Last month, we got to catch Kyle Watson on his Into the Morning Tour in Denver, Colorado. To say he’s a great producer is an understatement; he has managed to create a unique yet recognizable and revolutionary sound. It’s also straight filth.
We’re so honored to have had the opportunity to interview him and share some of his brilliance with you guys! Here’s one of our favorite tracks off Kyle’s new album to listen to while you read:
How did you get started in the music industry?
My father is a musician – he owned a record label, publishing company and recording studios here in Johannesburg. He bought me my first music creation software and the rest is history!
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
A thunderstorm of basslines playing off each other with melodies and musicality jumping in to join in on the fun.
What’s the story behind your track, “Don’t Talk”?
This was the first track I worked on with Pop Art. I had this instrumental lying around with an acapella over the breaks but I knew it could be special with a proper vocal on top. That’s when I reached out to Pop Art. I sent them the backtrack and they came in to record the vocals in one go.
Your production style is unlike any other. How do you come up with the concepts for all the grimy basslines you produce?
Sometimes I just start writing and see where it takes me. Other times I actually start out with a title and try to make the track sound like the title (Creatures was one of those tracks). I’ve always gravitated towards basslines because some of my biggest early production influences came from artists like Noisia, Switch, etc. They all made their basslines central to their production.
We just caught your show at Club Vinyl in Denver earlier this month (best set we’ve heard from you yet), and you seemed right at home on the decks. Do you ever get nervous performing live or have you always been a natural?
I still get nervous sometimes for sure! It’s different with every show though, sometimes I’m perfectly fine and other times I can overthink things before going on. But I think the day you stop getting even the tiniest of nerves before a show, is the day you should quit.
Do you have any rituals or routines you do to get ready for a show?
Not really, I’ve been asked this before but I just try to figure out the crowd a little before going on. No weird rituals though!
Your new album, Into The Morning, is an obvious labor of love. Walk us through the creation process.
I really wanted to take myself out of the house music realm for a little while, firstly to put together a project that let me do that but also to challenge myself. It felt like everything came together really naturally. Once I started, I focused pretty much entirely on the album until it was done before moving onto other projects, so my head was fully immersed in the process. I’m so happy with how it came out in the end. It feels to me like a true reflection of my influences and my style projected onto genres that people might not normally expect to hear from me.
How has the Into The Morning Tour been going?
It started at home in South Africa in August, and I’ve just finished up the US leg. It was fantastic!
With so much young talent trying to make their way in the music industry, it’s a super competitive market. You’ve managed to stand out with the unique, signature sound you’ve created. What’s one piece of advice you would give new artists trying to figure out how to find their sound?
You’ve pretty much answered this in your question… BE DIFFERENT. There is so much stuff out there and so many people are just mimicking each other. As soon as you create your own path you’ll see people taking notice.
What would you say is the hardest part of your lifestyle as a DJ?
The time it takes to travel to places, being away from home and missing out on special occasions. Without a doubt, those are the most difficult things. I’m super lucky that my wife comes with me on tour, which means I’m not alone all the time.
What would be your calling in another life?
100% professional procrastinator!
Favorite places you’ve traveled to while on tour?
Croatia was pretty cool, and Cape Town in South Africa is always beautiful. Plus I’ve had a chance to see a bunch of the US which is pretty cool too.
Number one favorite track you’ve produced and why?
I think I’d have to say Solace is my favourite, just because of the emotion it’s able to evoke in the people that hear it. I put a ton of time into that track, and Apple Gule’s voice on it is perfection.
Check this track out here:
How do you envision house music evolving in the future?
Honestly, it changes so fast. Just when the bpm starts slowing down it speeds up. This week it’s tech, next weekend it’s good old-fashioned house music, next month bass is back! That’s what I love about house music, it’s always evolving.
Who’s the most underrated producer right now, in your opinion?
Dateless, Westend and OMNOM are all doing really cool things.
What can we expect from you in 2019?
I’ve been working on a few edits of tracks off the album. I’ve also finished up a handful of really cool remixes which should be due out pretty soon. And then just making sure I play to the crowds that want to hear me!!
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