful, but I take more of a band-aid approach. Just muscle things into the places they need to be until they sound good.
Complete this sentence: At heart I’m just a frustrated…
Chef in a DJ’s body.
Can music change the world?
It does everyday.
What are you listening to right now?
Alfredo – Freddy Gibbs & The Alchemist
What should you do before you die?
Live as fully and with as much integrity as I possibly can. I feel like I’m off to a pretty good start 🙂
Audiojack feat. Kevin Knapp ‘Under Your Skin‘ is released 5th February on Crosstown Rebels.