EDM Identity
  • News
  • Music
    • Exclusive Mixes
    • Playlists
  • Events
  • Culture
  • Interviews
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
EDM Identity
No Result
View All Result
February 26, 2020

Catching Up with Hard Trance Legend K90

Abisola Oseni
K90

After his set at HQ Recordings Night, K90 sat down to chat about the evolution of the hard trance, Armada, and timeless track “Red Snapper.”


While there are many hard trance legends that are poised to be making to help rejuvenate the scene in the US, one we’ve already been privy to see return is the legendary K90. Over the years he has remained prolific in his work and has released numerous singles and albums, each one fresh, effervescent and true to the K90 sound. In fact, when you ask hard trance fans about the most important tracks in the genre, “Red Snapper” is definitely said to be one of the most iconic.

K90 first arrived on the scene in 1992, and now, almost three decades later, he is still a driving force in the evolution of the genre. He finds the time to uplift the next generation of hard trance artists and releasing their records on his own label Dataless Recordings while also churning out his own fantastic releases as well. This has led to him play around the world at events and festivals such as Q-Base International Dance Festival, Creamfields, Global Gatherings, and more.

It’s easy to see that K90 is all about staying true to himself and his sound as well as showcasing his undying passion for the scene. So, when we had the chance to catch up with this legendary hard trance artist we simply couldn’t pass it up. Listen to his exclusive guest mix below and read on for the full conversation!

Stream EDMID Guest Mix 208 || K90 on SoundCloud:


Hi K90, thanks for chatting with us today! Let’s start off by exploring the genre you’re most well-known for, hard trance. Many people have a difficult time explaining what the genre sounds like, stating that it’s something you just feel. How would you explain this specific style?

Hmmm… as with most music genres and trying to explain them, it’s a little subjective. To me, hard trance is tougher than trance but the journey the audience is taken on is very similar. The beats are harder in hard trance (yep!) and are played a bit faster, especially if you go down the Scot Project route where I feel the sound is more hardstyle orientated.

You first began making music in the late ‘90s. From your past to the present, how has hard trance or the concept of hard trance evolved over the time you’ve been involved?

Where we are now, I feel it’s come full circle with hard trance starting to appear more in the mainstream. I also love the fact that bigger labels are recognizing the importance of hard trance in the overall dance music spectrum.

“Red Snapper” was originally released in 2002 and has really stood the test of time. It has been remixed numerous times over the years, most recently by Allen Watts. What about the composition of the track do you feel resonates with a variety of artists and fans?

Ah, the million-dollar question and the honest answer to this or why any track goes on to take on a life of its own is, I simply don’t know! That’s not very helpful in terms of answering your question but when you consider “Red Snapper” was originally a “B” side and wasn’t even originally called “Red Snapper,” it was originally called “Genetik” but the label got the names mixed up when I sent the master to them, I think it’s done okay!

Your older tracks were just picked up by Armada to be re-released and released as a package with a few remixes attached. What does that mean for you, your music, and your reach?

My overall feeling is one of pride because it’s a vindication of the work and how it’s been able to stand the test of time. Armada is quite simply a machine with a huge worldwide reach so it’s amazing that I’m now picking up fans from around the world that a few months ago, didn’t even know K90 existed.

The newest set of trancers will be introduced to you through various mediums including your team up with Armada and Allen Watt’s remix of “Red Snapper.” With that in mind, what three songs would you recommend they listen to to get acquainted with your style?

There’s a lot to choose from by three of my biggest tracks are Red Snapper, Deliverance and Breathe so I’d suggest checking those out first. These have or will get the Armada remix treatment over the next couple of years.

You also do a bit of composition for movies/television – the one that comes to mind is “Mission to the Edge of Space” project. What is the process of scoring for a project and in what aspects is it similar and different from creating your K90 tracks?

In a way, it’s quite similar in that there’s a thematic arc you are trying to take your audience on. Writing a dance music track, that arc lasts for around 7 or 8 minutes, whereas a film can be anything up to three hours or even more! The other difference with writing dance music is that you have a smaller window of creativity to fit into whereas music for picture, you’re only limited by your own imagination.

After many years away, you recently returned to the US for HQ Recordings Night. What was your experience like and what are your thoughts on the LA hard trance crowd?

I absolutely loved it! Everyone was so cool, welcoming and supportive that I’ve been plotting my way back with a brand new K90 “LIVE” show ever since! Watch this space!

With that in mind, are there any festivals or clubs that you haven’t played yet and hope to?

