ORIGINAL ARTICLE: https://ventsmagazine.com/2021/08/05/interview-chicagos-kice/
Hi Kice, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
Thank you! Been great, thanks for asking!
Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Pusher”?
Started working on this early 2020 right around when Chicago peer, John Summit, witnessed the fastest climb in the Tech House scene. His work along with SIDEPIECE, Fisher, Dom Dolla – all definitely inspired me to finish this style of work. I always envisioned this track to be an afters banger, something a little dirty for the late heads. Giving them that extra PUSH late at night to keep going, to keep letting go until their bodies give up. We all could use a good rager after the most recent madness.
Did any event, in particular, inspire you to write this song?
Yes, I was DJ-in at a hidden speakeasy, exclusive and invite-only, a 200-person nightclub in Chicago where I manage the music program – called Bodega. After the shutdown, the atmosphere and energy when things opened back up felt just like the feeling Pusher gives you when you listen till the end. So, I kept going back, playing the track and adjusting it as I felt it fit that specific, dark, and intense, vibes. I have videos to show too!
Any plans to release any sort of video for the track?
Yes, already in discussion about a psychedelic meets real-life storyline.
How were the recording and writing process?
Really difficult, the reason why it took me so long to release it is that I knew the sound that I wanted to get to but was hard perfecting the balance between the synth and the bassline depth. The structure was a big pain for me, not my typical style. Ended up working with a couple of solid Chicago producers to help me polish it.
What role does Chicago play in your music?
It has a big role in my music. Chicago is known for many things and mostly “mob” – “soul” – I feel like “PUSHER” and my other releases try to blend both. “How Do You Feel” and “Bailar” were more of dance/soul and PUSHER is more of mob/soul. This is what is in my head but I am sure your average person will consider it Tech House. Ha!
After the success of your previous singles like “Bailar,” were you any nervous while putting this new material together?
Not really. I know myself – I do not want to release just to release. So I know the production behind this one is a bit more pro than the others as I grow in the production game. I am actually really excited to get this one out.
Does the new single mean we can expect new material? If so, how is that coming along?
I have a bunch of new tracks sitting at 80-90% completion. All are House genres but the Sub-genres are different. I have progressive, big room, deep house, middle eastern, and techno in the works. I really like variety so I want to showcase that in my next few singles.
Any tentative release date or title in mind?
I have a big room track I am working on with my band Treble Squad (DJ + Sax + Violin) that will most likely be done around the time to debut at our Spring Awakening set on October 2nd.
What else is happening next in Kice’s world?
A lot of new content for my personal brand and also Treble Squad. We have a bunch of out-of-town shows planned in the USA and Mexico till the end of the year. Hoping by spring 2022 we are on the road full time!
