KUNG: Pushing Boundaries and Redefining Neurofunk

KUNG, also known as JuanJo Diaz, is a respected name in the drum and bass scene, particularly in the neurofunk and techstep genres. His unique approach to music has earned him a place under the prestigious RAM Records label, where he continues to push the boundaries of the genre. His career and creations reflect a constant drive for experimentation, the courage to explore new sonic paths, and his dedication to innovation. I had the opportunity to interview KUNG, delving into his musical philosophy, inspirations, and creative process.

Your music has a distinctive style. How has the city you’re from, Granada, influenced your sound? Has the culture or atmosphere of the place shaped your music?

Yes! Growing up in Granada it definitely shaped my sound and career, it’s a place where isn’t the most popular because theres a strong culture music and folklore wise but since the early 90’s had a healthy scene in electronic music at national level, that made me being able to experience the music in clubs since  an early age. Being that young makes you feel you can do anything so definitely yeah, being born where i was it helped to make me want to do what i do

Your tracks often feature energetic and dark atmospheres. Where do you draw inspiration to create these deep and complex soundscapes?

That changes pretty much in every tune, sometimes you really have a clear idea of what you want to do (often times i pull my phone and record some melodies or pattern…) so you kinda follow the steps to get to a certain place, but not gonna lie sometimes i just like to go with the flow and experiment till i get some kind of vibe i feel can work. If i was always taken the same steps to make music i’d already probably got tired of it as i’ve been more thatn 20 years making it lol

You release music under RAM Records, a prestigious label. What is it like working with them? Can you share how this collaboration has impacted your career?

It was a dream came true, that’s the absolute true, I remember when i moved to London back in 2012, the first party i went was a Ram Christmas party at fabric, one of the best parties I’ve ever been to, since that night i told all my people i’d get released on Ram at some point, so after some time and through Hijak (big ups Liam) I’ve got the link to send tunes to them, Jim always were so suportive and always believed what i was doing, not giving me instructions of what “fits” in the label or any stuff like that, so yeah i was feeling free to make anything and that showed in my releases with them, not really proper RAM sound but still good drum and bass i guess. All love for the team really 

Technology continuously transforms music production. What role does technology play in your creative process? Is there an “old-school” method or tool you’d like to bring back into modern production?
  • The technology definitely plays a big part in the process! i make all my music in the box, and yeah nowadays we have the most powerful tools we have ever had when comes to any kind of digital art.I recently been enjoying the spectral processing a lot! So many sick tones you can take from almost any sound, and these tools got much better than they were like 10 years ago. I always enjoyed working with samplers and the old school way tho, im a sucker for old breakbeats! My music became more minimalist over time but these breakbeats are always there, can’t help it.
Do you enjoy experimenting with other genres? Is there a particular style of music you’d like to explore more outside of drum and bass

Yeah! I dont just listen to drum and bass, during my carrer made pretty much any style of electronic music but they are just sketches or experiments, some of these at the end transform into a dnb tune. At one point i would not mind to release a dubstep ep, quite feeling the new wave at the moment!

Many producers create music with visual or narrative ideas in mind. Do you also have specific visuals or stories in your head while producing? How would  you describe the “movie” behind one of your tracks?

Yeah! I’m a graphic designer myself and love to draw too so yeah i tend to approach the tunes as drawings and stuff like that, that story changes in every tune tho. Quite hard to explain but yeah let’s say i see a “scene” in every tune

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

Noisia! I know they’ve split but there’s no one even close to them when comes to their influence in my sound. 

Your sound has evolved over the years. Is there a particular direction you want to take musically in the future?

Not really, i just want to keep having fun while i do it and till i feel i got something to express. Music that means something not just the same formula.I always strive not to get obsolete, so thats my motivation for the future.

Do you have any rituals or techniques that help you during the creative process? How do you get into the “flow” when working on new music?

There’s not a certain way to get in the zone tbh, I usually sit down and having a coffee, caffeine helps to get you the dnb rush i guess, bit apart from that not much else. Picasso once said: every time im inspired, im working, meaning the more time you spend doing whatever the more likely is gonna be to succeed, a great statement imho.

How do you approach maintaining sonic balance and mixing tracks? Do you have any favorite techniques or software that you rely on?

I’m not too methodic when it comes to mixdowns being honest, that changes in every tune so you don’t use the same stuff every time. I’d say the fabfilter stuff is something I always use especially pro-Q and pro-L to keep al the levels under control 

What does success in the music industry mean to you? Is it more about personal fulfillment or recognition from fans and peers?

It’s a good question! I guess we all like the recognition, being liked and loved is something all human beings need lol, but not gonna lie, I haven’t released any tune in three years, so I didn’t get any of that and didn’t really needed, but during that time i’ve never stopped making music because that, yes,  i must do it to feel myself.

The interview with KUNG gave us valuable insight into his unique approach to music production. His desire for innovation and constant search for new sonic horizons is a testament to staying true to his artistic vision in a fast-paced and ever-evolving music world. KUNG is a producer who firmly stands by his sound, and his career follows a clear path—pushing boundaries, experimenting, and inspiring both fans and the music industry alike. We eagerly await his next steps, knowing that they will bring exciting new projects that will further enrich the drum and bass scene.

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