We sat Down with Kiwiani on the release of stellar new tune 'Close' to hear more about what influenced the track. Be sure to check it out at the bottom and follow his story on socials!
Thank you for sitting down and talking to FLEX, can you tell us a bit about how you got into music?
Thank you for having me! My journey into music started at a young age in Hyderabad, India, where I was exposed to a mix of local and international sounds that sparked my interest. Grew up listening to Linkin Park and then one of my friends from high school put me on EDM. Skrillex and Avicii were my biggest influences and will always be. I was always fascinated by the idea of creating music. Over the years, that interest grew into a love for electronic music, and I began experimenting with production, spending hours crafting beats and learning the art of sound design. From there, it just kept growing until I knew this was what I wanted to dedicate myself to.
Who would you say are your biggest musical influences?
I’ve drawn inspiration from a wide range of artists, but some key influences include Flume, Illenium, Imanu, and many more. Flume’s experimental approach really opened my mind to pushing boundaries in electronic music. Illenium has this emotional intensity in his music that resonates with me, and IMANU’s unique fusion of drum and bass with future beats is something I admire deeply.. Each of these artists has shaped my music in one way or another, helping me define my own signature style.
Congratulations on your brand-new single "Close" — what inspired this particular release?
Thank you! "Close" is a track that reflects a mix of introspection and energy. The inspiration came when I took a road trip to Death Valley and visited this incredible spot called Artists Palette. It's a series of hills with stunning pastel colors, created by natural oxidation, and the whole landscape was just mesmerizing. As I stood there, I started hearing melodies and sounds in my head and couldn't wait to get back and capture it all. I ended up sampling one of my own demos and everything just flowed naturally. Then, after a few months, the inspiration struck again, so I reopened the project and put the final touches on it. That’s how this track came to life."
How do you channel personal experiences into your songwriting, and what do you hope listeners gain from connecting with your music?
My music is very much an extension of my own experiences. I believe that real emotions resonate with listeners, so I try to channel what I’m feeling into every track. Whether it's dealing with self-doubt, moments of joy, or personal breakthroughs, I infuse these emotions into the sound and vibe of each track. I hope listeners can feel that authenticity and find something relatable in my music, maybe even something that brings comfort or inspiration.
Each aspect of music—writing, recording, practicing, and playing live—offers something different. Can you share a particularly meaningful moment from each?
With Writing, One meaningful moment was crafting my first EP. That was when I first felt like I was truly finding my voice and vision as an artist. Recording "Close" was also memorable, as it came together in Los Angeles, where I currently live. There’s something surreal about being in the studio late at night and watching ideas come to life. During practice sessions, I focus a lot on bringing my recorded sound into live settings. It’s rewarding to see how each track transforms when you’re prepping it for a live audience. Playing my first big show was unforgettable. The energy from the crowd made every late-night session and every challenge feel worth it. Seeing people dance and connect with the music was a full-circle moment.
Is there a song in your repertoire that holds a particularly deep personal meaning for you? Can you share the story or inspiration behind it?
Yes, my song 'Satisfied’ holds a very personal meaning for me. It was created during a period when I was dealing with self-doubt and uncertainty about my path as an artist. It’s about stepping into the unknown and finding strength in vulnerability. Writing it helped me process those feelings, and every time I hear it, I’m reminded of the growth that came from pushing through that phase.
What are your goals for the future with your music?
My main goal is to keep pushing boundaries with my sound and reach more listeners globally. I’d love to collaborate with other artists, and songwriters who inspire me and explore different genres. Also, I hope to perform in more countries like Japan & Germany where I have a really good fan base apart from the United States and connect with fans everywhere. In the long term, I want to contribute something meaningful to the electronic and bass music scene and maybe inspire upcoming producers to find their own voices.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope listeners feel a sense of connection and freedom in my music. I want my tracks to be an escape from my Audiovisual experiences, a place where they can feel understood or uplifted. Whether it’s a track that makes them feel energized or one that brings a moment of introspection, I hope my music provides something they need at that moment.
To wrap things up, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Just a thank you for being part of this journey! It’s been incredible seeing the support from fans and listeners, especially after my work was featured in major editorials with support coming from BBC Radio London and even Riot Games’ LoL Esports. Knowing that my music has reached people from different parts of the world and that they connect with it is truly inspiring. I’m also working with a Production/publishing company called LOUDBOY MUSIC here in LA which primarily focuses on making K-pop & J-pop. Stay tuned—there’s a lot more to come, and I’m excited to share every step of it with you.
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