Today, we have the incredible opportunity to dive deep into the world of an artist whose unique sound is making waves in the music industry. We’re thrilled to introduce you to junk-E-cat, a multi-talented musician and producer who seamlessly blends electronic beats with soulful melodies, creating a sonic experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Junk-E-cat has carved out a distinctive niche in the music scene, combining his skills as a saxophonist and producer to craft music that transcends genres. His innovative approach and live performances have captivated audiences around the world, making him a name to watch.In this interview, we’ll explore his creative process, the inspiration behind his music, and how he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in electronic music. So, without further ado, let’s welcome junk-E-cat to the show.

Inspiration comes in many ways, what are your unique ways of finding inspiration?

“If only it were that easy to pinpoint! One of the inspirations behind junk-E-cat was actually a cat named Kucuk. The character itself, with its mask and iconography, draws heavily from comic and pop culture influences. When it comes to music, inspiration can strike from just about anywhere: a melody, a sound, a harmonic sequence. For instance, with ‘Quintdescent’ – my latest single – the inspiration came from a piano exercise. I was experimenting with ways to harmonically color the interval F-C, a perfect fifth. A selection of these harmonies eventually evolved into a full piece.”

Our artistic choices shape our personality as an artist, they are often mirrors into our psyche and deepest selves. What key elements in your art do you find represent you most?

“There are definitely two layers to this — musically and in terms of the character or persona. I believe junk-E-cat embodies the bolder version of myself that explores and plays freely. Junk-E-cat definitely seeks more dangerous situations than I ever would. In the music, I’m driven by a deep love for chords, sound and sonic detail, junk-E-cat allows me to experiment with blending this with electronic music.”

Why do you choose to wear a mask? Is there a special meaning to your mask?

“The mask was essential for me to muster the courage to create junk-E-cat. Back then, I had almost no self-confidence, and this part of my personality wasn’t really seen or appreciated by those around me. But the project was something like an unspoken curiosity that had been lying dormant within me. Wearing the mask allowed me to separate the artistic path from people’s perspective of me. It was liberating. Nowadays, I’m much more relaxed about it, but the mask remains because it shifts the focus of the performance to the body and gestures, excluding facial expressions. I’ve come to enjoy playing with this theatrical concept. The mask I wear is a Venetian Bauta. I bought the first version (MK1) at a souvenir shop in Venice when I was 15. I eventually dug it out and experimented to find the perfect outfit. After trying hoodies I landed on a jumpsuit. The current mask (MK2) was crafted by Hera from Herakut She made a few modifications which sharpen the look and focus of the creature.

Can you tell us about your “Harry” Artcar? What is your process of building and developing it?

“I’m the proud owner of an old fire truck—a 1975 Mercedes 409—that I converted into a stage with a friend. Originally, I was looking for a vehicle with a walkable roof and side shutters, intending to project live finger drumming performances using a projector. The idea was to bring music to people—everywhere! But things took a different turn: ‘Harry,’ as the vehicle is named, was initially just a truck with a ladder mount, which we managed to transform into a stage. It now has an additional stage area, a light mast, and is equipped with a sound system, lighting, and fog machines. I used it to crash several festivals in the summer of 2017, including One Tribe UK, Deichbrand, and Reeperbahn. The whole process has been ongoing, with its ups and downs. In 2018, I had a major engine failure and had to repair it myself due to a lack of funds. Last year, I modified Harry to be parade-ready and was joined by my crew for Rave The Planet and Zug der Liebe in Berlin.”

How does it add to your live performances?

“‘Harry’ has become the home base for my stage performances. I have used it to develop my stage elements to where they are now.
My show can now be staged in clubs, at festivals, and in unique locations.But with the new equipment this year, Harry has also become a ‘host’ for other acts, like Husa & Zeyada at the Kimiko Festival. This transforms it from just my stage into a kind of community space. I hope to bring this spirit to other countries in the coming year.”

What challenges did you face at the beginning of your musical journey?

“As I mentioned earlier, I faced a lot of resistance and received very little emotional support for what I wanted to express creatively. When I released my first YouTube video, a high-ranking figure in the music industry told me, ‘You need to change your writing!’ – which was such a ridiculous piece of feedback, especially coming from someone who had never composed a piece of music themselves. To this day, I often feel outside the music industry – particularly in Germany. I guess my journey to find the like minded creatives and weirdos out there – and find my tribe. Therefore I’m looking forward to traveling more with my music again next year.”

What inspired you to start mixing electronic music with acoustic instruments?

“I originally trained as a saxophonist, bass clarinetist and arranger – and I always wanted to experiment with combining that with electronic music. When I couldn’t find a producer, I discovered the Maschine by Native Instruments for finger drumming, which provided me with a playful entry into beatmaking and production.
Merging the two artforms is an ongoing delicate and tricky endeavor. Everytime I put this in front of different crowds I learn so much.”

Are you working on any new projects? Tell us more about upcoming releases.

“After releasing ‘Quintdescent,’ more tracks will follow this winter. I can’t wait to finally put our the pieces that I’ve been playing live for a long time. And there is a pile of sketches waiting to be turned into new tracks and compositions. I also plan to travel to different countries, both as a solo musician and with my fire truck, and to collaborate with musicians from diverse cultures. Egypt is at the top of my list!”

Share with us a moment or fact about your musical journey that you never shared before 🙂

“I was the bass clarinetist and saxophonist in an oriental jazz band and traveled with that group to Sudan, Eritrea, Jordan, and Albania. This experience made me fall in love with traveling as a musician. And I’m familiar with Maqam theory. At some point in the future, I might bring some of those influences into a junk-E-cat track.”

 

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article by junk-E-cat