There’s a certain sun-soaked swagger to Kevin Knapp’s latest cut, ‘West Coast,’, a groove that feels like it was born from warm concrete, ocean air, and pure Bay Area soul. Back home in California and feeling creatively grounded, he finds peace in the familiar, rediscovers old records, and continues to chase the eternal high of fresh sound.
We caught up with Kevin Knapp to chat about the art of collaboration, the beauty of being unapologetically yourself, and how music always seems to find us exactly when we need it most.
WWD: Let’s start with ‘West Coast’ – it’s got that unmistakable Bay Area swagger. What was running through your head when you first started sketching it out?
I just knew I wanted to make a record that reflected my love for living in California. I finally feel settled back in the Bay Area, and now that our house is pretty much done, it’s time to just breathe, create, and be present here. I guess I finally feel a sense of ownership of my home state again.
WWD: Your productions always walk that line between fun and cultural commentary. Is that balance something you consciously explore, or does it just come out naturally?
I don’t know that it’s conscious, I suspect that it just mirrors who I am as a person. I definitely love to bring the level of joy up, if I can, in whatever room I’ve landed in. I feel like my life has been such a melting pot of culture that my cultural sensibilities and curiosities are often not far behind.
WWD: Vocals are such a big part of your identity as an artist. Do they usually lead the creative process, or do they sneak in once the groove starts to take shape?
This definitely goes both ways for me. There are times when I just establish a really good groove or beat loop, and it tells me where to go vocally. There are also times when I wake up in the middle of the night and write lyrics on the pad in my nightstand because I’m terrified I’ll lose the idea if I don’t. I’d say the approach I take depends on the day but often I’ve got something I feel like I’ve lyrically got to get something off of my chest, first. It literally presents sometimes like ‘the world be tripping, they need to peep this.” Haha
WWD: You’ve worked with some serious legends throughout your career, most recently with DJ Minx on Factory 93. What’s one lesson from those collaborations that’s really stayed with you?
The collabs really are just another form of conversation with folks you respect and/or admire. It’s a way to get closer to them, really, to understand what makes them tick, and to see perspectives that are different than your own. It exposes you to different modes of thinking and creating. I’m a big champion of encouraging anyone in my presence to be their authentic self. And the rewards for that are endless. You get to see who folks really are, and that in the end, as cheesy as it sounds, how similar all of our little oddities really are. Also, no matter if a collab starts off easy or takes a bit of time to find its legs, if you hang in there, and you’re sitting with someone dope, it often has a funny way of becoming something special.
WWD: You’ve been flying the flag for body-positive, inclusive house music for a while now. What keeps that mission so close to your heart?
I’m a big dog and I still get the f*ck down. The world needs more love and less divisiveness. I don’t care who you are, who you kiss, or what you look like. Just be kind. It’s really not difficult.
Do you ever dive back into your old crates or playlists and stumble on music that suddenly feels brand new again?
For the last two or three years, I’ve really been digging a lot in reverse, like you’re inquiring about. I’ve been collecting dance music since 2001 but generally remain obsessed with whatever the new hot shit is because I’m an insatiable, greedy music man in that way. However, lately, digging back through my many thousands of curated cuts, I’ve been absolutely loving it, and since my memory is pretty damn suspect, it always feels new!
WWD: How often do you reorganize or rework your digital crates? And what usually sparks a reshuffle?
I am 100% guilty of digital waste and disorganization. No going back for me, just more folders and more lists. haha
WWD: What’s a forgotten gem in your library that you recently fell back in love with? And what made it hit different this time?
9a Yoko Duo – ‘Close These Curtains’ (Stimming Remix) – I can finally go back to Stimming after overindulging on all his work all those years ago. It’s been glorious.
WWD: Do you believe music sometimes finds you at the right moment, rather than the other way around?
Absolutely. Especially at the times when you emotionally need it the most.
WWD: You’ve been in the game for over a decade, but your sets still feel fresh and forward-thinking. What keeps that creative spark alive for you?
I genuinely feel the music is who I am. I used to tell folks that one of my biggest fears about dying was all the insane music we are going to miss. Insatiable, I’ll never get my fill of it. I guess that keeps me with an updated record bag? 😉 I love trying to predict what’s around the corner or what’s about to come next down the subcultural pipeline.
WWD: ‘West Coast’ feels like a strong chapter marker. What’s next on the horizon, more hometown heat, or a completely new direction?
The next big thing for me this year is the debut album for a new project we’ve started called KJ Cuts. A trip hop/down tempo adjacent project with Jamie Rial from Audiojack. Stay tuned!
WWD: Sounds amazing, we can’t wait to listen! Thanks for the chat 🙂
‘West Coast’ is available here