Behind The Scenes on KELLINI’s ‘In Between EP’

Behind The Scenes on KELLINI’s ‘In Between EP’

Since the Noughties, the infectiously loveable Norwegian DJ & Producer Kjetil Lagesen has been honing his performance and production talent under his artist name KELLINI. On the performance side, KELLINI is known for his chugging, deep and groovy Nu-disco, House and melodic Electronica productions and dizzying DJ sets across Europe. He has shared line-ups with European artists such as Jarle Bråthen under their ‘The Telemark Express’ concept, David Boo boogiemann, Safira & Olle, Abstract, of Daniel Wien, Kim Young and many more. KELLINI has released countless productions on countless top European record labels. As his brilliant ‘In Between EP’ drops on HOT GROOVERS, we invited KELLINI to share more about the EP and how it all came together.  

Please tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind your new ‘In Between EP’ on Hot Groovers.

I wanted to explore new sounds and production techniques. Not doing the same thing over and over again.

How did you get together with the Hot Groovers label?

I met Ben Spalding in Oslo a few years ago, we stayed in touch and I sent him some demos a year later.

And what can we expect to hear across the 3 tracks?

It’s a new sound for me, much more electronic and progressive than my previous releases.

What’s your personal favourite track from the EP and why?

My favourite is the Function track. It was two separate tracks and I got stuck on both of them. I took some elements from each track and it fitted perfectly together.

Your sound on this EP has a much more melodic Tech feel to it compared to some of your Electronica and Nu Disco style releases, is this the new way forward for KELLINI now?

I’m not sure, for me, it’s just about having fun with music and not being held back by rules and restrictions.

How did you go about putting the EP together? Please share a little about your writing process on the tracks.

This EP is a result of my trying out new ways to make music and exploring new techniques. On the In-Between track, I started with the vocals and it got built around them. Binside started with cords, trying to set a warm atmosphere. Function as I mentioned was a result of two tracks I was stuck on.

Did you face any challenges or obstacles in the writing or recording process?

Not really, it’s more about insecurity because you are trying out new stuff for the first time. So it’s been very fun with all the positive responses.

What was the main kit that you used on the EP and did you get to work with any new instruments or kit in the process?

I use Reason Studios, been using Reason since 1999. I’ve used the Diva synth from Uhe a lot on this EP. For now, I only use software but maybe that will change in the future.

What would you say are your biggest strengths when it comes to writing and producing?

Not taking it too seriously, have fun and something good will come out of it.

And your Achilles Heel?

It’s doing fine, thanks for asking. Hehe. My Achilles heel is falling back into my preferred way of doing things instead of learning new ways to produce music.

Are you somewhat a perfectionist in the studio with endless tweaking, or do you adopt a more firm approach by finishing the track and leaving it alone?

I’ve become somewhat of a perfectionist, but I don’t have the patience to tweak endlessly. For me, it’s better to come back to the track after a week or two with fresh ears.

How have the tracks been going down in your DJ sets?

The feedback so far has been really good. I’m looking forward to playing them before a bigger crowd on the 3 of June. I’m playing at Musikkfest in Oslo.

When you’re not making music or DJing, what do you do to chill out?

Nothing special, just normal things.

What else do you have coming up in the pipeline?

I’ve got 10 tracks ready, and need to do some label fishing. Looking forward to playing at an electronic music festival in the woods of Norway in July. And looking forward to summer and all that stuff.

KELLINI ‘In Between EP’ is out now on HOT GROOVERS

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