Off the back of a string of well received releases, UK based producer Ki Creighton has been steadily building his reputation over the past few months. His dark tech grooves have been turning heads around the world and it was only a matter of time before he landed on the Emerald Isle. With thanks to Dan Stritch and Hangar he visits our fair city on May 21st for what is sure to be a landmark evening at one of the capital’s underground bastions. With all this in mind we decided to get up close and personal with the man himself and find out what’s in store for his visit to Ireland.
WWD: Welcome to the WWD hotseat good sir, lets jump straight into it! How soon after you finished your 8Bit EP did you think, yes I’ve done alright here!
With this being a follow up to last years ‘Thunder EP’ that did so well i was under a bit of pressure to produce the goods , Im really good friends with Nick Curly so we kept in constant contact through the making of the EP. When I knew we were onto a winner was when I played ‘Control’ at my new german residency in cologne for Livingroom and everyone was like “WTF is this” its a nice moment when that happens and you can say its mine!!
WWD: Are you a man who works specifically on a sound for a certain label or do you let the creativity take control and then match up with the label once the finished product is ready?
I like to think my sound is rooted in Tech-House & Techno with variations to keep things interesting , I suppose you do think about certain labels when making music and how they would fit but a good track is a good track no matter what label it ends up on. I work very close with my manager Kal on labels , He’s pretty lethal when it comes to that past of the process.
WWD: For those who might not be familiar with you, give us three major stepping stones which have led you to your status as a man on the rise today?
I’ve been DJ’ing for 25 years so im rooted in the early acid house days so the experience factor is there , Attending ADE in 2014 was a game changer for me as thats where i met Kal and also had a very influential meeting with Milo Mitchum who worked at Saved Recordings at the time about importance of making music. the 3rd one is my support network around me from my family and friends , its every day the stepping stone to where i want to be.
WWD: You seem to be tight with the Underground Artists crew, how important is it to have a team of like minded souls around you in this game?
I’ve been with Underground Artists for a year now and me and Kal always were of the mind it would be a longer process to stick with with me arriving late in the game (I’m 41 in 3 weeks) , The agency & the label have shown me nothing but love & patience and its makes everything flow. I think we are now reaping what we have sown as the gigs are flowing and the productions are finding amazing homes with releases coming on some major labels so watch this space.
WWD: The infamous Elrow is looming large for you in Ibiza, what does it mean to be playing at one of the world’s standout parties?
When I was told this was happening I was on a crazy high, I played the space terrace last summer B2B with Yousef for Carl Cox and it was so good. I said then that was probably my last chance but to be going back on to play for the incredible Elrow is mind-blowing. Elrow has grown into a massive entity and one of not only Ibiza’s stand-out parties but worldwide they are smashing it. I’m also set to be released on their label on July 4th with an EP that’s coming with 3 originals and 2 heavyweight remixes to boot. It really means the world to me this gig.
WWD: More close to home, May 21st marks your Dublin debut as you pop over the water for Dan Stritch & Friends at Hangar, what are you expecting?
I’ve heard nothing but great things about both the club and the city and as well traveled as I am I’ve never been to Dublin , I’m expecting the show to be great and full of energy with a very up for it crowd. I’ll be bringing the noise thats for sure . people say to me Dublin is similar to Glasgow and Glasgow is my favorite city in the world so that will do me. I’m meeting up with an old friend of mine Danny Mills while I’m over as well which will be nice and I’m a Manchester United Season ticket holder and we are in the FA cup final so im missing the match but Jonathan is taking me out to watch the game and I’ll sample a few of Dublin’s finest liquid refreshments whilst watching it.
WWD: Last question seeing as summer is getting close, if you were playing the sunset at Mambo what could we expect to hear?
You would hear a completely different side to me , i love mambo and its tranquil balearic setting. Would probably soundscape it with really deep melodic house later in the night but for sure Massive attacks “Unfinished Sympathy” would need to feature!!!
Ki Creighton plays Dan Stritch & Friends at Hangar May 21st: Tickets/info