The remarkable, undisputed 3-track EP titled “Dare” is the creation of Tech Housemaster TK Ultra. Every song on this EP is TK’s own original composition, which is impressive. From songwriting to recording, mixing, and mastering, TK shows off his impressive skill set in a variety of musical genres, with a few surprises along the way. Despite presenting what appear to be female vocals on the track “Function Freak,” TK Ultra actually recorded those vocals himself, using the technology of autotune and pitch shifting to produce such a captivating and perplexing sound. He worked with two female vocalists for the majority of the EP after recording them a guide track to sing to. This EP has something to offer for all fans of Tech House music and is one of 2023’s essential listens. “Dare” is a thorough exploration of the Electronic soundscape of Tech House music with an unceasing danceability. Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
DJ TK ULTRA: I am San Diego born and raised. Been bouncing around all genres of music since I was around 16.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
DJ TK ULTRA: I am self-taught in every aspect of music other than audio engineering, I took a trade school to fast-forward my knowledge of post-production.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘DJ TK ULTRA’?
DJ TK ULTRA: Bob Marley, Prince, Corey Taylor, Wiz Khalifa, Daft Punk and Travis Barker are my greatest early influences. TK is my initials, and TK Ultra is a spin on MK Ultra.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
DJ TK ULTRA: If I can’t dance to it, I don’t release it. So feel the song with your body. I just make whatever I am feeling. I feel my sound is like teenage spirit meets clubbing.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as EDM?
DJ TK ULTRA: I have made every genre of music at one point in my life now. I feel like I take energy from each genre and apply it to dance music in a fun way. My development has been very bipolar, but I feel like that has made me more unique.
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
DJ TK ULTRA: I make music that I like for myself. I appreciate any support I get, but I have zero interest in seeking approval or making an impact. I just want my music to make people dance, feel happy, and forget about their problems. Life is too serious, have some fun.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
DJ TK ULTRA: I am very proud of my music, and I get better every day. I don’t know if I’ll ever make it big but as long as I’m alive I will be making music and getting better.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
DJ TK ULTRA: It all depends on the song. I approach every song in a different way. There is no right way to start a song.
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
DJ TK ULTRA: Being bipolar about what genre fits me best.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
DJ TK ULTRA: Finally being happy with the music that I make. I’ve made hundreds of songs that will probably never see the light of day. DJing my songs and seeing them make people dance at the club is wonderful.
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