Dreamstate is definitely on my hit list but in general, I want to establish K90 in the US much much more and something I’m working on making that a priority over the next year or so.

Finally, you’ve seen the scene evolve over the years and one of those changes has been the role social media plays. How do you feel social media has changed the way DJ/producers market themselves and how do you feel this has affected the electronic music industry as a whole?

The days of being just a DJ or producer and thriving off that alone are well and truly over. You need to be a jack of all trades in today’s DJ world and that means everything from being a DJ, producer, marketer, agent, radio host, PR guru… the list goes on. Back when I started, you played out and/or made a record and word of mouth did the rest.


Connect with K90 on Social Media:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud | YouTube

Connect with Mark Doggett on Social Media:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud

ShareTweetShareShare

Abisola Oseni

Abisola Oseni

Abisola has been loving electronic music since middle school. Though she enjoys a variety of sub-genres she currently mainly listens to trance and hard dance.

Recently From Abisola

Artist Spotlight

Get to Know Multifaceted Trance Artist Sequence Six

Artist Spotlight

Get to Know Trance Virtuoso, MIYUKI

Featured Interview

Ferry Corsten Talks ‘What The F’ and Bending Genres

STAY IN THE LOOP

Subscribe to notifications
  • ESSENTIAL INFO: 💥⁠
Heading to @gemandjamfestival this year? Be as prepared as possible for the upcoming edition with all the essential info you’ll need to know! 🙌🏽⁠
⁠
Gem & Jam is an incredible event running for longer than many other festivals of the same caliber. This year’s edition is slated to be one of the most memorable ever as the festival continues to improve its infrastructure, access to vendors and workshops, and of course, the diverse music lineup. 🎶⁠
⁠
Beyond all the fun ready to be had on the festival grounds this year, there’s plenty of information that you’ll need to know to make this experience as seamless as possible. Between camping at the festival, arrival times, and essential items to bring along with you, we
  • LINEUPS 👏🏻HAVE👏🏼 ARRIVED👏🏿⁠
Have you seen the latest festival lineup drops lately? Be sure to follow us for the latest trends, news, artist, music, and culture in the EDM scene!🎉⁠
⁠
Swipe to see the lineups! Be sure to head over to our link in bio for more details on some of these upcoming events, and let us know which one is your favorite festival! 🪩✨⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
🌞 @sundream_____ 
👉🏼 @abgrouptherapy⁠
🌵 @deserthearts⁠
🖤 @Awakenings⁠
🎨 @aotwvegas⁠
🍀 @getluckyslc⁠
💥 @officialrezz 
🎆 @veldmusicfestival⁠
🎊 @Tomorrowland⁠ 
⁠
  • ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: 🔦
@KamSator_music is right at home behind the decks and he dropped by to talk about his early days, musical evolution, and future endeavors! He began honing his craft back in 2012, shortly after his first expedition to @EDC_lasvegas!🎉

Kam Sator has had the amazing opportunity to work with Glow Rage. He was able to travel and play in over 25 states in the US, on multiple tours. Some of his favorite memories with them were at a popular music venue called @SoulKitchenmobile. His favorite artists to play today are @TaleOfUs, @KASST_LIVE, @Lampemusic, @Damian_Lazarus, and @ArmenMiran. 💫

👉🏼Link in bio to read more about Kam Sator and be sure to check out his EDMID Guest Mix 359 || that he made for us on Soundcloud!🎵🔗

