1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
KODARKO: Music has fascinated me for as long as I can remember: the rhythms, the beats, the melodies—all of it captivated me. I never had a preference for specific genres like rock, pop, dance, or trance, nor for particular artists. If the music resonated well with my brain, I loved it. Our brains tell us whether we find something pleasant or not, and for me, music was always a source of joy, it had been my best friend throughout my life.
Then came a turning point. I began to feel that something was missing in the music I was listening to. Not everything was enjoyable anymore. One day, I decided to make my own music. I turned to YouTube for inspiration and learned a great deal from the tutorials and videos I found there. After creating my first track, “Feel the Music,” I knew I had found my calling.
In the past five years, I have produced over 400 tracks, and there is no end in sight. Making music is incredibly relaxing and almost addictive. The process of creating new rhythms, beats, and melodies brings me immense joy and puts me in a state of trance or hypnosis.
It wasn’t long before I decided to share my music on Spotify, hoping that others might also be moved by it. To date, I have created 23 albums—20 dance albums and 3 in the New Age style. Music continues to be my passion, and I look forward to creating even more in the future.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
KODARKO: Answered above.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘KODARKO?
KODARKO: Armin van Buuren and DJ Tiesto are my heroes.
The name comes from the fact that some people call me Ko or KoKo and I enjoy the dark, Kodarko.
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?
KODARKO: I love uplifting beats, melodic choral sounds and swelling rhythms that touch you in your body and soul. FEEL THE MUSIC.
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 POP?
KODARKO:
I make what I like and like what I make.
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?
KODARKO: For me, my music is 100% entertainment.
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?
KODARKO: I keep making what I like myself without anyone having a say in it.
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?
KODARKO: I work alone, then I can make my music the way I like it.
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
KODARKO: Nothing.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
KODARKO: I make music because it makes me feel comfortable and relaxed, I have no ambitions, if people like / enjoy my music I am already happy.
11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
KODARKO: I don’t have any social media at all, just a simple website. I want to keep it that way. It would be great if the public like my music, and if not, I would tell them: keep looking for music that does touch you.
12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
KODARKO: I always work at home where I get the most inspiration.
13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
KODARKO: Just go listen with a good vibe, and I hope my music can touch you.
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