We’re excited to be speaking today with acclaimed multi-instrumentalist producer and DJ extraordinaire Kyle Ross who is best known by his far-famed nom de plume, Lunakai; greetings and salutations, LUNAKAI! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, how have the dog days of the summer of ‘23 been treating you?

Hey hey! Its been good, I’ve been working away on Music and painting and getting ready for this release. Also managed to get a surfing trip to Morocco in the bag!

Major congratulations on the upcoming September 29 release of your next ‘Closer’ EP! What served as the inspiration for this gem of an EP?

This EP is a collection of songs from the past few years that have come together to create their own unique world. Typically, this is how my music evolves; certain puzzle pieces gradually emerge and begin to make sense together. I often intend to compose a set of songs all at once for a release, but it never quite happens that way. The oldest song on this EP dates back to 2017, and the most recent was written earlier this year!

As a respected producer, is it safe to assume that you self-produced the EP? And, if so, what are the pros to serving as your own producer? What are the cons?

Yes, it’s all me, including the artwork and visuals, and the videos with the help of my talented friend Troy Baird, who is a great director and cinematographer. It’s pretty much all I’ve ever known, so it’s hard to make comparisons. I can say that when I’m collaborating with friends on side projects like ANIKO, TASKAS, and Alchemist Villa, it’s probably even more enjoyable!

We’re big fans of the tune Tunnels off of the upcoming EP! What’s the story behind this mesmerizing tune?

Thanks! So I actually started that track as a composition to go with a video that Troy made in my Airbnb in Vancouver. When I got back to London, I realised it had legs and so I fleshed it out into a full on banger. I then sent it to my talented friend Kari came up with these amazing hypnotic chanting vocals that you hear on the final track.

How is the music on Lunakai similar to some of your past musical offerings? How is it different?

I think my music is quite eclectic but all fits together in its own way, this EP definitely has some more experimental moments, like the slap bass at the end of TUNNELS or the grungy guitar outro on TOUCH.

What differentiates Lunakai from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?

I believe the way I blend sounds together sets me apart from many other electronic producers. I think this is because my influences are probably quite different. I grew up listening to Fishbone and early Red Hot Chili Peppers, along with a lot of obscure hip-hop, breakbeat, and northern soul, thanks to my dad. As I gain more confidence in my craft, I notice that some of these influences are gradually and naturally making their way into my music.

On the heels of the September 29 release of the new EP, can fans look forward to an LP release from you before the end of 2023, or perhaps in early 2024?

Indeed! There should be a few more singles this year, and there is a mixtape/LP in the works for 2024.

What does your touring/performing dance card look like in the coming weeks and months?

Nothing as of yet, I think I’m going to spend the rest of the year working on more music, producing for people and painting! I’m on the lookout for a new booking agent though so hopefully next year we will get into the gigging side of things!

You hail near from the beautiful city of London, England. How do those particular roots inform you as an artist and as a person?

Growing up listening to The Clash, London Posse, early Grime, Garage, its hard to quantify as its just engrained in me from punk to hip-hop and all of the underground dance music that followed.

Who inspires you musically?

All of the artists above.

The visuals to your music have always been a part of your artist identity, can you tell us more about your involvement in your music videos?

So my background besides music is in photography, I used to shoot for VICE and various magazines in London and have been a keen street and travel photographer for years. I’ve also always been drawing and painting since I was a kid, so naturally I’ve just done all my own artwork and visual assets.

With the videos, its something I’ve always wanted to get into off the back of my photographers visual eye, but its quite daunting as there is so much that goes into a film shoot.  Luckily, my good friend Troy is already well down the path of being a director so he has helped me bring ideas to life, we have a great creative synergy so between us we’ve managed to create some weird and wonderful films on a shoestring budget at the last minute.

At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a spin to Lunakai?

I hope it transports them into their own world for a minute. I believe that escapism is probably the driving force behind much of my work, so it would be cool if listeners could experience an otherworldly moment through the tunes too!

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