Exclusive Interview with Parisian based producer – Kubu
Kubu is a producer currently based in Paris. He is also an electric guitar player. For many years he learned how to play classic and contemporary jazz. He spent a lot of time learning, assimilating all kinds of music and tried to play and emulate the playing of the greats on his guitar.
He’s started doing it before going to the LACM (Los Angeles College of Music) in 2010 and kept doing it after he finished his studies there (mid 2011).
During three years from 2015 to 2017 he focused on mastering classic jazz tunes. He practiced by going every week in jam sessions in Paris first and later in Berlin in 2018.
In 2019 he went back playing other styles of music, Funk, RnB, Soul and other genres based on solid grooves. In 2020 he decided to make electronic music. Later in mid 2021 he made some tunes in different styles. At the end of 2021 he remixed some of these tunes and selected four of what he thought were the best. These songs constitute now the 1st EP of Kubu.
Exclusive Interview
1. Tell us about the first track that put you on the map in the electronic scene and the journey since. How did you get started?
I was a jazz player for quite a long time. But I was always listening to other styles of music including house. Making house and techno was always lingering in the back of my mind. At the end of 2019 I just decided to delve into it. I learned myself Ableton live, bought my first analog synthesizer and quickly I was just hooked by these new tools. First I just made some experimentations and I made some tunes in different styles of electronic music. And at the end of 2021 I remixed some of these tunes. Then I selected four of them and these songs constitute now my first EP.
2. Tell us about your latest project ‘Ballroom’
I released my first EP ‘Turning Point’ as an electronic producer on September 5th 2022. On this first EP, ‘Ballroom’ was the last tune I worked on.
I was listening at that time to some neo disco house tunes and wanted to create a new one based on that. I also wanted to have something more ambient. So I tried to blend these two constraints and that tune is just the result of that process.
Listen on Spotify
3. Tell us something we wouldn’t normally find out about you?
Before becoming an electronic music producer I was a jazz guitar player. During three years from 2015 to 2017 I focused on mastering classic jazz tunes. I practiced by playing live every week in jam sessions in Paris first and later in Berlin in 2018.
4. What single night out has been most memorable for you as a DJ and producer?
I haven’t performed yet as a DJ.
5. Give us the name of one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you listen to it?
Smile from Theo Parrish
6. Dream collaboration and why?
My dream collaboration would be one with Shinichi Osawa. He is one of my most major influences. He has a very wide range of styles and has started as a bass player in an acid jazz band (First lineup of Mondo Grosso).
7. If you could play any festival, which would it be?
Time Warp US
8. How do you get a track started? tell us about your production process
I usually start with a chord progression or a strong bass line and then add rythmic elements. Sometimes I have a clear idea of what I want, other times it’s a trial and error process. I am using both software and hardware synthesizers along with Ableton.
9. Upcoming projects? What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a few tracks which are kind of a continuation of my first EP. I also want to make tunes in a very different style in the near future.
10. The relationship between a DJ and the audience is crucial, and yet is seems to be a fragile one – how do you see the balance between giving the crowd what they want and treating them to something new?
As I haven’t performed live yet as a DJ or as an electronic producer, it’s hard to respond to that question. But as a former jazz musician I would like to perform live as a DJ & Producer who plays the music I really love, hoping that some or most of the audience will also enjoy it.
UFO Network
UFO Network is the go-to global hub for EDM enthusiasts, spanning 125+ countries. It’s the ultimate source for EDM news, reviews, and interviews, catering to DJs, artists, and labels. Additionally, it’s a platform for emerging talent, offering opportunities for DJs and artists to showcase their skills and grow their careers through events and collaborations.
Dedicated to delivering the latest in EDM, from breaking news to fresh beats and exclusive interviews, UFO Network is committed to providing comprehensive insights into the electronic music scene. Founded in Helsingborg, Sweden, on April 19, 2015, by Jacques Maurice Julie and Darren Johnathan Bezuidenhout, it continues to shape the industry from its headquarters in Sweden, pushing boundaries and fostering creativity worldwide.
Connect with Kubu
