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Kalyde Talks New Music, Most Rebellious Moment, Upcoming Festivals and More [Exclusive Interview]

July 13, 2018 By Brie French-Sorgini

Newcomer house and techno DJ and producer Kalyde is making waves faster than we can keep up with. Since launching onto the scene in 2015, he’s made his presence known with releases on notable labels including MadTech, Elrow, AVOTRE and Roush. Since being named one-to-watch in 2016 by BBC Radio presenter Monki, he’s made his way into the main rooms of some of the most legendary night clubs, like Fabric. The Londoner’s success has not gone unnoticed, with continued support from industry mavens like Loco Dice, Marco Carola, Annie Mac, Pete Tong, Eats Everything, and more. Just in time for the heat of the summer comes his massive hit on Sense Traxx “Rebel” – a dancefloor killer that will undoubtedly be sweeping across the hottest clubs from London to Ibiza and beyond this season. Upon the release of his new single, we had the chance to catch up with Kalyde to talk all things “Rebel,” his own most rebellious moment, and what’s on the horizon for this rising talent.

Kalyde For those who aren’t as familiar with your music, how would you describe your sound to us in three words?
Kalyde: Tough Groovy Techno.

You’ve got a heavy-hitting track that just dropped earlier this month on Sense Traxx, “Rebel,” which has already gained massive support from Luigi Madonna, Carl Craig, Josh Butler, and Paco Osuna, just to name a few. Tell us how this tune came about.
Kalyde: The initial idea came about in the summer of 2014. I had some basic drums but the main focus was on vox; the editing, processing and chopping was something I did in Native Instrument’s “Maschine.” I spent a while on bouncing many edits of this vox, but then the project got forgotten about, as many do! I then gave it some time to come back to the project and started the remake last year. I re-did the drums, added stabs and a punchy mid bass and the track was ready to go. I then tested the track at a Halloween warehouse party in Wolverhampton. I ended my set with the track, just before Solardo came on, and it went off. That’s when I knew the track had legs.

What made you title the track “Rebel?”
Kalyde: The track is a bit of a club weapon, so Rebel seemed suitable!

In going with the track’s theme, would you consider yourself a rebel in any aspect of your life?
Kalyde: The track’s name is actually quite ironic as I’m such a good boy.

What’s the most rebellious thing you’ve ever done?
Kalyde: For sure getting arrested when I was 17! I was actually trying to break up a fight, but I got caught in a bad situation.

What are your plans this summer?
Kalyde: I’m most excited for the 3 festivals in July: Latitude, Eldorado and Standon Calling. When you spend all winter playing in clubs and warehouse venues, it’s great to be able to play out on a festival stage – you get to play a different kind of set than you do in a club, so it’s always an exciting part of the year.

Do you have any favorite spots to play during this season? Maybe one where you know “Rebel” will blow up on dance floors with the crowd?
Kalyde: I think “Rebel” is one that will go down well at Latitude festival as it has a committed bass loving crowd. Also, Ministry of Sound as the sound system is one of a kind. I’m looking forward to seeing other DJs playing it at their shows too – social media gets a lot of bad press, but when you get sent a clip at 7am on a Wednesday morning of some DJ playing a track of yours out in Ibiza, it’s incredible.

Any new music coming up following this release?
Kalyde: Absolutely! nothing that that I can mention now though… Apart from a remix of Simon Shaw which is due in the summer… And Todd Terry has done the other mix on the release!

Thanks, Kalyde!

You can purchase Kalyde’s massive hit “Rebel” on Beatport.

Listen below to “Rebel” on SubSoul.