Koh-Dee is a talented and independent producer and DJ from Tasmania, Australia. No new face to the music scene, this multi-faceted talent has accumulated over 240,000 streams on Spotify alone and 45,000 listeners, firmly cementing himself as an artist on the rise.
His latest project, 'Forgotten Gems' unveils a 16-track full length album with a combination of nostalgic electronic-esque percussion, hip-hop bars and indie fused elements, whilst featuring all of his close friends within his circle, including artists like Kontext, Adrian Hayes, Ruben Nomikos, Jarian White and Light Zero.
We caught up with Koh-Dee to discuss the early days in his career as an artist, the production process behind his new album, and more.
Hi Koh-Dee, thanks for joining us here at Flex. Let’s start by talking about how you started your career as an artist - what influenced you to become one?
I wanted to be different, Cause I was different. Both that eager for uniqueness, but also Daft Punk haha. Hearing electronic sounds from music by these guys (or Skrillex and Flume for that matter), made me so curious as to how they made those sounds! Like, how did they make the wubs, the deep bass and all the rest of it! I had to do some exploring.
I had internet at the time (when I was around 11 or 12), so I researched the hell outta electronic music production. I ended up receiving a little DJ controller for Christmas one year to start mixing on, and I had discovered a music production software disk called 'Dance ejay' from within a Nutri Grain cereal box.
After that, my parents saw how intrigued and dedicated to learning music I was, so they helped me buy a copy of Ableton. They even sourced out a private electronic music tutor (Allan McConnell from Close Counters) to help teach me.
You grew up in Sorell in Tasmania, Australia - what's the music scene like there and how is it for emerging artists?
Yo honestly, it is so small. There's barely a music scene in Sorell, it's a country / tradie sort of town. There's a few musos hanging around, but most of them work too much to do much practicing. Growing up in Sorell as a music producer was lonely. I didn't have anyone else around me doing what I was interested in until I hit college - at Rosny College.
The isolation kind of helped me practice, as I was hidden in my room for days on end learning, experimenting and practicing with my music. However, it was very lonely. I guess this is why I started off so introverted during my teen years. I appreciate playing and creating alongside other musicians so heavily now.
You’ve recently dropped your latest album ‘Forgotten Gems’ - what does this track mean to you?
Forgotten Gems is my ode to the world. It is what I want to leave behind for those who have cared about me, to remember me by. I love the people who have brought me up to this point so much, my mum, dad, brother, and countless incredible friends. Without them, I'd have nothing.
The 16 tracks on the album are a collection of my favourite songs that I've ever produced. It also showcases the amount of variety in genre and style that I can create as a producer.
We’re really enjoying the eclectic vibe that you bring to your releases. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would this be and why?
My pop on my mum's side, as he's passed away. I only heard he was a musician about a year ago, but he used to record himself playing the guitar and singing on some old tapes. I was fortunate enough to hear these when my mum showed me a year ago. I never even knew what he sounded like, I had never met him. So, it would've been cool to had met him, chatted, and play some music together.
Who are your three most influential artists of all time?
Flume, Lido, Mr Carmack.
Other than being an artist, what other passions or hobbies do you have in life?
I like to surf. Getting amongst those waves is a heated battle, to get out the back and see a huge wave come towards you - what are you gonna do? Are you going to catch it, ride down that huuuge wave and experience a feeling close to nirvana, are you going to duck and weave your way through it, or are you going to get hit by it?
So many options.
I also like horror movies, camping, working out, and chilling with my loved ones.
What can we expect to see next from Koh-Dee? Are there any upcoming releases or collaborations you’d like to mention?
Yeah I'm always making music, just make sure that you're there to see it happen.
I don't like putting pressure on myself, but it always happens anyways. I've been rapping and lyric writing more, so that'll probably be a thing.
Thank you for the interview!
Check out Koh-Dee's new album 'Forgotten Gems'
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