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House Producer

Sonic Alchemy: An Interview with KASIA on Weaving Spirituality into Music

In this enlightening interview with A&R Factory, artist KASIA opened up about her latest single, “Heartstrings,” and its deep-rooted connection to her spiritual journey in music. She reveals how her songs, emerging from personal struggles, have become a sanctuary for healing, with a special focus on the transformative power of specific musical frequencies.

The interview promises an intimate glimpse into her artistic evolution and the profound impact of her music on both personal growth and the collective human experience.

KASIA, welcome to A&R Factory! Can you share the story behind your latest single and music video, “Heartstrings”; where did the inspiration come from? 

“The inspiration behind my latest single and music video, “Heartstrings,” comes from personal experiences, as most of my songs do. The lyrics were born out of a pretty bad relationship, where I found myself struggling with difficult emotions. Throughout my life, music has served as my safe place, providing a certain protection from harsh realities. In many ways, music has been my reality, offering a means of expression and understanding in the face of adversity.”

How has music helped to shape your healing journey? And how important is it for you to light the path towards empowerment for your listeners? 

“Music has played a huge role in my healing journey, serving as a powerful form of catharsis and expression. It’s difficult to fully articulate the transformative effect that music has had on me. There’s a certain magic that occurs when you listen to music in specific frequencies. While most modern music is tuned to 440 Hz, which can sometimes evoke a sense of melancholy, I’ve found that music tuned to 432 Hz resonates more harmoniously with the energy of the Earth. Many older pieces of music were tuned to this frequency, and I tend to use it for my own work, including tuning my healing instruments to 432 Hz.

The impact of music extends beyond mere sound waves; it can deeply affect us on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. For me, creating and listening to music in these frequencies has been a source of profound healing and growth. As an artist, I feel a responsibility to not only share my personal journey through lyrics and music but also to be vulnerable and real with people – hopefully to the effect of empowering my listeners.”

Your goal is to create a spiritual and energising journey through your music. How do you incorporate this intention into your creative process?

“Creating a spiritual and energizing journey through my music is paramount to me. I focus on making empowering lyrics that resonate with listeners on a deeper level. I integrate the ethereal tones of sound bowls into my electronic productions using Ableton. My creative process is deeply intertwined with meditation and spending time in nature, where I find wisdom and inspiration. Through the practice of gnosis, a process of inner exploration and connection with our higher selves and nature, I tap into somewhat hidden creative expression. I want to authentically express myself while offering something meaningful to others on their individual paths. I believe that music serves as a conduit to higher states of consciousness and my goal is to channel that energy and share it with my audience.”

How did you come about developing your unique blend of house, bass house and pop? Were there any particular influences which shaped it? 

“My musical journey has been a fusion of diverse influences. Growing up, I was drawn to pop icons like The Spice Girls and Britney Spears, followed by a deep dive into hip-hop with artists such as Biggie, Tupac, WestSide Connection, Naz, and J Cole during my high school years. As I matured, I became more drawn towards house music. It was during this phase that I connected with the producer of Fan Death, SZAM, who invited me to step in as the lead singer, replacing Dandi Wind. Fan Death’s synth-pop style marked a pivotal moment in my musical evolution.

The more I got to know Vancouver’s music scene, I discovered a blend of techno and house influences. Although I wasn’t initially drawn to techno, I found my niche in Bass House, a genre that merges elements of house, pop, and rap. My journey is driven by a genuine love for music and a desire to create something uniquely mine. Recently, I’ve been particularly drawn to the lyrical style of Caroline Polachek.”

How indicative is “Heartstrings” of what is to come from your debut album? Which other themes does your LP explore? 

“While “Heartstrings” serves as a starting point, it’s just a glimpse of what’s to come with my debut album. I see it as an opportunity to test the waters, to gauge reactions to both my music and the visuals I create. Part of me is inclined to wait until there’s a readiness from the audience, while another part recognizes that significant change often arises from bold actions, regardless of initial readiness. As Theodore Roosevelt aptly said, ‘It’s not the critic who counts.’ So, while “Heartstrings” sets the tone, my debut album will delve deeper into a range of themes, exploring aspects of personal growth, resilience, and the human/spiritual experience.”

Did your transition from being a lead singer in a synth-pop band to becoming a music producer influence your current style? 

“The transition from being the lead singer of a synth-pop band to stepping into the role of a music producer has profoundly shaped my artistic trajectory. Fan Death was my first experience writing and recording professional music. I learnt what a DAW was and how to use it! Fan Death truly served as a pivotal chapter in my musical evolution.

Despite the stylistic differences between synth-pop and my current direction, I owe a great deal to SZAM, the creator and producer of Fan Death. The band imparted invaluable knowledge and skills. Looking back, Fan Death was ahead of its time, and I often reflect on the synchronicities and patterns that have guided my journey towards future endeavors.”

You’ve had your fair share of high-profile live performances; do you prefer writing music or performing and seeing first-hand the effects of your music on your fans? 

“Thank you for the question! It’s a tough call because I genuinely love both aspects. On one hand, there’s nothing quite like the energy of performing live and connecting with fans face-to-face. Witnessing firsthand the impact my music has on them is truly special. But then, there’s also something incredibly fulfilling about being in my element – in the studio, wearing my glasses and hoodie, lost in the creative process of making music. I find joy in every aspect of my artistry, including dreaming up music videos and bringing my vision to life through visuals.”

As a delegate of The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, what insights have you gained about the music industry?

