KAMADEV is a Miami native music producer who crafts melodic tracks, his moniker inspired by the Hindu deity of love and lust.
He is known for creating texturally vibrant electronic music that is filled with visceral melodies. As a curator of infectious grooves and wistful atmospheres, KAMADEV has developed a style that delicately walks the line between deep introspection and pure club play. He has just produced a powerful track for DJ Mag as a free download and can also be heard on Poker Flat with a remix for Tim Engelhardt.
We recently talked to this promising talent to learn more about him.
Hey Kamadev, welcome to 6AM and thanks for taking time out of your schedule to talk to us. How are you doing and where in the US are you right now?
Hello 6AM, and thank you for having me. I am doing very well here in Miami, Florida, despite all the chaos we are all experiencing around the world, I’m in good health, and doing my best to stay positive and productive doing these times.
How have you been coping without the gigs? How have you been keeping busy?
It’s actually been a bit refreshing to have more downtime. Before COVID, I was working a 9-5 and DJing 4 nights a week, close to 60+ hours of work a week. This caused a lot of mental and physical fatigue. So since there aren’t any gigs, I’ve been using the extra time to work on new sounds in the studio.
For those of our readers that may not know you, please can you introduce yourselves quickly?
My name real name is Alejandro, I’m a Miami native, and a DJ in the music industry close to 20 years under various alias’. I’m opened for many big headliners: Paul Oakenfold, Gabriel & Dresden, Marco V, Claptone, and Purple Disco Machine are some of the artists I’ve had a pleasure to share a booth over the years.
Congratulations on the recent release of track Toque de Aña on Somatic Underground. Can you tell us a bit about the creative process behind the production and why you gave it that name?
I wanted to bring in some influences from my Cuban culture into the melodic techno scene. Aña is a spirit, in Cuban Afro folklore, that lives in the bata drum. Toque is a phrase in our culture for a drumming ceremony to invoke spirits. When there is a Toque, everyone is invited to these gatherings. People show up, give honor to the bata players and to Aña, and dance the night away to the rhythmic patterns. It’s quite of an experience.
I recreated this experience in my own way. The track begins with a steady 4/4 which slowly progresses, the drums come in panning around in its space, intensifying the energy until we arrive to the break, this moment of clarity, a space for thought / reflection, then I introduce the synth line that begins building up tension, comes the drop that releases all that energy.
What are some of the biggest inspirations behind this body of work?
There are many artists that have inspired me to be who I am today as a music producer, but mostly my inspiration comes from the world around me. Each track tells a story about a moment in my life, a memory, an experience, etc… Music is my form of storytelling.
And what kind of studio set up are you working with?
Ableton 10 DAW, Neumann KH310 monitors, Prophet 6, Pro 3, Nord Lead A4, Moog Sub 37, and lots of plugins.
Let’s talk about your relationship with Somatic. Why did you decide to release on the album with them?
When I researching the labels that some of my tracks would fit best, Somatic, was on top of my list. They push a sound that fuses Progressive and Melodic with hints of Techno. This track fit perfect with the sound associated with the label.
What is your most memorable gig to date?
Opening for Paul Oakenfold back in 2013 at Gryphon. The energy in the room was amazing.
Besides the release, what else should we be looking out for from you this year?
I have a busy release schedule for the remainder of 2020. These are confirmed releases:
A remix on Poker Flat Records – via Bandcamp exclusive!
A Single on SOMATIC, an EP on ICONYC Noir, a remix on Manual Music and a single on KRAFTED Underground
I have been working on new sound designs that everyone will hear on an upcoming EP on Matchy’s new ‘Beyond Now’ label. I’m very excited about this release.
Could you tell us more about your upcoming remix for Tim Engelhardt’s First Contact on Poker Flat Recordings?
When I entered the Poker Flat recordings remix competition, I selected Tim’s track as the one I wanted to remix. I went with a different approach than my usual sound designs on this remix. I studied Tim’s version and want stay true to the original, but give it a little Miami flare to it. Miami is known for it’s “Miami Bass” sound, so I went with a breakbeat drum pattern that plays with the original lead and bass of the track.
My interpretation is pure storytelling style, from the minute you press play, it builds elegantly and is playful in its progression. The official release will be available after August 14 via Poker Flat Recordings Bandcamp.
Thanks for your time!
Thank you guys!
Connect with KAMADEV: Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud
