 Kevin Bazell, known more popularly in dance circles as Kazell, has infected the American club scene with his unique brand of electronic dance music, stimulating crowds everywhere with his tough, funky and soulful grooves.
A UK native and LA transplant, Kazell first arrived on US shores in 1991 and began infusing elements of the Mancurian acid house movement into the fledgling dance music scene on our side of the pond. He first gained notoriety in Atlanta as a favourite local resident at Liquid Groove. Kazell then relocated to Los Angeles in 1999. Kazell quickly established himself with residencies at the largest events in the West Coast, the legendary Liquified events and LA’s mega-club Spundae.
He has become a tremendous asset to the dance music community, always working the crowd into a frenzy while pacing his music to complement the guest DJs and their time slots. In a short time, Kazell has set the bar for resident DJs across the nation. He has consistently been handpicked to perform with massive headliners including Sasha, John Digweed, Deep Dish and Sander Kleinenberg. Recently, the LA Times dubbed him as the “hottest thing in warm-up,” a testament to his special ability to manipulate the energy of the music in ways that are always exciting, innovative and intrinsically intriguing to the fans. After first working with Sasha & Digweed on their U.S. Northern Exposure Tour in 1995, Kazell was also chosen by John Digweed for a guest spot on his prestigious Kiss FM radio show. In addition, Kazell was requested to be the opening DJ when John recorded his Global Underground 019 album at the historic Mayan Theatre in Los Angeles.
Over the years, Kazell has been credited as a master of setting mood and building suspense in his DJ sets. He has earned the loyal support of DJs and fans alike - garnering a nod as one of the Top 5 DJ’s in LA Weekly’s 2002 Music Awards. Kazell’s sound blends various styles with a tough, uplifting and funky vibe of soulful percussive beats, angelic melodies and rhythmic waves of Electro-funk, House, Tribal-trance and Breaks. His eclectic mix and unique infusion of sound has drawn clubbers back to the club from one weekend to the next.
Kazell is now bringing his keen understanding of the organic relationship between the music and the clubbers on the dance floor into the studio. His recent collaborations with production partner Mike Hiratzka will soon launch a series of 12” releases, beginning with “Reaction” followed by “In Your Eyes” on Alternative Route Recordings. Their work has such strong appeal and creativity that Vanguard Records took notice and asked Kazell & Hiratzka to remix Sinead O’ Conner’s “My Lagan Love.”
Kazell is widely recognized as one of America's brightest talents and his popularity has been growing steadfast. Kazell will release his debut mixed compilation CD “Driven” with Velocity Records. “Driven” had such a great response from the press and music fans, Jive Magazine named the compilation “Best DJ Mixed CD for 2003”. With DJ tours in the UK, Japan, Germany, plus an extended US tour in support of the album release, it's easy to see why he has drawn the attention of the world’s top jocks, promoters, critics and clubbing fans alike. Keep an eye on Kazell - his music and passion for the dance music scene guarantee that he will constantly be driven to new heights.
CD
Kazell - Driven - Velocity Records / Black Label - released 9/23/03
“Best DJ Mixed CD of 2003” - Jive Magazine 3/04
“Kazell pulls it off flawless” - BPM Magazine
“One of the best programmed CD’s in its genre” - Dance.music.about.com
“5 Stars” - Super Street Magazine
“5 Stars” - World DJ.com
Productions
Hiratzka & Kazell - Venice Dawn - SR2 Music - Early Fall
Played by Sasha, Nick Warren, Jody, Hernan Cattaneo
Hiratzka & Kazell - Reaction (original / future funk mix) - Alternative Route 1/04
#2 Massive Records Hype Chart
#18 Balance Record Pool
Hiratzka & Kazell - In Your Eyes (original / monkz) - Alternative Route - 7/24/04
Played by Sander Kleinenberg, Desyn Masiello, Swedish Egil
Hiratzka & Kazell - Prime (original / quivver) - Velocity Records - out soon
Played by John Digweed, Jimmy Van M
Hiratzka & Kazell - Things Can Only Get Better (Exhibition2 EP) - Lost Language - Early July ‘04
Played by Paul Oakenfold, John 00 Flemming, Graham Gold, Ben Lost
Teapot & Kazell - Dual Personalities - unsigned
One of our staff was able to catch up with Kazell during a recent gig in Portland, Oregon. See what Kazell had to say about his past, present, and future!