EDMID Writer ✍🏼: @fluffies4life
📸: @soulkitchenmobile
  • LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT: 💫⁠
Group Therapy Weekender returns to the @Gorgeamphitheatre in July with a jam packed lineup including @ALPHA9music @iBluestone, @SimonDoty, @Tinlicker, and more! 🔥⁠
⁠
Group Therapy Weekender returns for its third edition at The Gorge in 2023 from July 21–23 and we already can’t contain our excitement. As always, the lineup is packed full of @Anjunabeats and @Anjunadeep titans, and rising stars that will provide the soundtrack to the weekend. 🪩⁠
⁠
Weekender is expected to include a diverse list of amazing and transformative activities ranging from yoga sessions, campsite parties, demo drops, and artist meet and greets, there is no shortage of things to do.🧘🎉⁠
⁠
👉🏽Link in the bio to read more! 🔗 Let us know if you will be attending!⁠
⁠
✍🏽EDMID Writer: @powerpufash 
📸: @turkphotos⁠
⁠
⁠
  • EVENTS: 💫⁠
@area15official is introducing six separate parties that are called Area 15 Massives including We’re All Mad Here, Secret Garden, Neon Dream, and more have been announced to make a return in 2023  to #LasVegas. This expansive space just west of The Strip houses a number of immersive experiences that range from Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart to the Emporium Arcade Bar, but where it has really shined has been with the one-off shows and unique massives they’ve hosted.🎨⁠
⁠
These parties will include a lineup that is filled with talented artists, including @LSDREAM, @EAZYBAKED, @Space_Wizard_music, @Tripp_st, and more. The space will be transformed into a Secret Garden on April 29 for a whimsical night filled with surreal production and top-tier artists, while Neon Dream will re-emerge on May 27 for a party during Memorial Day Weekend unlike any other. Happy Camper will also take place on July 22nd and will include ultimate summer camp party that will feature old-school games and trippy arts and crafts in the midst of the summer heat on July 22. 💥⁠
⁠
Here is a full list of the schedule below. ⁠
🍄 We’re All Mad Here (03.25.23)⁠
🧚‍♀️ Secret Garden (04.29.23)⁠
💚 Neon Dream (05.27.23)⁠
🏕 Happy Camper (07.22.23)⁠
🏴‍☠️ Odyssium (10.28-29.23)⁠
🛸 Galactic Zoo (12.31.23) ⁠
Link in bio to read more about this! 🔗⁠
⁠
EDMID Writer: @czarcruise⁠
📸: @area15official⁠
  • NEW MUSIC: 🔊⁠
@skylersoundsx starts her rebrand with news of a forthcoming EP on @monstercat and its lead single, a trap-fueled bass stunner called “Hit My Line.” 📱💎⁠
⁠
Following her festival debut at @tomorrowland Belgium just this past year, Skyler Madison, now known as SKYLER, is focused on rebranding with a serious passion for her production. Since graduating from LA’s @iconcollective, SKYLER’s engineering and sound design skills have grown and are demonstrated with full flex on her most recent release, “Hit My Line,” which is sure to drive interest for her next EP. 🚀⁠
⁠
🔗 In bio for the full scoop!⁠
✍🏼: @treeferme⁠
  • LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT: 🗣️⁠
@veldmusicfestival will be the place to be in Canada this summer, with music provided by @aboveandbeyond, @illenium, @loudluxury, @officialrezz x @deadmau5, and more! 🔥⁠
⁠
VELD Music Festival is bringing the heat this summer for its 10th edition. From August 4-6, 2023, the grounds of Downsview Park in Toronto will come to life as attendees unite to bask in the mood-lifting magic of electronic dance music. Since this edition will be a major anniversary milestone, VELD has hyped it up as the best one to date, so the lineup simply needed to impress. Well, the wait is over, and the musical entertainment that they’ve unveiled is worthy of an expedition across the border! ✈️🇨🇦⁠
⁠
🔗 In bio for full details!⁠
✍🏻: @fluffies4life⁠
📸: @veldmusicfestival
  • NEW ALBUM ALERT: 💿
@sglewis delivers his most substantial body of work to date, AudioLust & HigherLove, featuring collaborations with @tovelo , @tydollasign , and more! 💣

English producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist SG Lewis has elevated his disco-infused dance floor sound to the highest level of his career with his latest 15-track album AudioLust & HigherLove. Featuring an A-list roster of collaborations, his one-of-a-kind futuristic disco delivers a home run of modern dance excellence in a way few producers can achieve. 🧠

🔗 In bio for full details!
✍🏼: @djlo_g 
📸: @pepppy 

—
#sglewis #newmusic #newmusicalert #newalbum #albumrelease #disco #futuristicdisco #dancemusic #newrelease #tovelo #tydollasign #newmusic2023
  • NEW MUSIC: 🔊⁠
@paavoab releases his remix of Kyan’s “Lonely River” with @anamemusic under the @p.o.s.music alias, along with news of his debut album, Deeper Tales. ⚡️⁠
⁠
Paavo Olavi Siljamäki, also known as P.O.S, has quite the legacy with 20-plus years under his belt as one-third of @aboveandbeyond, among other accolades he’s gained throughout his career. ⁠
⁠
🔗 In bio for full details⁠!⁠
✍🏾: @stardustandmadness
  • About
  • Contact
  • Team
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement

CONTACT INFO

San Diego, California

contact@edmidentity.com

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Music
  • Events
  • Culture
  • Festival Tips
  • Interviews
  • Shop

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist