Every now and then a new face emerges from within the deep pool of local talent here in BC. With the high amount of talented Producers and DJs in the scene, it’s become difficult to create a solid impact and really take things to the next level. I mean, we have a great pack of amazing artists leading the city but it’s just not that often you stumble upon a fresh name that really has that extra ‘umph’ we all crave. But of course… now is one of those times.
Kevin Madden aka ‘Konka‘, is a West Coast bred, Canadian hailing from Surrey, BC. With just under 3 years of experience in production, he’s really done an amazing job at catapulting himself ahead of the rest and creating a solid base from which he can expand on. Konka’s been popping up at a slew of Vancouver’s best underground Bass Music nights including Digital Motion‘s ‘SUBculture Saturdays’, the SHAHdjs bi-monthly night ‘Nautilus’, as well as Blueprint Events ‘FADED’ series. There’s no doubt that this guy’s going in the right direction as he brings his own touch to his multi-genre palette and really excels within his strength, which definitely seems to be Trap.
Konka’s bangin’ track ‘Pumpin‘ was released on LA based label, Switchblade Recordings a while back and was my introduction to his standout style of music. I was mind blown by his unique touch within the realm of Trap as this track really stood out to me:
Recently I had a chance to catch up with Konka to get a bit of an insight to his world of production. Without any further adieu, lets jump right into it:
Konka, your creative approach to Producing has made it difficult to label your sound, how would you describe it?
” Hmm, kind of difficult to be honest. I still think I’m finding my sound. I definitley like making dirtier, grimier types of tunes and I like riding the line between darker, deeper sounding stuff and hypey party styles. I really dig neuro sound design, and incorporating that into styles that you wouldn’t normally hear it in. Big and intricate drum beats will always be central to my sound though, that’s for sure. As for a specific genre? I don’t want to typecast myself as a producer that makes [insert genre here]. I’m a fan of a huge variety of styles and want to represent that in my productions. The more lines I can blur, the better. ”
For you, what came first, Drumming, DJing or Producing? Do you think the order you learned them in plays a role in your accelerating success? If so, how?
” Drumming was first. I started at 14 when I joined rock/metal band with two of my best friends and played with them all throughout highschool. Those years were hugely important for me in learning what I loved in a song and how to jam and write. Then I would say producing came second. I was always the one in the band that was trying to record practices and make rough demos and stuff. Though none of it ever sounded any sort of quality due to not having proper gear and not having any knowledge about audio engineering. After discovering bass music in the eve of 2010 I fucked around in FL Studio to test the waters, but I didn’t get into hardcore into production until going to Shambhala for the first time in 2011. That’s when I made up my mind that “I’m gunna do that.”
DJ’ing sort of came naturally next. My bassist from highschool, Blake, who had originally gotten tables just so he could learn how to scratch, started mixing around that same time taught me the basics and little tips that he had figured out. (he goes by Ethos now. Dude is talented as fuck, keep an eye for that name popping up soon)
I think being a well versed drummer before I got into production & DJing really helped me pick up those latter quicker than most. Especially DJing I think, where so much of it is to always be counting and knowing where the main downbeats are, and staying one step ahead of what you’re gunna be playing. Production is a whole other monster. but knowing rhythm and how to employ beats effectively in a song obviously has been invaluable.
[the lesson here is pick up an instrument kiddies 
”
What is it about Electronic Music that’s got you hooked most? and what do you think can improve within the world of Electronic Music?
” Hmm, another tough one, but I’m probably gunna have to say the vibe at a bass show. The fact you can find a spot on the dance floor and loose yourself is something I don’t see any other genre bring out of people to the extent that bass music does. As for what to improve? I would say just expanding the sound, pushing genre barriers and trying to expose more and more people to the culture and music. You’d be amazed how many people think it’s all just “techno”. ”
Vancouver is a pretty remarkable place for creativity, do you find you get a good flow of inspiration from other artists around you? and what specifically inspires you and your music most?
” Art breeds art, and Vancouver is not lacking in talent with the drive to create and display theirs. Anyone I meet that has that passion is an instant inspiration for me, and being around that just makes me want to create and do what I love even more. Specifically though, other peoples music inspires me. Tunes with solid sound design, great groove and powerful melodic elements will always get my juices flowing. It’s not always music tho, some times a good movie will get me in the mood. Like I said, Art breeds art. ”
If you could pick anyone in the world to collab with, who would you choose and why?
” Oh jeez. It’s a big list. But, I would probably have to say Jackal. Love the stuff he’s been putting out, and I know for a fact he has a similar musical past to mine. I think there would be some good creative chemistry there. ”
Tell us what you have coming up that we should keep our eyes peeled for?
” I just finished my entry to Shambhala‘s remix competition, proud of how that turned out, plus a collab with 1Up that’s been getting a lot of positive response, look for more collabs with him in the future. There’s a few other tunes waiting in the wings that I’m deciding what to do with. Plus a few collabs that are just getting rolling. I’m planning lots this year. If you want to keep updated, follow me on whatever social media you prefer.
Much Love ”
A huge thanks goes out to Kevin ‘Konka’ Madden for taking the time for this insightful Q&A. Be sure to like Konka’s Soundcloud page to stay up to date with all his latest news and releases.
For now, I’ll leave you guys with his latest preview for a track he collaborated with 1uP on labelled, ‘YUUP!‘:
