INTERVIEW: Willaris. K

Australian DJ and producer Willaris. K released his debut 7-track EP Alchemy earlier this year after playing a string of live shows and festivals around the world. Originally an electrical instrument technician working the state border substations by day and bedroom producer by night, his first tracks were quick to strike a chord with electronic music fans and taste-makers alike, receiving praise and frequent spins on BBC Radio 1 from Pete Tong.

Whilst working on his first album, he’s just dropped a double A side with Natural Selection and Cobaki Sky (Prequel), both demonstrating the artist’s knack for creating hypnotic and bass-driven soundscapes, packed with plucking rhythmic loops and entrancing atmospheres.

We got a chance to pose some questions to Willaris. K to find out more about his music and what he’s got in store for the future. Check out the new tracks Natural Selection and Cobaki Sky (Prequel) and read the interview below. You can download or stream the release HERE.

How did you first get into producing music?

I first started DJing at local clubs around 2012, through that I started making edits to play in my sets which slowly evolved into writing my own music.

Which artist do you draw most inspiration from?

It’s hard to pick one. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of ambient music. My best ideas always start with chords/melodies so whatever gets me in that zone. Usually sad music tbh. Guys like Rival Consoles and Nicolas Jaar always inspire me to try some weird shit with sound design.

This year you released your debut EP Alchemy. What was the biggest challenge in creating a longer body of work?

It was pretty natural because it was written over a couple of years, in that time I was testing different songs live, I played about 20 shows with only one song out which was so valuable for the development of it. The biggest challenge was releasing the second song after only having Alchemy out for 9 months, once I got past that it all came together.

What is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Anywhere. Alchemy especially has grown through the live show so it sits naturally there but it’s equally headphone music. I find it’s something you have to commit to though, it’s not really something you chuck on in the background. 

Has incorporating a deep connection with visual elements for your music influenced how you create music now?

Yeah it’s definitely one of the main sources of inspiration, especially now that I’m writing my debut album. Being able to build a new world musically and visually, both feed into each other.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been deep in my album of late so haven’t been listening to a lot of other music but I dig the new Art Koufax EP that came out last week. I love the Corbin album produced by Shlohmo and D33J. Bit of Djrum and Oneohtrix Point Never as well.

What’s been your favourite live show so far?

Hard to go past my most recent show in Sydney at the metro theatre. It was the biggest show I’ve played and the first with dancers with me on stage in parts. Everyone was in it, it was madness.

Favourite meal on the road?

Japanese for sure.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Good question. Mmm, I suppose what Alchemy did for me was find solutions in shit situations. Overcome negative things. I’m in a different place now so the music will be constantly evolving but I think that’s a common theme.

What do you have lined up for the near future?

My album is well on the way so that should be ready some time in 2019. I’ve got a few festivals in Australia over NY then I’ll be heading overseas next year!

Finally, would you rather fight one bear-sized duck, or ten duck-sized bears?

Mmm I’d have a crack at 10 duck-sized bears.