The Los Angeles-based electronic-music Don known as Kraddy has always brought the undiluted sound of the underground to new audiences. From his work as a founding member of the infamous Glitch Mob to his solo work, Kraddy (born Matthew Kratz) has always been known for shattering genre conventions while moving crowds everywhere from Red Rocks to L.A.’s famed Low End Theory club. From his breakthrough 2008 hit “Android Porn” to the innovative bangers comprising his latest e.p. Labyrinth (Alpha Pup), Kraddy continues to hybridize hip-hop, dubstep and dancehall with face-melting panache and rock and roll bravado. But the man himself was as surprised as anyone when the mainstream crossed over to him.
Facts
1: I can play Journey „Faithfully“ on the piano.
2: I’ve seen Phish play 50 times.
3: I like to smell my scalp.
Questions
What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
I find inspiration everywhere – movies, pop songs, TV. Recently I found the most interesting sounding creaky door. Sometimes I just bang on the keys till I hear something good.
How and when did you get into making music?
In SF in the early 90s I started learning how to DJ drum and bass. We had a little crew and threw our own underground parties. At the same time I got an internship at a recording studio and began learning production. I used to spend every weekend in that studio making tracks.
What are your 5 favourite albums of all time?
Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti
The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Axis: Bold As Love
Pixies – Doolittle
White Zombie – La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1
The Pharcyde – Bizzare Ride II, The Pharcyde
What do you associate with Berlin?
Techno. Beer. Bondage. Sounds like my kinda place.
What’s your favourite place in your town?
The Venice Beach Skate Park – one of the coolest places on the planet.
If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Sing.
What was the last record you bought?
I bought these at the same time: Alex B – Moments and Flying Lotus – Cosmograma
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Mos Def, Rick Rubin, Meshuggah, Mono, Roots Manuva, Kevin Shields, Mike Patton, Ludacris – all on one project.
What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
Spectator: The Okayplayer Tour where The Roots headlined AND played as the house band behind all the other acts – Guru, Talib Kweli, Slum Village, Bahamadia, Dead Prez. Hearing a live band play all those old Blackstar and Gangstar tunes was AMAZING!!
Performer: One time I was playing a small club in Edinburgh for their Drum and Bass night. I started playing my tunes but it was too slow for them and one drunk guy was dancing. The promoter begged me to play DnB or everyone was going to leave. I was pissed so I just dropped into the heaviest prison rape DnB tunes I had, hoping to clear the floor, but instead I had the place going insane all night. I kept bringing it harder and they kept going more crazy. I was the opener but I ended up stealing the show.
How important is technology to your creative process?
Pretty damn important.
Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career?
I have a brother and a sister. They’re both proud and I think my bro is a little jealous that I get to travel so much.
Our Favourites:
Black box
Android porn
Operation Prometheus
Links: Soundcloud | kraddyodaddy.com
