Welcome to the captivating world of Kaytranada, where beats pulsate with life and melodies dance with rhythm. As a trailblazing figure in the realm of electronic music, Kaytranada has effortlessly transcended boundaries, shaping the sonic landscape with his innovative sounds and visionary artistry. Born Louis Kevin Celestin, this Canadian-born Haitian DJ, record producer, and musician has garnered widespread acclaim for his genre-defying compositions that seamlessly blend elements of house, hip-hop, R&B, and funk. With each track he crafts, Kaytranada invites listeners on a mesmerizing journey filled with infectious grooves and soul-stirring harmonies, leaving an indelible mark on the world of contemporary music.
From his early beginnings in the Montreal underground scene to his meteoric rise to fame on the global stage, Kaytranada has continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible in music, redefining the very essence of electronic and dance genres. With his keen ear for sonic experimentation and unparalleled creativity, he has carved out a unique niche for himself, earning accolades and adoration from fans and critics alike. Whether he’s remixing tracks for acclaimed artists or crafting original compositions that defy categorization, Kaytranada’s music resonates with an authenticity and vitality that is truly unmatched. Get ready to dive into the profound wisdom and electrifying energy of Kaytranada through his most memorable quotes.
I don’t think about doing new. I just do it. Kaytranada
The DJ thing is just a way for me to perform my songs in public. It put me on the map, and a lot of people discovered me because of my DJing and later found out that I made beats. Kaytranada
I felt like there were two people inside me. I was trying to be somebody I was not, and I was frustrated that people didn’t know who I was. Kaytranada
I’m from the suburbs, really, so I actually didn’t go to Montreal until I was, like, 19. I wasn’t allowed to go to the city at night or really be in the scene with other producers. It was hard for my parents to understand what I was trying to do as an artist, but it didn’t stop me. They eventually saw that it wasn’t a joke. Kaytranada
I can’t judge Justin Bieber, because I don’t know him. Kaytranada
‘99.9%’ is the end product of years and years of me going through multiple styles and interests. Kaytranada
Some people say I make hip-hop. Others see me as doing EDM. Some people might look at me as a trap artist, but I’m not really stuck to any of those. Kaytranada
I used to listen to my music on the bus. It was one of my favourite things, to look out the window and over at the Jacques Cartier Bridge and Parc Jean-Drapeau. Kaytranada
Nando’s – boom! That’s what I’m thinking of whenever I’m in London. I go there every time. Kaytranada
Really, what I’m trying to do is make soul music, but I don’t even think of it as a genre. It’s more of a feeling. Kaytranada
I know a lot of people who jumped into a record label right away, dropped an album, and then nothing happened for them. Build your fan base first, and follow your gut. Kaytranada
I like that people are still trying to guess what kind of music I’m making. Kaytranada
When I make a good beat, I’m possessed. I’m not on earth! Kaytranada
Neo-soul caught my attention more than any other sub-genre. I was really attracted by that sound. It made me do what I do musically: trying to find the same type of vibes, those nostalgic vibes. Kaytranada
The producing side is always a hard thing for me. I look at Flying Lotus and see producers dropping instrumentals, and I think I should do it myself. I just try to be an artist for myself. That way, it’s a lot easier. Kaytranada
I’ve always wanted to produce a whole album for an artist. Kaytranada
Deep down, you know what you want, and you should go for it. Kaytranada
It’s easier to collaborate with instrumentalists than singers; they know exactly the sound that I need. Kaytranada
I’m my own stylist. Always! I don’t wanna hire someone to chose what I should wear. At the same time, I do always wanna wear some crazy clothes. Kaytranada
You gotta be versatile, man. Kaytranada
I don’t want awkward shows with people looking at their phones or tweeting. That’s something you should do at home. Kaytranada
I’m not just a remix guy. Kaytranada
I don’t feel like a live set even seems super real for an electronic act like me. It’s not really that entertaining. I’ve seen a lot of my favourite acts take it to a new level with a live band and stuff, which is amazing, but for me, a live set would be boring to watch. Kaytranada
Especially for Haitian immigrant parents, being a musician is not a job. Kaytranada
I’m looking for all types of sounds. Anything that has soul and funk in it, no matter the genre. Kaytranada
I come from hip hop for sure, and there are basic elements of that, but then I’ll take from somewhere else, like samba, and do it with trap drums. I like going places other people haven’t gone before. Kaytranada
I was really not into school. Everything was distracting to me. I would have a beat in my head or a song. I was always not paying attention, just daydreaming. Kaytranada
It’s pretty much about doing what you love and following your dreams. It sounds really corny, but it’s so real. Kaytranada
I’m always home, doing nothing, making beats, and watching movies. Kaytranada
When I’m playing, I play what I want, but I make sure that the crowd is going to love it at the same time. It’s like a balancing act, a mix of two, a perfect circle… if you do it right. Kaytranada
The way I picked the tracks for ‘99.9%’ was based on the feeling of, ‘Is this going to be a hit?’ I wanted songs that people would immediately hear and remember. Kaytranada
I love the London vibe. I get so much love from London that I never had from other places. It’s crazy. The people there understand music so much more. Kaytranada
I didn’t finish high school. I tried to as an adult, but with all this touring, I had to quit. Kaytranada
People should be going to shows to have fun and express themselves – just enjoy it! Kaytranada
I’ve always wanted to push someone who’s not really known but has mad talent. I don’t know if I’m going to do a publishing company or a record label, but I’m interested in pushing artists in any sense. Kaytranada
I always say I want creative control. A lot of people don’t think about that. And that’s what every artist should think of – being creative and not just a puppet. Kaytranada
I suck at video games. Kaytranada
I don’t have much of a wish list, but I’m dying to work with Erykah Badu. That’s pretty much my dream collaboration. Kaytranada