We had the chance to ask some questions to rising Chicago bass music producer/DJ KTRL, who just released his EP “Jinzo” under HypnoVizion label.
Here’s what we talked about:
1. Walk us through your creative process behind your recently released EP ‘Jinzo’? What inspired the theme, and how long were you working on the project?
I honestly started this project in the middle of 2023. Was trying to refine my sound a bit & wanted to go a bit heavier in that direction. Have always been inspired by mid tempo / bass music things. So I began to attempt my normal sounds in a heavier setting! Now we have the Jinzo EP.
The title was inspired by the anime Yu-Gi-Oh! Which I grew up on religiously. My all time favorite. I created my own version of Jinzo & the rest of the title tracks relate!
2. How has growing up in Chicago influenced your career/sound? Were there any local clubs, festivals, residencies, or Chicago house influences that shaped your early sound/inspiration?
It has a bit for sure! I grew up in the house scene a ton but also was so locked into the dubstep / bass stuff in 2013-2017. My first festival was Spring Awakening 2013 & I knew instantly I wanted to be up there on stage after watching legends perform on Solider Field. The scene is so big here & there’s room for everyone which makes me happy.
3. How did you come across working with HypnoVizion?
Rezz has been one of my main inspirations / fav artists since 2017! When I heard she was creating an imprint I instantly knew that’s where my music belonged. My boys sfam had the chance to work with them early & they connected me to the team along with Rezz discovering me in Twitter from a post she made about finding new dope artists! Forever grateful!
4. What was it like collaborating with LSDREAM? How did this happen? What did you learn from this, and how did it shape your own creative processes going forward?
Love LSDREAM! I was making a ton of mid tempo stuff 2017-2022 & at the beginning of his project he also tweeted out looking for cool mid tempo artists to listen to! My boys YOOKIE tagged me in the tweet & from there we began talking a ton! I sent him a couple ideas & we clicked on the second one which is now ‘Reflection’ from one of his early albums on Wakaan! He actually came through tour in Chicago & I rode out there to work on the song inside the tour bus. Was a full circle moment for sure considering I listened to a ton of Brillz prior!
6. What was it like working with Whipped Cream?
She’s wonderful! Amazing artist! She was super down for the sound honestly & had been commenting on my stuff a ton back when :). I sent her a tune & it was so easy back & forth. We finished it pretty quick! One of my favorites for sure. That one’s on Dim Mak titled ‘Gray.’
7. Which tracks or artists have you been listening to lately?
Artists I’ve been on lately include: Duskus, DAD140, EDDIE, Cozy Kev, Casey Club, SPOOK, Malixe, Dmtree, Lucid Slip just to name a few!
As far as tracks. Duskus – Healers Vol 1 EP from the middle of last year will always be in rotation. I make bass music but vibe house has to be one of my favorites right now!
8. If you had to pick, do you find yourself leaning more towards house or techno, do you venture into other genres ever when playing/producing?
It’s tough to say when I’m making mid tempo stuff! Because it’s a lot of bass house influence & techno influence. I try to not stay in 1 lane per se & I cooperate sounds from other genres into something like a bass song, which you’ll hear a ton of on this EP :). Bass heavy obscure music with inspirations from house / techno / UK style stuff as far as sounds go!
9. Looking back on all your shows so far, which event(s) stands out the most to you and why?
I toured with Flux Pavilion & the Circus team in 2019-20 which was such a great experience. So all the shows on that run for sure! I’ll also include Heatwave Festival 2023 in Chicago which kind of jump started my project again after a hiatus for a year prior! Then of course North Coast in 2024 which was so special because it’s in my home city & all my people showed out early! Excited to play some crazy shows going forward let’s keep it goin!
10. What artists would you love the chance to collaborate with in the future?
I honestly love every artist that’s on HypnoVizion & would love to align more things with them. Including Rezz, Eddie, Isqa, Yoko + more of course! Some of my homies aswell like Eater, Levity, another one with Malixe. I think another cool one would be Taiki Nulight!
11. What festival or venue is your dream to play at, and which one has been your favourite to attend or perform so far?
Dream play would have to be Electric Forest. Attended in 2013 & 2014 & fell in love. I haven’t been back since honestly! & I’d love to be back as an artist. Would legit cry! That’s for sure my favorite to attend aswell!
Honorable mentions: EDC of course, Escapade in Ottawa, Canada, HARD Summer!
12. If you could pick any two artists to see play B2B live, who would you choose and why?
I’m trying to see Zeds Dead b2b Skrillex as goofy and cliche as that sounds hahahaha. IMAGINE THAT SET THOUGH.
13. Do you have any pre-show rituals or funny studio habits that help you get in the zone?
I get kind of anxious prior so I’ll try & have a couple drinks to loosen the mood up. But lately just been doing some breathing stuff & being confident in what I can do! Whenever I get up there it’s a whole different story for sure I am going feral LOL.
14. What can fans expect from you next? Are there any upcoming collaborations or shows you’re particularly excited about?
Have a cool show with Deathpact, Torcha, & AUDIA on 3/22 in Detroit for their tour. Super excited about that one! Also have some cool collaborations in the works with Mport, Xotix, sfam, X1-Y2 & a couple more I can’t yet name :). LOVE YOU!
Check out KTRL’s Instagram and learn more about the artist here.