Five Minutes with Klaverson
Every so often you stumble across an undiscovered great – someone who is grafting away under the radar, making music for art’s sake and carving their own path whilst they do it. They might not be selling out arenas (yet) or making the record-label-requested TikToks for their millions of followers, but what they do is create music that feels raw and sketches up the embryonic days of an exciting future. Klaverson is one of those artists.
As he sits down to speak with HUNGER, it’s safe to say that the up-and-coming artist has a lot lined up for his 2024. Later this year in May, his debut EP Reflections will enter the world, and it will stand as the culmination of 18 months of dropping singles and declaring himself as an artist destined to join any radar.
Back in February, Klaverson released ‘Sweet Sensation’, the first single from the EP, which ushered in the artist’s sound that hovers near the soul-like depth of Joji combined with a healthy dose of theatrics and mellifluous, paced vocals. Here, Klaverson discusses what went into ‘Sweet Sensation’ and where the artist wants to go next…
HUNGER: Hey, Klaverson! Congratulations on the release of your latest single. Where did the inspiration come from for ‘Sweet Sensation’?
Klaverson: Thank you. This was the first track I wrote for the EP and signalled the direction in which I wanted to go. The main melody came pretty much out of nowhere once I laid down the skeletal structure of the track. I knew I wanted it to reflect the joy of love and to transport the listener away to a place where everything feels just right. I hope I managed to capture that in this song.
How would you describe your creative process right now?
Klaverson: Right now, my current process is to start each track with drums (either live or building through samples). I will then start to put some chords over this and to try weave the topline around it. I never start with the melody first, weirdly. Once I have the bare bones of the track in place, I then start to flesh out the full idea and build from there. It’s been my process for around 10 years now. I should probably start with a topline soon!
When I’m making a track, the visual element of it is also extremely important; I like to visualise the landscape in which the song is existing in. For example, with my latest release ‘Sweet Sensation’, even from very early on I could picture it accompanying either a late night drive or skating around central London. We then made this happen and I shot my very first music video with the incredible roller skater, Lena Holmes.
How would you describe your sound in three words?
Klaverson: Atmospheric, cinematic and calming.
What can listeners expect to hear from your upcoming EP, Reflections?
Klaverson: This is my debut EP, so I really wanted to view it as the opportunity to introduce people to my sound. My main ambition with the EP is to make the listener feel something, or to be transported to another place, with each track. Life is so busy, I wanted this EP to be a respite, providing people with an opportunity to unwind, contemplate and give themselves space for reflection. Hence why I chose the title, ‘Reflections’. Expect lots of atmospheric textures, lush strings and rich melodies.
What’s your earliest musical memory? Was there anything in particular that made you fall in love with it?
Klaverson: I remember one Christmas when I was about nine getting my first guitar. I couldn’t put it down even though I could only play one chord for weeks. I’m sure my parents were thrilled!
When did you first realise that music was something you wanted to pursue as a career?
Klaverson: I’ve had a deep passion for making music from when I was in my early teens, but I don’t think I realised how much I wanted to pursue it as a career until I began working at Abbey Road. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to interact and interview many amazing producers and artists. Speaking to them and seeing them in action over the years made me realise that I could do this and it’s not something totally out of reach.
Has your family always been supportive of you pursuing a creative career?
Klaverson: Incredibly supportive. And I think in this sense, I’ve been extremely lucky. When I was 17, I told them I wanted to go to Uni and study music production and they were fully on board. It’s meant a lot, as I know they are fully backing me every step of the way.
If you could pick one album to soundtrack your life, what would it be?
Klaverson: This is a tough one. I think I may have to say Bonobo’s 2010 ‘Black Sands’ album. It was the first electronic album that I heard which felt so soulful with so much depth and layers. ‘Kiara’ still sounds as good as it did 14 years ago. I had it on repeat for that whole year and definitely played a pivotal role in me becoming a producer. I’ve even been using references from it in my debut EP.
What artist’s would you say have had the greatest impact on your sound?
Klaverson: I would first have to say, James Blake. I remember hearing ‘CMYK’ for the first time and trying to figure out how he had produced something so awe-inspiring. Other artists such as Bonobo, Moby and Tycho have also played a significant role in my sound as I’ve evolved into a producer/artist. Growing up I never thought electronic music could have soul within it. Then when I was introduced to artists such as these, I realised that was far from the truth.
What do you do when you’re stuck in a songwriting rut?
Klaverson: It’s a common answer but stepping away and doing something completely different really does work. Apart from that, I often listen to a playlist of artists/producers who really inspire me.
If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would it be?
Klaverson: Jungle. I love what they’ve been doing for many years now. The way they prioritise their cinematography and visuals alongside each of their tracks is so inspiring and really feels like it heightens what they are doing. This is something that is incredibly important to me too.
What was the last song that made you tear up and why?
Klaverson: ‘I’ll Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know’ – Live at the Bitter End, NYC – Donny Hathaway. You can hear every piece of emotion from him in this live performance – heartbreakingly beautiful.
What’s the goal for you in your career?
Klaverson: To make music which moves people.
Great to catch up, Klaverson. See you soon!
