Kamikaze Space Programme – interview and guest mix

Tallinn-based producer Raiden spent the majority of the 2000s packing out drum n bass clubs and releasing for some of the biggest labels in the dnb scene including Renegade Hardware and Position Chrome. 2011 saw him add another string to his bow and unleash his new Kamikaze Space Programme moniker.

Taking the tempos down to the 120s and 130s and taking root in the revitalised house and techno movement that has seen both genres enjoy a creative explosion, the Kamikaze Space Programme material has been finding favour with many including the likes of Addison Groove, MJ Cole, Blawan, Skream & Benga and many more.

We were huge fans of KSP’s “Algus” and “Haas Effect” EPs and with the “Factory Floor EP” landing on the 4th of June, he took some time out to deliver a quality guest mix and have a chat about the past, present and future of the project.

Click here to download Kamikaze Space Programme’s Phuturelabs Test Tube #8 mix or stream via the mixcloud player below (click player for tracklist). Read on to hear what the producer had to say.

You were firmly established as Raiden in the drum n bass world, your first few EPs as Kamikaze Space Programme have caused quite a splash in the world of house and techno – what motivated you to make the change?

It just felt right to try something new as I wasn’t feeling the direction of d&b as it seems only a few refined styles get noticed, there isn’t much choice. I spent about a year soul searching not really sure what I wanted to do then Chris at ST Holdings put me onto the music of Swamp 81, Ramp etc.

It was also around the time Boiler Room started which was a huge influence. A genre free music with no rules that seemed to encapsulate everything I like in electronic music where being an individual was a good thing, it was hard to resist. Since then I’ve turned into a total fan boy following all the latest releases, I feel 20 again!

Will we still see some more Raiden productions?

I’m honestly not sure, I’m always toying with the idea to make some more Raiden stuff but the lure of Kamikaze Space Programme is just too strong right now. I seem to be getting a lot more interest with KSP so that’s a big incentive. When I do make some more Raiden stuff I want it to be really different.

One thing I’ve learnt from KSP is adding character to the music, I will apply the things I’ve learnt to make something totally fresh full of lo fi drum sounds and strange progressions.

You’re one of many dnb producers (Marcus Intalex/Trevino, Jon Convex, Boddika, Martyn) that moved from that scene into the more house and techno side of things, what do you think are the major differences and similarities between the two?

I think this current movement has a lot in common with the jungle scene from the mid too late 90’s which is why a lot of the older artists relate to it. There’s feeling that something special is happening. Also there seem to be less focus on just unreleased music, almost all d&b artist’s careers is based on their forthcoming material.

Most of the time when I hear a tune I like I can buy right or away or only have to wait a few weeks, I think that’s such a great thing as everyone can have a cut of the action and be in the now. Also, I guess tastes change with age.

You experimented with a live Raiden set for a while – can we expect some live KSP sets?

It’s definitely something that’s on the horizon, I already have the gear for it. Once I have more material it’s definitely something I’m going to consider.

Your “Factory Floor” EP lands shortly – what can we expect next in the near future from KSP?

I have an ep every 3 months for the foreseeable future on Decarhythm plus a collab ep in July with a friend from Tallinn called Firejose who was also picked up by Deca, you’ll be hearing a lot from him. I’m playing Glade Festival next month which I’m really excited about as the line-up is cracking. I’d like to get more dj bookings as I love playing KSP sets and I’m skint!

I’m currently looking into working with some visual artists too. Basically I’m at a point where thing are really starting to pick up so it’s up to me now to make some real good music and not let off the gas! Considering I’m only 8 months in I should be very happy with the progress.

Addison Groove has been a big early supporter of KSP – any chance of a collab in the pipeline?

I’d kill to work with Tony but he’s so busy these days. Once I’ve earned my stripes who knows! I’m pretty sure we would make something with a strong Jungle influence, we both love that stuff. Sounds like a plan!

Both your Raiden and KSP material has leaned heavily on percussive elements – what’s your favourite pieces of percussion and why?

Definitely the cabasa which is a small hand held metal drum covered in rings of metal beads. It’s so versatile and fits with any track you add it to. You can do some really cool tricks with it which is great for showing off and appearing to be a lot better than you actually are.

You prefer to play some percussive elements in live – why?

Using real instruments just adds character and groove to your music that cannot be replicated, it’s a performance. It’s coming from you and the instruments you’ve bought; they become family members in the studio. It’s really nice to hear your track and visualise the percussion and the story of where they came from.

Buying the percussion in exotic places is pretty much a hobby itself.

Apart from the legendary Glade festival, where else can people catch you over the summer festival season?

I’m playing a KSP set in Lahti, Finland in June and I’m playing in Tallinn pretty much every other weekend right now. It’s still early days for Kamikaze Space Programme but I’m hoping for a lot more opportunities in the future.

What’s in the pipeline for your Offkey and Voodoo imprints?

Much like my Raiden stuff the labels are recurrently on hold. If I’m honest d&b labels are just too much hard work right now with very little interest unless you’re releasing music that fits with the latest fashion.

I’m really enjoying focusing my efforts on just being an artist for now and let Deca handle all the admin! I will bring back my labels when the time is right. I just want to really nail the KSP thing and once that’s at point I’m happy with I think about the next move, maybe not, never say never.