When KC Lights first set off on his musical journey, few could have predicted the heights he’d reach, performing on some of the world’s biggest stages and remixing tracks for household names like Ed Sheeran and Alicia Keys. But for the man behind the music, it’s been a steady evolution driven by a love for experimentation and an ever-present openness to inspiration.
“I’m constantly influenced by everything around me,” KC Lights shares. This openness to his surroundings is one of his greatest strengths, and his music is a testament to this philosophy. Whether it’s the serene landscapes of the Isle of Bute, where he was born, or the pulsating energy of the dance floors he plays on today, KC Lights taps into the spirit of each environment. “Sometimes I’m aware of the influence and sometimes it just forms part of what I’m doing creatively without me knowing it.”
A Journey Rooted in Experimentation
While his early days saw him dabbling in a range of genres, it was Jimi Hendrix who left a lasting impression on the Scottish DJ and producer. Hendrix, known for his bold experimentation, influenced KC Lights beyond the guitar riffs. “He’s an influence less stylistically and more about the way he experimented with music and chords… he really just did his own thing, and I love that,” KC Lights explains. That same sense of pushing boundaries is clear in his electronic productions, where innovation reigns supreme.
This drive for originality is perhaps most evident in his approach to remixing. While many producers might aim to preserve the essence of the original track, KC Lights sees remixes as an opportunity to totally reimagine the material. “I actually purposefully try not to maintain an artist’s signature when remixing… the fun of remixing for me is totally re-imagining the original vocal in a new setting.”
The Energy of the Crowd
Performing at major festivals like Creamfields or headlining tours in Australia and New Zealand demands a certain adaptability. Each crowd brings its own unique vibe, and KC Lights is more than up for the challenge. “If I’ve no idea what to expect, it’s really just a case of winging it on the night and feeding off their energy,” he says. This spontaneity keeps his performances fresh, allowing him to pivot in real-time and create a set that resonates with the audience.
But it’s not just the big festivals that excite him. There’s something about playing a hometown gig in Glasgow that brings a different kind of buzz. “No matter how big or small the gig might be, there’s something special about playing in a city you live in and are familiar with all the people.”
A Passion Ignited
A pivotal moment in KC Lights’ career came as a teenager, where his exposure to electronic music shaped his future path. The energy and community spirit of the electronic music scene deeply resonated with him, fueling his passion and providing a foundation for the global career that followed.
If he could go back to that 17-year-old self standing wide-eyed at his first major show, which of his own tracks would he play? Without hesitation, he names his recent single Sky (Shining Bright). “It’s such an energetic track and the kinda thing I definitely would’ve been into back then!”
The Creative Process and Influences
In the studio, KC Lights operates more on instinct than structure. “It’s 100% about capturing a mood,” he explains. Sometimes, that comes from messing around with a beat or melody, but more often than not, the magic strikes when he least expects it. “The idea is just there waiting to be birthed into a track,” he says. It’s this intuitive process that keeps his sound fresh and constantly evolving.
When asked about dream collaborations, his answer is immediate: The Chemical Brothers. “They’re such an iconic act in electronic music… being a part of that would be insanely cool.” His admiration for the boundary-pushing duo is rooted in their ability to consistently innovate, something KC Lights aspires to do in his own career.
Refueling the Creative Well
For a DJ and producer constantly on the road, the challenge is maintaining that creative well. “Getting back into the studio and writing after an exhausting tour can be so difficult,” KC Lights admits. But he’s found a solution—writing on the road. “Working on ideas while I’m travelling has meant I’m actually bringing inspiration home with me.” It’s a practice that keeps him grounded and ensures that no matter how hectic life gets, the music keeps flowing.
Looking Ahead
As for what’s next, KC Lights is excited about the new music he’s working
on. “Recently, I’ve been working on some stuff that’s pretty different than anything I’ve ever released,” he teases. His future looks brighter than ever, and as he continues to push the boundaries of his sound, fans can rest assured that he’ll keep surprising them with new sonic landscapes.