“Just being around other artists pursuing similar goals is such an amazing experience. The most profound insight I’ve gained revolves around the power of community within the music industry. Coming from a small town where artistic pursuits were rare, I often felt isolated in my passion for music. However, being surrounded by other artists who share similar aspirations has been so refreshing. The opportunity to connect with full-time artists who understand the language of creativity has been incredibly inspiring. It’s a reminder that I’m not alone in this journey and that there’s this supportive community, rallying behind each other’s artistic pursuits.”

Stream KASIA’s latest music video on YouTube now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: The Bermuda House Icon Korie Minors is Infectiously Euphoric in His Latest Hit, The Way We Used to Be, ft. JaySoulO

For his latest polished to the nth degree progressive Afro-house production, The Way We Used to Be, the Bermuda-born, internationally-raised DJ and producer Korie Minors collaborated with JaySoulO to deliver the ultimate hit of tropic indie pop reminiscence.

There are few things as bitter-sweet as taking a retrospective view of someone you never wanted to leave in the rearview mirror. The smooth crescendos in The Way We Used to Be, which runs with a flood of tenderly hued euphoria in the pulsating basslines and indie guitar hooks, will efficaciously take the edge off as the sun-bleached melodicism proves that even when love is lost, that’s no excuse to let optimism fade into obscurity. If you want to supplement your EDM playlists with sonic serotonin, you know where to turn.

Korie Minors said: 

“For The Way We Used to Be, I wanted to create something that exudes cross-over radio-ready appeal while never letting go of what makes my sound unique; the incorporation of my house influences and infusion of guitar melodies and afro percussion into a solid song structure enabled me to fulfil that goal.

The single communicates that sometimes you have to let relationships go for you to grow, regardless of how much it may hurt to make that decision and leave someone behind.”

Korie Minors started his DJ career in the UK while studying architecture, when taking his academic work to Istanbul and Hong Kong, he also shared his gift of making crowds move. In 2015, he became a full-time DJ in Bermuda and was voted Bermuda’s best DJ in 2019. When COVID put the brakes on his DJ career, he started to hone his production skills, which has seen him working with internationally revered artists and filmmakers and affiliated with brands, including Bacardi and Louis Vuitton.

The Way We Used to Be was officially released on September 22; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kyle Byrne sets the pace in his chilled tropic pop single, Chase, featuring Schmorgle.

For his latest release, the UK-based artist and producer, Kyle Byrne, teamed up with Shmorgle to offer chilled tropic vibes, sweet harmonic pop vocals and melodic hooks that won’t fail to pull you into the centre of the soulfully orchestrated hit that works its way through façade-less romanticism.

Chase stands as an incredible testament to Byrne’s stellar songwriting ability and talent in composing beats that you’ll want to get lost in time and time again. Don’t be surprised if his sound goes viral.

Chase is now available to stream via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Waiting For You: Sub Caesar looks for that ‘Big Sky Dreaming’

As you feel the rush of wind from your curious mind travelling at a serious rate of knots, Sub Caesar thinks about the bigger picture on the electro-filled new single ‘Big Sky Dreaming‘.

Sub Caesar is a Dutch IT Architect and house producer who flies between tech, deep and classic. He brings his old school music tastes to the fore, with an avalanche of heat-beating music to fill your body up with excitement.

”I’m old enough to have bought ‘Celebration, by Kool & The Gang‘ on vinyl as my first single, while this was topping the Dutch charts. So I grew up with a lot of disco and cheesy 80s songs that I collected on several hundred cassette tapes, as we all did back then.” – Sub Caesar

You feel her stunning vocals give your excited heart a boost that fills you with more air than before — as you remember what its like to imagine again — with a flourishing feeling of desire to see more. With a consistent beat that has you so intrigued, this is a catchy song that flows into your body quickly, like a fresh stream that is only looking for purer waters ahead.

Big Sky Dreaming‘ from Sub Caesar, is that electric spark in your curious mind that has you looking up above, as you desire that excitement in your life from being tired of waiting for it to happen. Patience is a virtue but you are looking for it to happen now, before your mind gets lost forever.

Stream this quality new electronic single on Spotify and see his IG for more updates.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

No More Worries: Antwerp producer Dmunsch is in the zone as he brushes off the doubters on ‘Day To Day’

After the global success after his last two tracks with his friend UnionSteve, Dmunsch charges in with the sensational new house single called ‘Day To Day‘.

Belgian house producer Alexander Diemunsch aka Dmunsch, all-embraces his wide range of skills on this quality song that catches you right away, as the melodic flows taste so good in your body as you wash away the stress, and replace it with so much goodness which has you smiling again.

“The lyrics of ‘Day To Day‘ are inspired by my own experiences: I have known many times and situations in life where I didn’t feel appreciated or even respected, because I couldn’t live up to other people’s expectations. The older I get though, the more I can ignore people’s judging and just live by my own standards, without looking for validation. This is the feeling I want to emphasize, and I want to dedicate this song to everyone who has ever been hurt in a similar way”.- Dmunsch

This is a beat that gives you such a spark of excitement like seeing your favorite DJ for the first time, you are alive inside and block out anyone and anything, that is shading your shine where you want to be in life.

Day To Day‘ from the eclectic Antwerp, Belgium electronic producer Dmunsch, eagerly gives your heart a satisfying boost to replenish your energy levels to 100%, as he washes away anyone who is bringing him down with a massive hose, that is full of powerful beats that frees his mind.

When you want something bad enough, you will find a way to get your mind right so your soul and skills will follow your lead, into the sunset of success.

Stream this super new single on Spotify and check out his IG for more mixes and news.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen