A New Name In Downtempo - kmotiv

I'm pleased to introduce a new name on the downtempo - electronic music scene. kmotiv is 20 year old Kevin Kelsey. Born in Arizona and now based in the college town of Fayetteville, Arkansas, he says music has always played a big role in his life. Upon discovering electronica he was hooked, and has been writing and producing since then. His biggest influence? "Portishead. Without a doubt, they have been my biggest influence. In a way, they opened my eyes up to electronic music, and showed me that it doesn't have to be cold and emotionless. It can have as much variety and feeling as any other genre. It's all about how much you put into something, you'll get the same amount out." As for some of his other favorites, he lists Amon Tobin, Massive Attack, Dntel, Metric, The Dust Brothers and Deathcab For Cutie. When I asked about dream collaborations / remixes Amon Tobin came up again - "I'm thinkin' Amon Tobin, Rob Dougan or Faultline. They're all incredibly innovative musicians that are constantly pushing the limits of their own respective genres. I feel that I could learn a great deal working with any one of them!" I'm always curious about what people's fave records are, so I asked him to name some of his - "In no particular order as I cannot judge one above another. They all fit in different contexts of my life: Weezer - Self Titled (blue album), Massive Attack - Mezzanine, Deathcab For Cutie - The Photo Album, The Crystal Method - Vegas, and Mandalay - Solace."


He's currently recording his debut album (running title The Abstraction Agenda) for release on October 19th. "It's a self released album that will be available through kmotiv.com, cdbaby.com and a few other independent cd shops around the net. There's also a limited edition bonus disc with all preorders of the album. The disc will include several remixes/rarities and collaborations from the kmotiv world. Preordering will be available at kmotiv.com in late September. Keep your eyes peeled..."


Check out some tunes -

Flowing is blippy electro-hop.

Def Thorns is Thievery Corporation style dub.

Where I'm Comin' From is moody instrumental hip hop.

Emergence is some very nice ambient downtempo.

Makeshift is abstract hip hop.


Be sure to check out the music section of his website where he's got about 30 tunes available for download, including a couple of Portishead remixes.