In this interview, we talk with Robert James Perkins, a talented DJ, producer, and label owner whose passion for electronic music has shaped his career. Starting his journey unexpectedly during his training as a chef, Robert discovered his love for music through dancing. This led him into DJing and later into producing his own music. He shares insights about his career, creative process, and his thoughts on the music industry today.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how your musical journey began?
During my training as a chef I started dancing, standard and Latin dances, and that’s how my love for music began. This led me to start DJing at dance parties and later also in clubs and at private parties and business events. After years in the open format DJ sector, it quickly became clear at the end of the 90s that my heart beats for electronic music, regardless of the genre. At the end of the 90s I worked as a label manager for 8Ball Records/NewYork and Kickin’records/London in Germany, which strengthened my love for electronic music even more. Since 2015 I have also been producing music and remixes myself and in 2020 I founded my own label BEATZEKATZE records.
From Chef to DJ: How Robert James Perkins Found His Love for Music
What inspired you to pursue a career in music? Any particular artists or genres that
influenced your sound?
I don’t think you can talk about a real career yet, too few people outside of Germany know me for that. But it has always been my dream to leave a musical mark on this world. When it comes to which artists or genres have influenced electronic musicians in Germany, the band KRAFTWERK is always mentioned. For me personally not so much, yes they were pioneers in their field, but I was much more influenced by the 80s synthpop artists. Later, from the mid-90s onwards, it was artists and DJs such as Faithless, The Prodigy, Carl Cox, Jimi Tenor and many others who experimented with electronic sounds.
Robert James Perkins on His Unique Sound and Style
How would you describe your sound and style to someone who’s never heard your
music before?
Many comparisons could be made here, but the simplest and most comprehensive is simply electronic music of all sub-genres. No favored style but rather living out the many possibilities in electronic music.
The Creative Process Behind Robert James Perkins’ Music
What’s your typical songwriting process like? Do you start with the lyrics, melody, or
a specific idea?
It’s very different, sometimes I can’t get a bassline out of my head or a harmony. Then I start from there. But there is also the situation where I hear a kick and change it in the sound design and then a song emerges from it. As I said, it’s always different…
Do you collaborate with other artists, writers, or producers? If so, how do these
collaborations shape your music?
To date, I haven’t had any collaborations with other artists or producers. I don’t think it’s up to me, I’m open to any kind of collaboration. In the last few years I have worked exclusively on my own, except for my remixes, in order to consolidate my own musical profile.
What’s the most challenging part of creating new music for you?
As I’m also on the road a lot as a DJ, finding time to sit down and produce a track is the biggest challenge. If the time is there, then it usually works itself out and is also a relaxing change from being a DJ for me…
New Release: AfroHouse-Inspired Track “KALSOONI” by Robert James Perkins
Let’s talk about your latest Single. What’s the story behind it? What inspired this
project?
“KALSOONI” is an AfroHouse track and even though I don’t really have any points of contact with African culture, I think that the rhythm and vibe of AfroHouse is currently hitting a nerve in the club and music landscape. I’m a big fan of Black Coffee and what he does, his music inspired me to produce an AfroHouse song as well. It won’t be just one song, I already have some ideas for more songs in the same genre…
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Is there a specific theme or message you want to convey through this release?
Not really, except that no matter where we come from, what color our skin is, what religious beliefs we have, we all belong to the human species and we all live on the same planet and music, art and culture are the elements that connect us. We should remember that more than always looking for differences between us and those around us.
Can you walk us through the process of creating this project? Any memorable
moments from recording or writing that stand out?
That’s a very interesting question that I don’t think I can answer, because as a producer of electronic music you are very often alone in the studio or in your home studio and you let yourself be guided by rhythms, melodies and sounds and then combine them to create the end result that you then feel musically. I think this question is easier to answer for bands or singer-songwriters and even if it sounds simple, my music is always a reflection of my current state of mind…
Are there any particular tracks on the EP/album that you feel especially connected to,
and why?
So far I have only released singles, but an album is in the works and there will definitely be one or two songs that I have a close connection to or a personal story behind. So you can look forward to what’s to come…
How has your music evolved since you first started? Have there been any significant
changes in your style or approach?
