Klunsh, originally from the North of France, cultivates his music through various experiences as a producer and is inspired by world music. In early 2018, Klunsh released his first two tracks “Imaona” and “Hayu Marka” with Moblack Records and got the support from the likes of Sasha, Black Cofee, Trikk, Olderic, Oliver Koletzki and Andhim.
He published another single “Tribo / Intercone” on March 30 and is about to set free “Moringa Radical” on April 23 with BeatFreak Recordings.
Within a few months, Klunsh released numerous well-produced songs that have already been played by considerable artists such as Eelke Kleijn, Undercatt, Mickael Klein, CidInc and Gaziano Raffa.
We caught up with Klunsh for an interview:
Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?
I’m fine, I just got informed that my Chopper will be ready in three weeks and I can’t wait to hit the road, I really enjoy riding. Today, as usual, I will start to make a mint tea with a homemade aloe vera gel, make a little pump or go running. Then, I watch my emails and turn on the machines. It’s almost become a ritual.
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
I think I would define my sound as multicultural. And a little rock ‘n’ roll because I do not set any limits. If one day, I have the idea to use a flamenco guitar that sounds good enough, then I would do it without hesitation. However, most of the time I surf on the deep house wave. Progressive and Afro House, this is maybe what I like the most at the moment. In definition, there is good and bad music. I prefer the good anyway ‘Haha’.
What are the 5 albums and artists that have influenced you the most?
Andhim – for their world music influences
Dixon – I’m fan since his track «Where we at » feat. Ame, Henrik Schwarz and Derric.L.Carter, released in 2006… probably my most played vinyl
Armonica – I love all their tracks and remixes
Black Coffee – his vibes are just the pure sound of Africa, every gig is a great journey
What other artists do you really like at the moment and why?
The artist I really like at this moment is Lehar, Adriatique, Black Coffee, Olderic, Solomun, Davi, Franky & Sandrino, Upercent, Moblack, Stereocalypse, Juan, Mainro. Each of them does some very interesting and colourized music, grooves, sounds and Dj sets. I often listen to their productions, live set and podcasts when I run some kilometres, at breakfast or when I shop alone.
What are some of the key pieces of gear you use to write your tracks in the studio? Or do you prefer to use software and plugins?
I do not have a huge studio recording. I think it is not about the equipment but moreover about my mind, my knowledge, my own presents and my joy to rock n’ roll. I do not have money to purchase some great equipment and synths, but I would love to work with modular synths and real percussions. Currently, I usually sample my drums with banal objects (desk, bottles, wooden stick, salt pan, keys, rubbing hands, flute, bamboo..) I use my voice and everything I find around me. All vocals on my tunes such as ‘Imaona’, ‘Come With Me’, ‘Fundamental Things’ and ‘Lalibela’ are from myself.
Has your arsenal of equipment changed much since you first started?
On the contrary, I do not have much of my equipment left. Most of it is rather old and my whole studio got stolen by an ex several years ago. It must have been about 40,000 € worth of material and also thousands of vinyl. Ever since I’ve never been able to re-equip myself properly. I still work on my iMac from 2008. I also produce some Movie soundtracks as well as pop and I would love to produce for Lana Del Rey.
Do you enjoy playing to an audience or working in the studio?
I inevitably need to perform on stage, even if I like working in the studio. There comes a time when my inspiration lessens and working in a studio gets frustrating. Therefore, it is primordial and vital for me to perform. I started being a DJ before producing my own music. Performing has been in my veins since 1995 and will always keep me motivated and excited.
If we gave you the budget to put a line-up together for a mini-fest, who would you book and where would you play?
I would like to perform a lot on Clubs and festivals worldwide, especially Tomorrowland on Diynamic stage. That is where everything started for Klunsh. I was there with my Marion, my girlfriend, and we had a real blow hearth at first sight. Besides, without her, I could not have taken this new musical direction. Her opinion of my work has real influence and importance to me, by the way, she guides me rather well.
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
I think I could have been an actor or a philosopher. Well, I love this job, even if it’s very difficult to get a stable situation. Having the chance to create music is a huge honour. … but yes, an actor I admit, that would do! (laughs)
Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects, DJ mixes or collaborations in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
Well, I just released my new Afrohouse and Afrotech EP including “Tribo” on Moblack, which already got lots of support. The next one contains three different tracks that will be released on April 9th, on Timeless Moment. There is another three-track EP coming on April 23rd with Beatfreak. It will be the 6th of Klunsh’s discography since the beginning of the year. Then, I would like to take more time to realize projects of collaboration, but for now, I prefer not to say anymore. In fact, what I would like the most of all, is to go back on stage and travel around the world. However, for now, I’m still looking for a regular job to stabilize my situation. There is also my personal project: Spending time and having cheerful moments with my love.
Sounds like there is much ahead! We would like to thank you for taking the time conducting this interview with us. We wish you only the very best for your future and hope to hear from you again soon!
A few days ago, The Playground premiered Klunsh’s new track ‘Moringa Radical’. Let’s give it a listen on TechnoGROUND:
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