KRIS KROSS AMSTERDAM
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GET TO KNOW - KRIS KROSS AMSTERDAM
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Hi guys, we would love to hear all about your musical background. How did you first become interested in DJing and producing music, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?"
Absolutely, we're thrilled to share our journey with you! Our connection to music has deep roots in our family. Growing up, our father (Jordy & Sander) owned a bar dancing, and that's where our fascination with the world of music began. Watching him create an atmosphere filled with rhythm and joy ignited our passion for DJing and producing. As we spent time in that environment, we naturally found ourselves experimenting with the turntables and mixing tracks, even at a young age.
Our journey took a significant step forward when we decided to organize our own events in Amsterdam. These experiences not only exposed us to the technical aspects of DJing but also allowed us to curate unique musical experiences for the crowd. It was during this time that we started being recognized as Kris Kross Amsterdam (KKA). The addition of Yuki to our team was the missing puzzle piece, forming the dynamic trio we are today.
The inspiration to pursue music as a career came from the magic of connecting with people through our performances. Witnessing the way our music could elevate moods, bring people together, and create unforgettable memories made us realize that this was more than just a hobby—it was a calling. We wanted to spread positive energy and emotion through our music on a larger scale. The thrill of being able to make people dance, smile, and escape through our musical journeys was what fueled our decision to turn our passion into a career. And here we are, living our dream and continuing to share our love for music with the world.
Which artists influenced you the most growing up?
Growing up, there were several artists who left a lasting impact on us, shaping our musical tastes and influencing our creative direction. Michael Jackson was an absolute legend who transcended genres and eras with his unparalleled talent and captivating performances. His ability to fuse music, dance, and storytelling inspired us to think beyond traditional boundaries and create holistic experiences for our audiences.
Pharrell Williams brought an innovative approach to music production and composition that resonated deeply with us. His ability to craft catchy melodies and experiment with unconventional sounds encouraged us to push the boundaries of our own creativity.
Justin Timberlake, with his dynamic performances and seamless blend of pop and R&B, showed us the power of versatility. His journey from a boy band member to a solo artist who could seamlessly navigate different styles taught us the importance of adaptability and growth in the ever-evolving music industry.
These artists collectively shaped our perspective on music, urging us to strive for excellence, innovation, and the ability to connect emotionally with our listeners.
How often do you listen to music in your personal life? And what do you listen to?
Music is an inseparable part of our lives, both personally and professionally. Given our constant quest for new sounds and tracks to incorporate into our sets, we find ourselves immersed in music on a daily basis. It's not just about work for us; it's a lifestyle.
When we're not actively working on projects or performances, we love to explore various genres and artists to keep our creativity flowing. One constant presence in our personal playlists is the music of Michael Jackson.
What has been your favorite place to perform so far and why?
We've been incredibly fortunate to stand on some remarkable stages and witness the energy of diverse audiences around the world. While every performance holds a special place in our hearts, a few standout moments come to mind.
The big festivals in the Netherlands, like an energetic homecoming, always provide an unforgettable experience. The sheer enthusiasm and unity of the crowd in our home country create an electric atmosphere that's hard to describe.
A recent highlight was our performance in Malmö, Sweden, where we were greeted by a sea of 20,000 passionate fans. The energy was electric, and the connection we felt with the audience was truly humbling.
However, if we had to choose one that left an indelible mark, it would likely be our performance at Ultra Miami. The sheer magnitude of the event, the international crowd, and the immersive production quality made it an awe-inspiring experience that fueled our drive to continue delivering exceptional performances.
How did you develop your style and how would you describe it yourself?
Our style has evolved over time, shaped by a combination of influences, experimentation, and a strong desire to create something unique. At our core, we've always been drawn to the concept of breathing new life into old samples. There's a sense of nostalgia in blending the familiar with the fresh, and that's something we've consistently explored throughout our journey.
Our creative process involves a lot of experimentation and pushing boundaries. We thrive on taking risks and weaving together elements that might not naturally belong together, yet create a harmonious blend. Hours of trial and error have led us to a point where we've developed a signature sound that merges the past with the present, and we're proud to call it our own.
In essence, our style can be described as a fusion of diverse musical elements that are expertly woven together to create an experience that's both nostalgic and groundbreaking, inviting listeners to embark on a musical journey that's as unexpected as it is captivating.
What kind of releases can we expect from you later in the year?
Our recent track "How You Samba," featuring Sofia Reyes and Tinie Tempah, has been met with an incredible response, and we're overjoyed by the love it's received. But we're not slowing down anytime soon! The follow-up release is already in the pipeline, and we can assure you that it's going to be a musical treat you won't want to miss. Just like "How You Samba," this upcoming release is international in scope and has the potential to leave a lasting impact on listeners across the globe. It's a song that's bound to get stuck in your head in the best way possible!
As a producer, where do you start, what is your creative process when you are about to develop a new idea?
Our creative process is as diverse and dynamic as the music we create. It often begins with a spark of inspiration—an emotion, a melody, a concept—that sets the tone for the entire production. Sometimes, it's a sample from the past that catches our attention, acting as a foundation for something entirely new.
From there, we dive into the exploration phase. We experiment with different sounds, arrangements, and rhythms to create a cohesive musical landscape. It's during this phase that we find joy in pushing the boundaries and challenging conventional norms. We believe that innovation often lies in the unexpected, and so we're not afraid to take risks and break moulds.
Collaboration is a key aspect of our process. Whether it's working with vocalists, musicians, or other producers, the input of different creative minds adds depth and richness to our work. The back-and-forth exchange of ideas can lead to exciting breakthroughs that take a track to new heights.
Ultimately, our creative process is an ever-evolving journey, and we're excited by the infinite possibilities that each new idea holds.
Who are some new talented names on the scene from your perspective? Who do you fully support on their journey as DJs and producers?
While the music scene is always buzzing with fresh talent, there's one name that has caught our attention and truly resonates with us: Zoë Tauran, a gifted Dutch singer. We had the pleasure of collaborating with Zoë on the track 'Adrenaline,' and her vocal prowess and dedication to her craft left a lasting impression on us.
What is up next for you? What can we expect from you and anything special we should keep an eye out for?
The future is brimming with exciting opportunities and new music from us! As we mentioned earlier, there's an upcoming release that's ready to make its debut, and we can't wait for our fans to experience it. The anticipation is building, and we're confident that this new track will leave a lasting impact, just like our previous work.
To wrap it up, if you had to describe with one phrase what electronic music is, you would say it is…
Electronic music is the enchanting thread that weaves together hearts, minds, and dancefloors across the world. It's a universal language that transcends barriers, forging connections and igniting emotions in ways that words alone could never accomplish.