You’re the DJ equivalent to a switch-hitting all-star. Equally adept at providing a solid opening set, you can switch over at a moment’s notice and swing for the fence. Not that many DJ’s can do both as effectively as you can...what’s the key element to dropping into each type of groove when you step behind the decks?
I always try to take the time I'm playing into consideration. You have to feel the energy level of the night. I like to warm it up but there's always a point where you kick the funk in.
Although you're known best for your energetic, fluid live sets, you also have a history of providing some stellar downtempo moments as well. Do you actively book sets of differing musical styles...or do you just take the opportunities as they come?
I like to play a good range of music and I definitely consider what the DJ playing after me is doing. I'll still go out and play a deep house set at a friend's party if that's what they're into.
If yes to the above, do you have any recordings available for the different styles you portray as a DJ? (Let us know how fans would be able to get a hold of these.)
It's been ages since I recorded a deep house mix, but I have a couple of techy cd's I'll put out soon. Anyone interested should keep an eye on the www.liquified.com site for more details.
You’ve been an integral part of the Liquid Groove DJ experience since the beginning. How does it feel to see something you were involved with from the start turn into such a large presence?
It's brilliant! There's been tons of people that have put a lot of effort into making Liquified what it is. We are all really happy. It's always been a team effort: Damian, Devin, all the DJs and the loyal crowd that's been there from the start.
You’ve recently starting a residency with Spundae. Tell us more about when and where people can catch you there and what we can expect in the future from this association.
Spudae in LA is based at Circus nightclub in Hollywood. I'm usually over there a couple of times a month. I pretty much started as the warm up DJ, but now I'm playing middle or closing slots too. I'm hoping to do some recordings with them in the future also.
What’s been your greatest moment behind the decks, thus far...Liquid Groove, or otherwise?
Mate, there's been so many! Playing after Sasha in Atlanta [Pure, October 31, 1994 at the Chamber] was terrifying but once I got into my groove probably one of my most memorable sets.
...and your dream lineup?
That would start with Jeno or Garth and build into Terry Francis or MrC. I'd have Mick Parks, Quivver, Sasha and Digweed in the middle and let Sean Cusick close it out. Any promoters interested?
You’re originally from the UK, which has a rich history with regards to dance culture. How often do you make it back overseas, and is there anything over there that you miss?
I don't get to go home as often as I would like to. I miss all my friends and family. I would have to say I miss British comedy and the odd pint down at the local.
What are some of the key elements for dance culture that you think the US has to offer… even if they haven’t been taken advantage of thus far?
The US is an amazing blend of different cultures and lifestyles. I would have to say that is it's biggest strength.
You've recently started working on your own productions, including an edit of Mars Crusiers' "Insanity Rains". With all the different styles you have an appreciation for, do you find it was harder nailing down the sound you wanted to produce?
Getting ideas down in the studio isn't a problem. You just pick one style and work the sound. I definitely look forward to covering everything I'm into over the years.
Back in November of 2001 you appeared as a guest on John Digweed's weekly Kiss FM show. How did this come about and how has this impacted your career?
The KissFM mix was a brilliant opportunity for myself. I really think John is giving something back to the scene. I think the quality of the sets reflects the amount of talent out there that might not have been recognized if it wasn't for John. It certainly doesn't hurt to have a mix on Kiss career-wise.
You left your country to become part of the American scene. What are some of the things you most enjoy about it.
I love the community vibe that surrounds the scene here. It's so fresh. In the UK the scene is more of an establishment. It's great to see so many young people in business here. People like yourselves. It's all about networking and helping each other out and America really gets that.
Special Thanks to Mike Curry and David Elliott for setting up the interview.
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