Metronome #104: Kevin Knapp

Insomniac’s Metronome series features mixes from some of today’s fastest-rising electronic stars, as well as championed legends. It takes listeners deep across a wide range of genres, movements, cultures, producers, artists and sounds that make up the diverse world of electronic music.

Dirtybird. Hot Creations. Lost. Poker Flat. Viva Music. Over the past six years, Kevin Knapp’s discography has read like a who’s who of underground house music elite. Now, after a chance meeting with UK veteran Damian Lazarus a decade ago, the San Francisco native is set for his biggest EP release to date, Find Me, his latest four-tracker debuting on Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels sub-label, Rebellion.

So, we thought it was high time we got an exclusive mix from the Berlin-based powerhouse. Featuring the likes of Green Velvet, Bontan and Ardalan, Knapp’s 60-minute set is the perfect testing ground for his latest signature singles—like the peak-time player “Bumpin’,” the party builder “Without Purpose,” and the deeper title cut, “Find Me,” featuring singer and lifelong friend Baby Luck (aka Brittany Ballard).

“I just wanted to lay down the best set I could while showcasing the work of several artist homies of mine whose talents I respect and admire tremendously,” Knapp told Insomniac about the inspiration behind his Metronome mix. “I’m stoked on it, as it shows my range and depth while not losing the ballsy-ness that’s often there in my live sets.”

Stream it below—and read on to find out how Knapp bonded with Lazarus at an after-party, what he loves most about his life in Berlin, his top tracks, and more.

How did you first hook up with Damian Lazarus?
The first time we met was at an after-party on Howard Street in San Francisco, where I’m originally from. It was just one of those post-club hangs that are frequent in the States, due to the early alcohol laws. We had a few funny interactions over the years, which basically consisted of Damian looking at me like, “Can you really bring heat?” and me looking back less subtly like, “I’ll set these walls on fire. I just hope you’ll consider listening!” Haha… In reality, I ran into him at Berlin’s Panorama Bar a couple years ago, just after “The Drums” had come out on Hot Creations, and we caught up for a while. It was actually my favorite night I’ve had in that place. He’s a good cat with a diverse musical palate, which I really respect, so it’s been pretty natural that we get on, I think.

What does it mean to come out on Rebellion?
I’m honored. I’ve been listening to his Crosstown Rebels label since I was first collecting their vinyl back in 2004. So, it’s kind of a bucket list thing for me. It’s amazing when your heroes become friends, something that’s occurring with some frequency for me these days. Super humbling.

Describe the new EP. How did it come together? What was it like working with Brittany?
Ain’t nuttin’ to it but to do it! The new EP is just an expression of the creative space I’m in at the moment. The last few years, I’ve been focusing a lot more on solo productions. So, although I’m still not the speediest producer in the history of mankind, I’m really getting the sounds, arrangements, and sense of workflow I like these days. It’s just nice to share it with other folks.

Brittany is an outstanding human I’ve had the pleasure of knowing since I was 7 years old. Our parents were best friends when we were younger, so I guess you can say we’re generational homies. We actually used to dance for them to Michael Jackson after they’d gotten into the whiskey a bit when we were little tikes. Our music history is substantial and super intertwined, so I feel super stoked to introduce her to the world on this platform. She’s dope, and she’s just getting started.

Top track of 2016?
Acid Pauli’s “Nana”—it didn’t have a ton of staying power for me, but I remember loving it the hardest.

Early pick for a future hit of 2017?
Easy as apple pie: my dude Detlef’s “Swagon” on Repopulate Mars. Game over with that one, kids!

What can fans expect from your live show?
I‘ve actually taken a break for doing live stuff at the moment, as I’m so focused on DJing—although I’m in early discussions with some folks about a project that could change that in a big way. We’ll just have to wait and see.

What do you love most about moving from San Francisco to Berlin?
Berlin has actually grown on me slowly but steadily. Over the past year, I have to say that it gets substantially better every time I get off a return flight. I absolutely can’t wait for summer, since they are fab here! You gotta understand, SF is the jam! You can do anything anyone in the world can do within three hours of your front door there. I’m dead serious. Hard to beat!

What’s next for you?
I’m headed back to the States for Miami Music Week in just over a week. Excited to be playing for Get Lost & VIVa Music! It’s gonna be a pretty epic day.

Anything to add?
Just a “thank you” to you guys for hosting the mix. I’m pretty pumped about it and hope it’ll bring some joy to other peeps as well. That beat stay knocking!

Kevin Knapp’s Find Me EP is out March 17 on Rebellion.

Track List:: Ricoshei “Bruce Lee”
Route 94 “Mind, Body & Soul”
Kevin Knapp “Without Purpose”
Lui Maldonado “Hammer”
Alex Zupo & Sabber “Wake Up”
Paolo Rocco “That’s It”
Bontan “Personal Question”
Kevin Knapp “Bumpin’”
Green Velvet x Prok & Fitch “Sheeple”
Barber & Daf “Night’Son”
Justin Martin & Femme “Hello Clouds” (Ardalan Remix)
Sooney “Back to the Music”