For the 3rd episode of our podcast series, we present a mix of a New Zealand drum’n’bass don Kiljoy. He’s been in the game for quite a while and recently released big tunes as a solo producer on labels like Function Records UK and Cause4Concern recordings. DJ Storm is supporting his music and recently played his remix of Remote Control on her Boilerroom set. Check his absolute fire set – including some great dubs – and a short interview with man himself!
1. Jaise – Take A Closer Look
2. The Green Man – Mr One (Digital Remix)
3. Kiljoy – Depth Charge
4. Total Science & Break – Big Time Winners
5. Digital – Total Control (Tim Clay Remix)
6. Blackout – Pump Pump
7. Kiljoy – Heart of a Lion
8. Dynamix – Miles Away
9. Future Cut – Whiplash (Lemon D Remix)
10. Kiljoy & Kiat – Taiko (Digital Remix)
11. Digital & Spirit – Remote Control (Kiljoy Remix)
12. Liftin Spirits – Going On
13. Madcap – Come Around
14. R4NSOM – At Odds With Everything
15. J Kon – Despise
16. Digital, Spirit, Ratty, Nick EP – An Evil Source
17. Special K & D’Cruze – Skurf
18. Digital & Dynamix – Out of Reach
19. Jaise – Solstice
20. Kiat – Anunnaki (Kiljoy Remix)
21. J:Kenzo – Tiger Moth
22. Digital & Kiljoy – Reflection
23. NonRev – Senses on Overdrive
I-Witness : “I love your style of tunes and selection in DJ sets. The passed months you have been spoiling us with many DJ sets on Twitch called The Zone. When did you start these live streams and what is the concept?
Kiljoy : “So I started watching the John B Twitch streams back in late 2020 and really lived the vibe of the community his channel had created. It kinda felt like a weekly club night where the same regular people would chat about music and other things, and I really enjoyed just being a punter. Maybe in late 2021 I thought about doing my own streams, just as a way to regularly DJ and focus on listening to and playing music. A few people encouraged me to get into actually doing it and the rest is history really. Big shout outs to both Ytimid and MissJackalope for all the help, shadow modding, and support.’
I-Witness : “Is your approach and style as a solo producer very different from the time you produced as a duo (Concord Dawn)?”
Kiljoy : “You know what, it isn’t really a different approach at all, or at least it doesn’t feel different to me. I mean I’m 15 years on now from when I was in Concord Dawn and have done a lot of getting older in that time, so despite the intention not feeling different, the approach might have matured with age. Haha! I’ve always just wanted to write music I like, that will effect other people in different ways, like make them feel like dancing or shouting, and I kinda let the music write itself. I try not to think too hard about it but let the vibes lead the way.”
I-Witness : “You have several released tracks on Digital’s Function label and remixed some of his biggest classics like Waterhouse Dub. How did you connect with Digital and are there any future projects on Function?”
Kiljoy : “Digital has had a big part of my drum n bass life since way back in the early Concord Dawn days. He’s a big part of the reason Morning Light got out to the world like it did. We did releases on Timeless (Brillo’s label but Digital was heavily involved) and the OG Function back in the day. So when I started producing again back in 2018 he was first cab off the rank with showing support and getting my music released again. Steve (Digital) has been a very, very big part of what I’m doing now and I can’t thank him enough for encouraging me to push on doing my own thing. Big up that man.”
I-Witness : “You have been producing for more than 20 years. What advice can you give to starting producers?”
Kiljoy : “Advice for young producers? Hmmmm, don’t give up if you have a vision of what you want to do, no matter how many people say your music should be more X or more Y or isn’t Z enough, you know? If you believe your music, your art, your creativity is good then just stick to your guns. Don’t be afraid to be different if that’s where you are.”
I-Witness : “Which are your favourite tracks in your discography”? Kiljoy : “My favourite tunes I’ve produced? Good question. I’m still quite a fan of Morning Light, and Say Your Words from back in the Concord Dawn days.
Kiljoy production wise though I’d have to say Ghosts of Old and Heart of a Lion. It’s hard though, it can take me 15 or so years to make peace with some of my music and accept it for what it is… HAHA!”