5 Minutes With: Kevin Knapp

Kevin Knapp has been around the block a few times.

An eminent patron of Berlin’s distinctive dance music community, he has played all over the world, commanding dance floors with his wild musical style and dramatic flair.

You’re likely familiar with Knapp’s work through track collaborations such as ‘The Drums’ with Richy Ahmed and his production work alongside Sacha Robotti & Mat.Joe. In August, Kevin’s solo hit was released and immediately incorporated into the sets of industry heavy weights Jamie Jones, Damian Lazarus, and Claude VonStroke. These efforts served to push him under the international electronica spotlight, where he has firmly entrenched himself.

Much like his personality, Kevin’s musical style is both assertive and embracing, daring yet inevitable, laced with charisma and a general unapologetic gusto. His explosion onto the international stage sees him working on several new solo productions for some of the industries biggest and brightest labels as well as forthcoming collaborations with Flashmob, Sacha Robotti & Mat.Joe. He has recently released tracks with renowned labels Hot Creations and OFF Recordings.

Beyond this hectic schedule Knapp is also paying a visit to India to bring the house down in the Subcontinent. In anticipation of this exciting trip we decided to ask him some questions about what it is like in Kevin’s world:

How’s it going?
Super well at the moment! Sun is shining in that “anything is possible” kind of way. Feeling great.

Where are you right now?
Berlin, prepping to leave for my India trip in a few hours.

What’s in your pockets?
Actually, have not thrown pants on yet today, the comforts of working from home...

What’s the last song you listened to?
Nobody (Pascal Feos Remix) - Wigbert

What’s one sound that reminds you of home?
The sound of the 38 jumbo bus line breaking and accelerating on the streets of San Francisco.

What’s in your fridge?
Lettuce, Blue Cheese, Pork Chops, A jug of Crystal Light fruit punch, and an assortment of mushrooms.

What would the title of your biography be?
The International Chronicles of a Perceived Bouncer.

If you could trade places with anyone for a week, (rich, poor, fictional or real, famous or not) who would it be?
Michael Jordan.

If you weren’t making music what do you think you’d be doing?
Practicing law and helping people. It’s a little known fact but I’m actually a lawyer and still practice a bit from time to time.

If you had to make one instrument disappear forever, which would it be?
The Theremin has proven a bit challenging for me to understand.

Best live act you’ve ever witnessed?
Oh wow, actually it’s a band. I was there for TV on the Radio’s first ever show at SXSW and peeps were literally climbing on tables and up the walls. I’ve never seen a crowd so ready with anticipation.

If you could give any one musical artist a lifetime achievement award, who would it be?
Probably Q-Tip from Tribe Called Quest. I’ve loved everything he’s ever done.

What colour and sound first come to mind when you think of India?
Red and Gold for sure. And the Sitar of course. I listened to tons of Ravi Shankar back in the day when I was a kid.

If you could have one superpower it would be?
Anything the silver surfer could do… Would be dope to skate/surf the universe kickin’ ass!

Describe what is next in store for Kevin Knapp is in three words…
Make it bump.

THE SAME 3 QUESTIONS:

3 most inspirational artists:

Koze, Miles Davis, Robag Whrume

3 favourite albums of all time:

Nevermind, Kind of Blue, Quiet is the New Loud

Favourite 3 artists of the moment:

Affkt, Jamie Jones, Koze

***Kevin Knapp will headline at Regenerate: By the Pier in Mumbai, details here, but not before first heading to Delhi to raise the roof with Wild City at Hauz Khas Social, details here. For more details on Kevin's work and travels follow him on Facebook here.***

Words: Aditya Keswani