Fresh off a string of shows across Europe, K.eem is turning heads and steadily seducing the global underground — one percussion at a time. With Âme championing his track ‘Make Me Feel so Alive’ on Innervisions’ NTS residency, Bedouin spinning ‘In Love’ in New York, and upcoming releases on Eastern Standard and Urge To Dance, the Montreal-based artist is sculpting a world where percussion and elegance share the same BPM. 

We caught up with him mid-tour to talk about music that moves, memories that stay, and chasing cohesion over chaos. 

WWD: Hey K.EEM! You’ve had a wild run recently. Let’s start with ‘Make Me Feel So Alive’ — Âme not only spun it during his Innervisions NTS residency but again in that marathon B2B in Istanbul. What was that moment like for you? 

That was surreal. The first message waiting on my phone when I landed after Off Week was my friend telling me Âme had played it on NTS — and that already had me in awe. Then I stumbled on an Instagram story of him spinning it again during his all-night B2B with Avangart Tabldot at Klein Phoenix. No less. 

That track is deeply personal to me, and to see it come alive in such good hands. It made me feel so alive. 

WWD: You’ve got a unique approach to sound design — using foley and found sounds for groove. What does that process look like for you? 

Since my studies at RAC here in Montreal, I’ve been drawn to sound for film; spending so much time in the foley studio recording audio for visual work — door locks, shower, footsteps on small pebbles. Those recordings make their way into my music, more often as percussive sounds with jumpy drum patterns, or even textures. 

Generally speaking, I still incorporate samples into my work. I find those to be more of tools or helpers nowadays. The process and utilities of making music have evolved.

WWD: Bedouin playing ‘In Love’ in New York — another big cosign. How did that one land? 

A friend in the crowd sent me a video as it happened — Bedouin were playing ‘In Love,’ in New York, at sunset. Seeing it resonate like that, with them, in that setting…it made me fall in love. 

WWD: You’ve got new releases on the way via Eastern Standard, Urge To Dance, and more. What kind of energy are you bringing? 

The support I’ve been getting lately has given me the confidence to really lean into my percussive sound and follow what feels right. 

What you can expect from the Eastern Standard and Urge To Dance releases, as well as other upcoming tracks, is a more melancholic energy than my previous ones, made for the closed-eyes dancers… but the hips are still invited. As well, I have some collaborations in the making, with a few dear friends such as Elif and Blackloud — but more on that later. 

WWD: You’re currently towards the end of your Summer 25 EU tour — where have you been and what’s still ahead? 

It’s been a beautiful stretch. I’ve played Faro, Xanthi, and two shows in Barcelona during Off Week — Dissonanza and Marginalia. Each stop has had its unique flavor and energy. Unfortunately, I was not able to join the Marginalia family in their Bonjuk Bay Showcase due to personal reasons. 

Though, coming up next: 

18/07 – Module (Copenhagen, DK) 

The people I’ve met this summer have been incredible — so warm and welcoming everywhere. The weather’s been a little too warm, but the energy has more than made up for it. 

WWD: What’s something you’re unlearning or leaning into lately? 

I’ve been focusing less on perfecting individual elements and more on how they fit together as a whole. Now I care more about their chemistry — not groove or pattern, but texture, timber, and tonality. Does this hi-hat complement that snare? Does this FX add something meaningful or just clutter? It’s like making a meal: everything might be great solo, but if they don’t come together, well, it’s just noise.

WWD: Final thoughts or shoutouts before we let you go? 

Big love to all the labels, managers, promoters, and organizers who’ve trusted me with their spaces — and to every dancer, listener, and friend who’s reached out or played my tracks: If we haven’t crossed paths yet, I hope so soon. Time’s on our hands and the dancefloor’s open.

WWD: We love that! Thanks for the chat 🙂

The ‘In Love’ EP is available here