If you’re tapped into the world of electronic dance music, you’ve probably caught onto the fact the drum’n’bass has been picking up some serious momentum here in the United States, with Koven being ones who continue to push the genre forward.
The English bass duo has been making waves in the electronic scene since 2013, but it was during the global COVID-19 lockdowns that the two would further sharpen their craft and slowly venture into the new era for their project. Once again returning to Monstercat, their 4-track Higher Ground (Part 1) EP has arrived as club, and festival dancefloors have returned to capacity around the world.
Still buzzing off the release of their masterfully crafted Higher Ground (Part 1) EP, we took the time to catch up with Koven!
Koven shares, “‘Higher Ground’ has been a really fun and unique experience for us. Historically all of our writing happens remotely, but this time around, the music was written over a few days at a writing retreat. This also presented opportunities like working with Max’s old music theory teacher, Simon Dobson, who helped us with all the string arrangements alongside the Parallax Orchestra. That wouldn’t have happened if we didn’t accidentally bump into him whilst on the writing retreat. Since the album [‘Butterfly Effect’], we set ourselves a new mantra of ‘leveling up’ and being the best version of ourselves, and that’s the meaning behind ‘Higher Ground’. We hope you enjoy ‘Part 1’ and we have even more to show you on ‘Part 2.’”
DJ Life Mag: You guys hit the ground running after the COVID lockdown with this EP. How were you able to hone your craft and stay positive during that unprecedented period of time?
Koven: We were very fortunate that it took place during the release of our album. We didn’t realize it at the time initially, we thought the timing was terrible, but it ended up giving us such a big focus and pushed us through. So we didn’t really have time to think about all the negatives; we just kept focusing on releasing music and writing more.
DJ Life Mag: How has it been like returning to clubs and festivals after not being able to tour for so long?
Koven: Absolutely insane! It’s felt better than ever, the energy has been unreal.
DJ Life Mag: What’s your creative process like being both a producer and vocalist?
Koven: In the past, the main process has either been me (Katie) writing a terrible demo for Max with my basic piano skills and Max somehow turning it into something wonderful; or Max sending me an instrumental to write to. But with this most recent EP we actually sat and wrote it all together at a week-long writing retreat and it was way more fun!
DJ Life Mag: When you two have a rough week or hit a wall creatively, how do you get back on track?
Koven: Take a break! There is nothing worse than sitting and working on the same idea that isn’t coming together, spending hours listening to the same piece of music on loop. If you hit a wall with something, close it down and go back to it a few days later.
DJ Life Mag: With bass music continuing to thrive here in the United States, how do you feel seeing drum & bass finally picking up some momentum around these parts?
Koven: It’s hard for us to comment because we haven’t played much in the US but when we have, it’s always been really positive. EDC Las Vegas was the last big show we did over there and drum and bass seemed to be absolutely killing it. So I think we’ve arrived just at the right time.
DJ Life Mag: How has the world of electronic music changed since you two first popped onto the scene nearly a decade ago?
Koven: I feel like it’s gotten stronger, more popular, and more powerful….but that could just be our perspective.
DJ Life Mag: How would you describe cinematic bass music to a casual electronic music fan?
Koven: It’s just like any other bass music, but with extra dramatic elements. Big intense build ups, strings, powerful vocals. Stuff that works in a club but could also be a movie soundtrack.
DJ Life Mag: Tell us a little bit about your new “Higher Ground (Part 1)” EP and the process of putting it together.
Koven: It’s been a really special one for us, because as previously mentioned we got to write all the tracks together in the same room, which is a first for us. It’s also the first time we were able to add real strings alongside a real choir.
DJ Life Mag: Monstercat has become a staple within the world of electronic music and gaming; how does it feel to continue to have releases on the powerhouse imprint?
Koven: We are really grateful to Monstercat for all the support they have given us over the years. It’s very humbling to be supported by such a loved label. Thye’ve opened so many doors for us and given us a whole new audience.
DJ Life Mag: You have quite the tour schedule these days; give us three tracks that are always at the ready for you and why?
Koven: Coldplay’s “O” because it’s just beautiful; I like to listen to it when I’m taking off. Muse’s “Knight of Cydonia” because it reminds me of my friends.
and anything by ODESZA will lift my spirits.
DJ Life Mag: What else does Koven have in store for the remainder of 2022 and beyond?
Koven: We are going to keep working as hard as we possibly can and hope this journey never ends for us.
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