This year is special for Lithuanian breaks scene, mainly because Reigning father of breaks music is visiting Vilnius to spin some mad tunes in upcoming urban festival LOFTAS FEST. We have already wrote about this best kept secret event in Vilnius, Lithuania, check more here.
It has been 10 years since Krafty Kuts, a. k. a. Martin Reeves, a DJ, producer, music label owner and one of the brightest names in break beat scene visited Vilnius for the first time. Counting days until LOFTAS FEST, which will be headlined by Krafty (together with Mercury Prize winners YOUNG FATHERS, queer hip hop icon LE1F, Londoner LAPALUX and many more), we’ve caught him in between flights around Europe and asked a few questions.
Hey Martin, how is Your summer going? I’ve heard something about traveling to Romania?
Yes, having a wonderful summer probably one of my bussiest yet. Full studio schedule along with shows in Portugal, Ireland, Finland, Romania, Spain, UAE, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Austria & Canada so pretty hectic at the moment and also juggling a family life … it’s crazy to be honest!
You’ve been a significant part of the breaks scene for years and have always remained firmly at the top. How has your sound developed through the years?
It has moved with the times slower, faster, harder and funkier like all music flavors change, but I have kept it predominantly funky and played to the crowd. I feel I am in my zone now and know exactly what is perfect for me & my audience.
I have to admit – “HUSTLE” was quite a pleasant surprise! Is it getting back to the funky roots of Krafty K, or maybe a splash of summery vibes?
Totally I love keeping it funky… always have. My roots are in Hip Hop & Funk and it will always be that way. Hustle was a good example of a good solid Funky-Breaks tune and it works with the ladies! I am working on loads of new Krafty tunes and I am very excited with the direction it is going and i think people will finally see the real side of my music over the next year.
Krafty Kuts – Hustle
Free download: https://soundcloud.com/kraftykuts/krafty-kuts-hustle-free-download
And how will it spin after “HUSTLE”, what can the fans expect?
I have 4 new releases lined up. A new collaboration with Jason from Slyde, plus 3 really musical tracks that are some of my best work to date especially ‘Come Back’ which I am really excited about. I am working on a 4 track EP with 3 Breaks tunes and a down-tempo Hip Hop style banger. Expect some new flavors, styles and bangin’ tunes coming very soon on my label Instant Vibes.
This year is THA year. The numbers usually don’t lie and y. 2015 counts a round decade since Your first set in Vilnius, Lithuania. I happen to remember that party in the infamous yet amazing GRAVITY club as it has just happened yesterday. What are Your brightest pieces of memory from that first one?
Wow hard to believe, I know you guys have a great scene here and I have always felt very welcome and the vibe was always great. The people are so knowledgeable about music and they know how to party and get down so I expect more of the same!
Which gig in Vilnius was the most impressive for You? Spill all the juicy facts.
They have all been great! So there is not one in particular to be honest… but I am very excited about this show because I think a lot more people can see what I do … so I can’t wait to drop some new Krafty Bass!
What are Your top five tracks of Summer 2015?
Top 5 tunes are in no order :
1. Krafty Kuts – Eygpt
2. Wicked City – Furious
3. Jimi Hendrix – Purple Haze (Neon Steve Remix)
4. Wuki – Front To The Back
5. Krafty Kuts – Danger
“Loftas Fest” is the Lithuanian flagship of in-the-city festival, dancing and chilling in the warehouse district. Would You agree that breaks are meant to be played in the city rather than in beaches and wild fields?
I think Breaks is the type of music that goes down wherever and once people feel the vibe they just go with the flow and get down.
Intrigue us a little bit – what can our crowd expect from KraftyK this time?
Loads of new fresh & exciting music. Plenty of tricks up my sleeve with some Krafty crowd favourites and a nice solid selection of different genres it’s gonna go off !!
