ZingSync

We talked to Paradoks, a melodic electronic music artist who is gaining international recognition for his unique approach to blending genres and hosting live streams that catch the attention of thousands of music fans. We asked him about his inspiration, music background, joining Purified Records, and plans for the future.

Hey Paradoks, welcome to Celebmix, and thanks for speaking with us! Could you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hey! Thank you for having me. I’m Kobe, a Swiss/Belgian melodic electronic music artist known as Paradoks.

Can you tell us a little bit about your music background? What led you into production? 

When I was a kid, my parents wanted to give away our old unused piano. That day I got curious and wanted to try it for a bit. I enjoyed it so much that I asked them not to give it away and spent hours every day teaching myself how to play the keys. I would come home from school and practice the piano for at least 1-2 hours before doing homework. Not because I had to, but because I simply loved it. I quickly started composing my own songs and then played a few concerts. As I was growing up, I was listening to more and more electronic music, and I wanted to make that kind of music. This is when I dug a bit deeper and started having fun with FL Studio. A few years later I switched to Ableton. When I did my first DJ gig, I felt such joy and connection, and I realized that this is what I wanted to do with my life. From then on, I started becoming more serious and really focused on making better music and try to live with my passion.

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is melodic and powerful, heavily influenced by my self-taught piano background. I try to bring a meaningful moment to the listeners and I try to convey emotions through movement, whether that’s dancing, running or driving your car.

Who are your inspirations? What are some artists you would like to collaborate with? 

I’m inspired by so much different music. Right now, as I’m writing this interview, I am listening to calm music like Stimming, Weval, Moderat, Modeselektor, Mees Salomé, but I am also inspired by countless artists such as Rufus du Sol, Sultan & Shepard, Mathame, Agents of Time, Anyma, Innellea, Moby, Nora En Pure, Lane 8, Worakls and the infinite list goes on.

You are known from your dope live streams. What’s your secret to delivering a successful set? 

I think it’s really important to know the context. In an open-air, you can play more with emotions and good feelings, whereas in a dark sweaty club, you keep the energy up and play less breakdowns. In a livestream, like the ones I did in the mountains of Switzerland and Spain, I try to imagine what kind of music most fits the scenery. It’s not a coincidence that I played “Bridges in the sky” by Colyn when I was playing on the famous bunkers bridge in Barcelona, for example. I always try to tell a story: the first track is as important as the last one, and every track really has to add to the scenery and the set. I like to vary the energy levels as well, I won’t be playing only melodic music, since a full set of the same has less impact. To create more impact, I add in some stronger tracks to give drive and energy to the set, welcoming the next “epic” tracks even more. It’s all about ups and downs.

You recently joined Purified Records, congrats on that! Previously, you have released on many other labels like Stil vor Talent and Parquet. What draws you into releasing under a certain imprint?

Thank you. There are many factors that I consider when releasing with a label. First of all: Do I play their music? Do I like what they release? Do I identify with their artwork? Their artists? Their audience? But also, will this label help me and make the best efforts to bring my music it to its full potential? Another factor can be the personal bond I have with the owner of the label, and how much they are open to conversation about the release. There is no point in releasing with a label if there is not at least one of these points that truly convinces you.

What are you up to in 2022? Any new releases or live streams coming up?

Right now, I have been fully immersed in the studio since I didn’t have much time to make music last year as I did a Master’s Degree in innovation and entrepreneurship. I have a few upcoming shows in the UK, Germany, Switzerland and more, but I’m mostly taking my time to create new music that is really “me”. After that, I will start touring again and will make some new livestreams in beautiful locations. But right now, I’m taking life one step at a time.

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