BY KOKOH
Our founder, leading DJ and music curator.
Interview
Our primary founder is the Music Producer KOKOH and our leading DJ for the last time for season 5. Focusing on Melodic Techno and progressing into Tech House, he will release two remastered tracks from his library during the set. Please check our Interview with BY KOKOH for tonight’s performance.
Music & Background
Can you tell us about your background and how you got into DJing?
BY KOKOH–”I think… I was 15 years old, back in the ’90s, when starting producing. Still, it was until 22 that I had the opportunity to gig on a big stage for 2,000 people at the Antiestatic party in 2004.”
What do you think sets House and Techno apart from other genres, and what drew you to these styles of music?
BY KOKOH–”I don’t DJ House as the primary Genre; my style goes like an expedition from Deep, Progressive and Tech House using some Melodic Techno, depending on the event’s vibe; currently, I am more inclined to Tech House.
To answer your question, I love music that makes you shake your booty after a trance intro, making you move and groove on the dance floor. Tech House does that after a bit progressive or melodic.
Tech House music typically has a punchy beat and sometimes emphasizes vocals and uplifting melodies. In contrast, Techno music is more experimental and focuses on using futuristic sounds and abstract textures.
One main feature that sets Tech House and Techno apart from other genres is their use of electronic instruments and production techniques.
Some people are drawn to the high-energy beats and the euphoric feeling of being on the dance floor. In contrast, others appreciate the creativity and experimental nature of the music. So I am careful of that; I read the dance or the jump.”
DJing
What’s your creative process like when you assemble a DJ set or mix? Do you have any particular techniques or strategies you use?
BY KOKOH–“Of course, and when I don’t, I am risking my set to deliver very poorly. I make a selection depending on how many hours I am supposed to DJ; I remove any brass focus tracks and try to have two playlists, one with a sexy and elegant intro and the second sexy and dirty but very punchy.
I only avoid tracks with long intros and pauses if I can use a dark, dirty bass or sound to keep the vibe.
Once, in East London, I DJed for a private event for 12hrs, and it was not fun. Two DJs cancelled, but the promoter was my friend, so I couldn’t let him die; I used all my USBs, Hard Drive, and all my production libraries. It was very stressful, and in the end, I was the one dead. I left for the taxi, and it took me 2hrs to get home. It was crazy.”
How do you approach reading a crowd and adjusting your music selection to keep them engaged and energized?
BY KOKOH–“You need to stimulate and use your emotional intelligence for that; there is a sentence I love “read the room” you do that by taking a few seconds to see someone dancing, and see if their dance is fluid, then you are engaging, as well as look them in the eyes and smile, you are a performer, so you cannot be serious, you will at the start as the nerves will always be there, but finding a way to be part of the public but knowing that their dance and fun relies on you.”
Can you talk about any particularly memorable gigs or performances you’ve had and what made them stand out to you?
BY KOKOH–“All, I remember all my gigs, some better than others, but I aim to deliver a sound vibration. I stopped DJing and Restaurants and Cocktails Bars because I didn’t see people dancing, which frustrated me so badly.
I played at the Ministry Of Sound with Benny Bensassy, Cosmic Gate, Christina Novelly, Quintino, Bompe, Pink Panda, Modaa, Audrey Gallagher, and others.”
What’s next for you regarding upcoming gigs or projects, and what can we expect to see from you?
BY KOKOH–“I am getting back into the Big Club scene a Private Parties like the SOHO SESSIONS; also, I am sometimes DJ for the brand Orbit at Union in Vauxhall, but I am more focused on the promotions of the DJs for the SOHO SESSIONS and my music production. Of course, I will still be a resident in the SOHO SESSIONS City Edition.”
Thanks, KOKOH. See you tonight.
The SOHO SESSIONS event featuring BY KOKOH will be an exciting and exclusive experience for music lovers. Due to limited space to attend, you must be on the mailing list and RSVP by buying the collaboration fee at Eventbrite in advance. However, if you can’t attend in person. In that case, you can still enjoy the event by watching the live broadcast on YouTube or listening to the complete set on the SOHO SESSIONS channel on SoundCloud. Make sure to follow the channel to stay updated on future events and sets.