With the love of all things deep and progressive, Koyah released his debut single back in November 2019 with follow up releases being signed to Enhanced Music, Future Sound of Egypt & Elliptical Sun Recordings. Koyah has already gained a wealth of support from the likes of Hardwell, Armin van Buuren, Above & Beyond, Ferry Corsten & more as well as a host of plays on Billboard, iHeart Radio and Kiss FM.
Koyah is no stranger to the DJ scene either, having recently warmed up the crowds for Martin Garrix at RedFestDXB (Dubai, UAE) and performed at Falls Festival (Byron Bay, Australia) in addition to multiple DJ residencies for Marriott Hotels and Emaar Hospitality in the UAE and most recently, STK Ibiza.
Koyah's latest anthem Nebula is out now on Dan Stone's FSOE Argento label and we are happy to have him for an interview about this track and his career so far.
1-Dimitris: It would be nice to start by telling us your 3 most important achievements or goals fulfilled in your career so far that you very are proud of.
Koyah: I'd say the 3 moments which have had most significance were warming up the crowds for Martin Garrix in Dubai back in 2020, hearing my tracks played at events such as ASOT Mexico and Creamfields Taiwan & Hong Kong and really just the feedback and support I've recieved so far, whether it's been a comment, DM, radio show play, etc. it all means a lot.
2-Dimitris: Why and under which circumstances did you took the decision to start DJing or producing electronic dance music?
Koyah: I really got into the progressive house movement back in 2012 after seeing videos on YouTube of Tomorrowland, etc. So like many producers downloaded FL Studio and started making tracks from there!
3-Can you note down the top 3 producers that have influenced your decision to get involved in the electronic dance music scene and you admire and respect them very much?
Koyah: The beauty of music is there is inspiration and influence in every genre. It's hard to pick a top 3 but I really admire the work of SG Lewis, Gryffin and Kasbo.
4-Dimitris: It would be fantastic to talk about your track Nebula. Please tell us how this track came about and what was the idea behind it.
Koyah: 'Nebula' has been one of my favourite productions to date. There's quite a bit happening in the track from the very beginning, incorporating more organic sounds and bass movements to the euphoric breakbeat in the breakdown leading on to the hard hitting main drop. Lots of trial and error involved but real happy how it turned out!
5-Dimitris: How long it took you to produce it and can u describe the production process in simple steps?
Koyah: I like to approach productions with no deadlines however also don't like sitting on a track for too long! I was lucky with 'Nebula' how it came together so quick.
6-Dimitris: Did you had any particular difficulties accomplishing that particular track or any specific technical challenges or obstacles that you had to overcome during its production.
Koyah: Think it's important to have a second set of ears on a track and sharing the work with fellow producers always helps overcome any challenges.
7- Dimitris: Which music composition software or hardware you prefer and why? What is your opinion of the latest movement to produce music with more analogue equipment and with less or without any digital software?
Koyah: At the moment I'm using Ableton for my productions. I don't use any analogue hardware as like the idea of taking the laptop and music anywhere with me!
8-Dimitris: Do you prefer instrumental dance tracks or you adore vocals? Please explain to us your position and if in your latest production you have vocals tell us how did you choose the specific singer and if it was great to work with her/him?
Koyah: I love both styles and have been fortunate enough to work with some amazing vocalists. There's always more inspiration to be found and new ways of looking at an arrangement.
9-Dimitris: If you really like to produce vocal tracks which vocalist/singer or lyricist on electronic dance music you aspire to work with?
Koyah: I'd like to get back producing more melodic progressive house and one name would be Julia Church.
10-Dimitris: Do you believe that artwork on your latest track is good and do you believe that artwork can attract listeners or record buyers? Can you mention the best artwork of a track ever released?
Koyah: Definitely. You need something which is big, bold and makes a statement. FSOE Argento do a great job.
11-Dimitris: Are you planning to complete an album or mix compilation soon? if yes please give us all the details about regarding tracks and how will look and sound like?
Koyah: No plans to release any albums. I prefer to release on a single to single basis or as part of a smaller EP.
12-Dimitris:How much time do you spend promoting yourself in your social media and you see this as essential tool for self promotion and getting bookings too? Which social media is the one that seems to work better for you?
Koyah: Unfortunately not enough! Social media is a huge part of an artists growth, especially the likes of Tik Tok and Instagram. Always hard finding time alongside producing as a solo artist.
13-Dimitris: Do you have your own radio show/podcast/twitch stream or Vlog(video blog)? If yes please give us a comment about it and how long it take you to prepare for it and if you are always excited to produce it?
Koyah: I used to run a weekly radio show called 'Equinox', playing the latest progressive house and trance music. Really enjoyed putting the show together however time was always a major constraint!
14-Dimitris: Are you enjoying to visit music conferences and do you have any plans to attend any of them in 2023:
Koyah: No plans at the moment. ADE has been on my list for years though!
15-Are you happy with the way that royalties system works particularly regarding streaming revenue? Do you believe that artists get what they deserve from streaming providers/DJs playing your tracks in gigs/radio and selling music in physical formats like CDs/Vinyl or digitally.
Koyah: Naturally, I'd like more royalties. But as we know you don't make the big bucks via streaming or other formats, it's about selling merchandise and performing at the big clubs and festivals nowadays.
16-Dimitris: Please note for all the new talents that read this interview to get some inspiration from you any technical tips in relation to your DJing or music productions. Also any piece of personal or music business' advice that has helped you to progress even further and is worth telling to the new upcoming talents.
Koyah: Most people say you've got to be unique and yourself, which is true, but for me most importantly just have fun with your productions. You don't always need to copy the trend.
17-Dimitris: Many DJs who are producers too they offer online masterclasses or teach to music production courses. If you are offering any of these services please tell us about it.
Koyah: I don't offer any of these myself, but do enjoy watching how other producers go about making music in less familiar genres to me.
18-Dimitris: Is there a club classic that you would like to remix or rework in 2023? Do you attempt often to do your own bootlegs of classics?
Koyah: My collaboration 'Paraiso' with Leonard A actually started off as a bootleg of Temper Trap's 'Sweet Disposition'. The vocals still sound good in the production too...
19-Dimitris: Can you describe your music as certain music genre such as trance, house, techno or your music exempts these categorizations? What is your opinion about hybrid styles and the artists who are attempting to mix influences from various genres in their tracks?
Koyah: It's great when artists experiment with different sounds and styles and it's what music is about, going out of the norm. Lots of music you see though now is about how it'll sell...
20-Dimitris: Is your music business your full time occupation and are you able to make a leaving out of your music business (DJ/producer/label owner/teaching or mastering tracks)? If not what other jobs are you doing in order to support your income?
Koyah: Yes and no to this one. I love making music and DJ'ing but also have other passions to follow.
Dimitris: Your message & wishes for Flux Bpm Online readers.
Koyah: Thanks for reading!
You can find the track here: https://fsoe.streamlink.to/nebula
Thanks to Koyah for his wonderful answers to this long and informative interview
Thanks to Paul Thomas at FSOE for organizing this interview.
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