Selected By Bassment - EP. 1: KATANA

Renowned for bending the boundaries of electronic, hip-hop, RnB & Trap as a DJ/producer, Auckland-based KATANA is also the founder of the iconic underground electronic music community BASSMENT which has launched insanely impressive events across Aotearoa. Like us, BASSMENT is all about supporting local artists and building a supportive music commuinity. Plus, all the merch is DOPE if we do say so ourselves!

We’re so honoured to begin the “SELECTED BY: BASSMENT” series with you! Can you tell us a little bit about what BASSMENT is and what inspired you to form it?

Hey, thanks for taking us on board! BASSMENT is a creative project I started in 2016 as a club event. At that time I was really into the music on Soundcloud. I've discovered many Kiwi talents such as Wayvee, LMC, Troy Samuela (f.k.a. Samuel Truth), 10A, Koji., and Haan808. These artists were receiving recognition overseas by online radio shows such as Soulection, The Future Beats Show by Complexion, etc. but were yet to have a following here in NZ. Because this scene was a very 'online' based community, not many artists were present in the local music scene, so I thought it would be a great idea to build an 'offline' community locally and spread the awareness of Kiwi talents. That was the reason I started Bassment.

The local club music community is a very important part of my life. They gave me a career and led my life to where I am now. So I wanted to give back to the community I've been with for nearly two decades. Also, as an artist and creative, I always wanted to express ideas and engage people within this community. I was interested in making something more valuable than just a consumer service or product. So I ended up with the idea of a brand that gives a feeling of community and local pride.

Incredible! And how did you initially get into making music?

I'm originally from a Hip-Hop DJ background, and most of my career was busy scratching or digging records - I didn’t have much interest in producing back then. I used to live with my DJ friend who had an Akai MPC1000 and I gave it a go one night. That was probably the first time I’ve been introduced to making beats.

I became more interested in producing when I started listening to bedroom producers' beats. I realised that production was way more accessible than before, and lots of my friends around me were making music by that time. I really got into it when I began sharing my own work with my friends and getting feedback from them.

We think your latest track “Sahara Nights” with Unlike You is UNREAL! What was the process like for making this track?

I love the idea of collaborating with other artists in any creative process but especially in music. When Antonio (Unlike You) asked me to jump on his track I said yes in a heartbeat. I was having a break from making music since the last EP release and it was a perfect time to get back into it. I was full of ideas by that time and I wanted to try out every single idea on this track. So the first version I sent him back was pretty intense! But Antonio was great at giving a direction to make the sound good and how he wanted to structure the song. So the process was very easy and smooth.

One of our favourite projects from you is your most recent EP “We Will Figure It Out”! Can you tell us a little bit about the concept of this collection of tracks

Thanks a lot! I'm glad to hear you liked it. To me, this EP is a good reminder of where I was creatively and mentally. 

The title "We Will Figure It Out" comes from my personal experience. I think we all have ups and downs but we will eventually figure it out to overcome the personal struggle. It's important to stay positive and create your art for yourself.

I usually have this idea that I should make music that I can play in my set. But this time I made these tracks purely for my joy. I wouldn't have any expectations from people and I'd appreciate it more if someone liked what I made.

I also had an idea of asking all my friends to do a remix of this EP so I thought I could have a club version in the end.

What was one of your main highlights working on the EP?

I was very honoured to work with my favourite artists Wayvee, Sejo, and Wolfkooky in this EP. Also, huge thanks to all my local friends, Ngaroma, Cortr, t1r, Chef B, sturling., Jeddy Beats, Matt Miller and Latu to be on my remix EP. 

The artwork was done by my good friend Jason Parker. He painted me on the big mural in Melbourne too. He has amazing talent so you should check him out.

Who are your biggest inspirations in music?

All of my music friends out there. These artists are my biggest inspirations in music.

Also, anyone who does their thing and keeps it real. I respect people who don't give a damn about being different and enjoy being themselves. Those types of people inspire me most, not only in music.

Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you love or connect with?

I love Kédu Carlö at the moment. Most exciting duo in the local electronic dance music scene. Undeniably cool.

I have a couple of tracks I love to listen to at the moment. One is Gateway Experience by Kamandi from Christchurch. He is one of the OG Soundcloud producers and his music is always consistent and never gets old which is amazing.

The second track is Don't Look Down (feat. VANA) by MICA from Wellington. Great song.

What do you love most about living in New Zealand? Do you have any favourite places to travel to or local spots to visit?

I love the lifestyle here. Slower and laid back. I can live as a full-time creative and no one really says anything about it. I'm originally from Japan so living in New Zealand is kind of a dream lifestyle compared to where I am from.

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in your career so far?

I really believe focusing on longevity and consistency will give you a better, healthy career as an artist or creative. I learnt that achievements and credits are by-products of what you love to do and that shouldn't be your goal. The goal should be to maintain the environment to do the things you love every day. I learnt to respect the process. The process is as important as the final product. That gives you more narrative and depth to your work and career.

Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?

“Support Your Local Artists”.

Thanks so much KATANA! Make sure you keep up with him on Instagram, Facebook, Soundcloud, Spotify or Apple Music.