Oh yes, I’ve learned a lot, especially on the technical side, over the last four years, which now allows me to keep the quality of my productions at a level where I don’t have to hide my sound. Genre-wise, I’ve always been a fan of expanding or breaking up old structures to create new styles and rhythms…
What have you learned about yourself as both an artist and a person through your
musical journey?
Just do it! That’s what I’ve learned, because if you don’t start, you can’t realize your dreams and always remain authentic…
Do you have any specific goals or areas you want to explore musically in the future?
The goal is to become more famous as an artist and to meet many new fans and friends and to do one or two collaborations with other artists…
How do you navigate the challenges of the modern music industry? Any tips for
independent or emerging artists?
As I said before, just do it. The new possibilities have made it easier for independent artists to present themselves to the world and even if it is very time-consuming and sometimes a bit annoying because you can’t use the time for your music, social media is important in these times and has to be done in order to be seen.
Who are your biggest musical influences right now, and how do they inspire you?
Yes, there are, for example, Black Coffee, Faithless, Chase&Status, James Hype, Hans
Zimmer, Carl Cox and many others. I’m just a music nerd.. 😉
Are there any current trends in music that excite or influence your work?
Yes, currently, very strong AfroHouse, Drum&Bass and Melodic Techno
Connecting with Fans: How Robert James Perkins Builds Relationships
How do you connect with your fans? Do social media and live performances play a
big role in your relationship with your audience?
In any case, when I can play live as a DJ, I like to play live and my sets are not only influenced by my productions, but are always a set tailored to the region with classics and new things from the electronic music scene. If I can’t play live, then I’m always available for my fans on social media and I answer my inquiries and messages personally without a bot or pre-made answers. It takes a bit of time, but I really appreciate this direct contact…
What’s the best feedback or message you’ve received from a fan?
Difficult because all messages and feedback are special and each one is unique. For me it is always nice to know that I am being heard… 🙂
What can we expect next from you? Do you have any upcoming projects, tours, or
collaborations in the works?
My new single will be released on October 11th, 2024 and this time it is a melodic techno track called “Conversation Maschine”, more singles are already in the pipeline and as I already wrote, I am working on my first album…
Where do you see your music taking you in the next few years?
I don’t know, maybe, if God wills it, on the Grammy shortlist nomination. That really is a dream, but one should have dreams… 😉
What advice would you give to young or emerging artists trying to break into the industry?
Do your thing, maintain your social media and always look at how others do it and learn from their mistakes…
Are there any mistakes you’ve made or lessons you’ve learned that you’d like to share to help others on their journey?
Oh yes, stay away from any Spotify playlist promotion offers and take the topic of mental health seriously, take care of yourself…
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Either with The Labrinth or with Faithless. The Labrinth is an incredible artist for me who is the next The Weekend, and with Faithless because Sister Bliss and Rollo (the producers of Faithless) are always creating great new sounds…
Outside of music, what other passions or hobbies do you have? How do they influence your creative work?
I still love cooking, I like to play golf when I have time and I also do artist and stage photography for other artists, but also for complete productions such as opera, theater and musicals. And to relax I watch a lot of films and series…
Finally, what do you hope listeners take away from your music?
A smile on your face and that you forget the world outside for the length of my song…
Any final messages for your fans or upcoming listeners before your release?
I hope that there is something musically there that makes you dance, whether with
your feet or in your mind.
Thank you for reading this exclusive interview with Robert James Perkins. We hope you enjoyed learning more about his musical journey, creative process, and upcoming projects. Be sure to stay connected with Robert as he continues to produce fresh electronic music, from his energetic DJ sets to his captivating new releases.
Whether you’ve been following his career for years or are just discovering his sound, Robert’s passion for music, innovation, and authenticity makes him an artist to watch. With his upcoming album and the exciting new tracks on the way, Robert James Perkins is set to make a lasting impact on the electronic music scene.
Stay tuned for more updates, new music, and exclusive content from Robert as he continues to evolve and inspire fans worldwide. Don’t forget to follow his journey and catch the release of his new single “Conversation Maschine” on October 11th, 2024.
Follow Robert James Perkins:
Instagram: @robertkarczynski
Spotify – Robert James Perkins
Robert James Perkins Upcoming Releases: “Conversation Maschine” – Dropping October 11th, 2024 Stay tuned for more exciting interviews, exclusive updates, and behind-the-scenes content from Robert James Perkins. Thanks for reading!
