Welcome to our interview with the visionary force behind the captivating soundscape of Kike am Radar. Defined by an unwavering passion for sound, movement, and the pursuit of perfection, Kike is reshaping the landscape of slowed-down and reduced electronic music.
Drawing from diverse influences and melding them seamlessly, Kike introduces audiences to a groundbreaking fusion of minimal techno, dark disco, and a hint of rock music. Dresden-based producer and DJ Kike often showcases the multifaceted nature of his artistry – at once minimalist yet powerful, raw yet delicate.
Kike’s latest release ‘It’s All Lies’, a contribution to Parisian electronic artist CHLOÉ and her Lumière Noire Records imprint’s newfound ‘FLASH’ VA series, lands on 29th March via Bandcamp: https://lumierenoirerecords.bandcamp.com/album/flash-vol-1.Â
Regardless of the myriad influences that weave through his compositions, each piece remains unmistakably a part of the Kike am Radar narrative. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of his musical journey and explore the world he’s crafting, one slow-burning downbeat at a time.
Thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us who you are and where you are from originally and now based?
Thanks for speaking to me too! So, I am Kike Am Radar, and I was born and raised in Dresden. I like this city, which is why I have stayed living here all my life. It’s urban and has a lot to offer culturally, and due to the short distances, it’s easy to have a quick retreat in the countryside. There are some nice clubs too, including Oka or Club Paula, and getting to Berlin is easy.Â
Can you give us five words to describe your sound?
Emotional, dark, rough, powerful and delicate at the same
Can you list a recent mix you have done that we can share with everyone to familiarize ourselves with your music?
I’ve recently finished a Lumière Noire Promo Mix which will be released in the coming days. Additionally, you can listen to one of my DJ sets on my Soundcloud below!
You’ve been selected as one of the artists on CHLOÉ’s first VA on her label, Lumiere Noire. Was this track specifically pitched for this release? Or did you just send her a demo?
This track was created two years ago. Over the years, I have consistently sent tracks to Chloe, as I love the label and what she does. Eventually it worked out in the end, and this track made the cut. After making a few adjustments, it was ready.
The label is a well-established, with a desire to dive into the different and experimental sides of electronica. Have you been a fan for a long time, and do you have some favourite releases on the label you can share with us?
I have been in touch with Chloe several times since I started making music. I have seen her play a few times at Rex Club in Paris, during OFFSonar and Elipamanoke in Leipzig. She also played in my hometown at Club Paula that I mentioned in my first answer to you about the city. They have a lot of good DJs playing there regularly. I admire her skill and think her label has been one of the best, in terms of their output and artist selection. She has an unmistakable sound, which is hard to achieve and maintain these days.
One of my most significant goals has always been to release tracks on a label that I have admired for years. Among them are Items & Things, Dogs & Cultures, Ninefront and of course, Lumière Noire. I managed to secure releases on Ninefront, and Dogs & Vulture, which were big achievements for me in my career. Memorable performances were born in Tirana, Madrid and Barcelona. I’ve been exposed to various cultures and met so many amazing people on the road. From these meetings, many have blossomed into friendships, and I am genuinely grateful for that.
Talk us through your creative process.
I divide my workflow into three different phases; firstly, there’s creativity, the idea that forms in my head when I catch certain sounds, melodies, or influences. I jot them down, save many notes, and think about what story I want to express with a track.
Secondly, it’s about translating the ideas in my head, jamming in the studio! Composing and designing... rebuilding the components that were previously in my head, while also staying focused and getting lost in it.
The most difficult and time-consuming process for me, however, is arranging the ideas. Crafting the mood, the story so that they sound cohesive. I like contrasts and energy; I want highs and lows in my pieces... arranging them to become reduced and minimalist again is not quite so easy.
What is your biggest goal this year, and how close are you to achieving it?
My personal goal is to play more in clubs again. Back then, being at Rex Club was mesmerizing for me. Playing on a good sound system in front of an audience is the ultimate fulfilment. Diving into an immersive world with the guests, being able to play a DJ set that evokes something in people, touches them, and creates unforgettable moments and impressions.
Just as it happened to me when I was a guest at Chloe or Troy Pierce at City Hall in Barcelona. However, the pandemic has unfortunately slowed down many things, and with my release, I hope that it will be possible this year to play in clubs like Rexclub again, to travel more, and to get to know clubs and people.
Lastly, what can we expect from you in the future?
Over the past few years, several music pieces have been completed, a lot has changed in my personal life, and my mind has been brimming with ideas. Now, I’m working on the final track to complete an album.
Kike am Radar