INTERVIEW: KICE

Kice, a DJ and producer based out of Chicago, has performed at some of the most popular festivals andnightclubs around the globe. More notably, he has distinguished himself by teaming up with top tierinstrumentalists in his famous DJ featuring live music sets.

Born in Chicago, Kice spent his early life in Amman, Jordan, and developed a passion for musicthroughout his childhood. He moved back to Chicago at the age of 15, where he earned a reputation forhis beatboxing skills. It wasn’t long until he learned how to mix and realized he could translate his love formusic onto the turntables. He developed a philosophy that drives his ongoing love of music today: Thatmusic expresses what cannot be said, and yet is the universal language of the world.

Kice emerged on the DJ scene in 2007, with his first major set at Bon V Nightclub Chicago. For more than a decade, he enjoyed immense popularity as he performed at high profile venues. Over the years, hedeveloped a reputation for skillfully reading his audience, innovatively integrating all genres of music,attracting crowds, and most importantly, bringing energy to any venue.Using the impeccable knowledge and skills he gained from the music industry, Kice went on to found Treblemonsters, a unique artist management and music consulting agency that services both top-tierglobal talent and venues across the USA. Clients include international names in the nightlife, hospitality,and corporate worlds.

As Treble Squad, he has also gained acclaim as a touring act integrating his original music and Treblemonsters artists Violin Girl (Violin) & MGabriel (Saxophone), with sets at Burning Man, NorthernNights Music Festival, Hard Rock, Sound-Bar Nightclub, PRYSM Nightclub, and many other notablevenues.

What was the first thing that attracted you to the world of electronic music?

The bassline. When I had a residency at Sound-Bar Nightclub and Sub 51 in Chicago in 2015 I switched from strictly hip hop to hip-hop and house. And seeing the room react completely differently in completely different energy is one that hooked me for life.

Do you remember any album or concert that has changed everything?

Look Right Through – MK Remix

Since you got into this professionally, what did you miss the most nationally, internationally, and on the contrary, what helped you the most to grow, even to believe in yourself?

My 8 residency at Sound-bar and the fans that kept coming back and the clients that kept on calling back.

How is the music scene living in your city with this murky pandemic situation?

Chicago is a little rough from a security standpoint. But music-wise, we are booming!

What are your favorite places to hang out in the city?

Soho House day, Bodega night.

Have you had time to focus on making music, spending time with your family, or planning future projects?

Yes but not as much as I want to. Most time has been spent running my agency Treblemonsters. It has been a big topic about work-life balance and how to get back into the gym, family events, and making more music.

How was your last project born?

Pusher, I was sitting on that one for a while and then to see artists like John Summit, Fisher, Dom Dolla, Chris Lorenzo, Chris Lake, Sidepiece, succeed within a similar genre - it inspired me to finish the track. I wanted something deeper and darker for an after-hours vibe.

What do you want to convey in this work? What is the concept behind it?

It was truly a head-hitting bass track that I wanted to test out my skillset. So far so good!

As for your studio, what is your setup currently made of?

Ableton 11, Apollo 16, 2x V8, 2x H7, A-B-C switcher, s10 sub, 2 midi keyboards, 1 minilogue synth keyboard, Roland drum pad, MacBook pro

What's the one team you'll never get rid of, no matter what?

My talent team at Treblemonsters.

What would you say is the definition of your sound?

Upbeat, Piano House, with middle eastern elements.

What was the last record store you visited and what did you get out there?

It was a guy’s place on Craigslist in 2017. I purchased over 1000 records because he was moving. It was all rock and hip-hop!