Features
Q&A with Kevin Leanc
“Because I feel pretty good with vinyl, and since it’s the medium that gave us dj’s life, I prefer to use records. ” Kevin Leanc takes on the rapid fire Q&A.
WHY DANCE MUSIC?
Dance music is something that gives joy to people, but good dance music will make you forget things and inject the good energy you need.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE MUSIC?
What inspires me to make music definitely is freedom. You are free when you feel those sounds coming out of your unconscious.
FESTIVALS OR NIGHTCLUBS?
I have had the opportunity to participate in different festivals in my country in my early days, some a bit unnoticed, but as I’ve grown and evolved in my music, festivals have become most important to me, even though you could say that my story is more linked to nightclubs. I’ve played many clubs globally, but no matter what, I bring my very best to either situation.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF THE STUDIO?
Definitely spend time with my family, my dog; it’s always advisable to let your mind focus on the ones you love.
WHAT’S NEXT ON THE HORIZON?
Many good things as I have some new tracks to be released on a few large record labels. Lately, it seems that my music has been received very well globally, and I am hoping to continue to build on that.
WHAT WAS THE BEST GIG YOU’VE EVER PLAYED?
It’s hard to say as I play weekly, so to me, every gig is the best gig. My audience receives me well and I continually end each weekend with a sense of gratitude and appreciation, a job well done.
WHAT’S THE WORST THING ABOUT MAKING MUSIC?
I think it’s definitely a lack of preparation and knowledge that many people in the scene seem to have. They search for fame instead of feeling the passion for what you do, bad managers, promoters and even record companies looking to make a windfall, rather than grow the scene.
DO YOU PREFER DIGITAL OR VINYL WHEN DJING?
Because I feel pretty good with vinyl, and since it’s the medium that gave us dj’s life, I prefer to use records. However, time moves on and technologies are here to help make our performances better, so if digital can help me, then I’ll use it as well.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOIRTE PRODUCERS? WHY?
I follow many producers, but the top picks for me are Deep Dish, MK, Jay Lumen, Richie Hawtin, Paul Kalk Brenner, Loco Dice, Sebastiasn Leger, Stimming to name a few. My entire list could get very long, and I like each for that special touch they put on their tracks, the touch that brings life to their productions.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE BLOGS OR SITES?
I’m a big fan of social media, so Facebook and Twitter are a definite go to. I also like to browse new music on Beatport and Traxsource.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLUGINS?
Definitely one of my favorites is Massive followed by ANA. They are both used in most of my productions since they’re so versatile.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A TRACK IS FINISHED?
When a track is finished when it motivates me to get up and dance, if this doesn’t happen, it’s simply not finished.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SOFTWARE AND/OR STUDIO GEAR?
I have had the opportunity to try many production programs, and I really like working with Ableton and FL Studio.
IF YOU WEREN’T PRODUCING MUSIC WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU DO?
Maybe I’d be working on a farm or in an auto repair shop or something, I don’t really know. All I can say is that I stand firm with making music, so I can’t really imagine what my life would be without it.
WHAT KIND OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO UP AND COMING PRODUCERS?
The only thing I can say is to study hard, never get tired of learning, and put time and practice into it. The road today is congested, so you have to stay strong, humble and most of all, strive to be the very best.
You can follow Kevin on Facebook, Soundcloud and Beatport.