“Stay humble and work hard” K Mack interview

In this exclusive interview, we catch up with an accomplished DJ and producer whose sound has taken him from intimate London clubs to iconic Ibiza stages.

With releases on respected labels like Repopulate Mars, Hottrax, and Unlearn Records, K-Mack’s music blends underground grit with club-ready polish. We discuss his creative process, the evolution of his career, and how radio shows, crowd energy, and collaboration fuel his artistry. Reflecting on standout tracks like “RU” and his latest single, Bang, on Unlearn Records, he shares insights on staying fresh in the ever-evolving tech house scene while offering advice to aspiring artists.

How do you approach curating your Select Radio show each week? Do you find it influences your production process or the way you prepare your DJ sets?

My radio shows give me a great platform to test out new music and demos. It’s a fantastic way to stay ahead with fresh tracks and production. The main aim in any set I play is for people to leave the club wanting to know what some of the tracks they heard were, and I feel this always makes my sets special.

With your new single on Unlearn Records, what inspired its raw, sinewy vibe? Was there a specific moment or setting you were channeling during its creation?

This track was produced a few years ago, and I felt it was time to get it out on a label. The heavy bassline and techno-industrial vibe make it a solid release on Unlearn Records, and Doc will give it great exposure with his incredible remix.

You’ve played everything from intimate London clubs to Ibiza’s iconic venues. How does the energy of a crowd shape the direction of your set on the fly?

My sets in different venues do vary! Sometimes a large space needs more build-up music and bigger breaks to hype the crowd. In smaller venues, you can go full throttle and keep the beats rolling. Ibiza is a different animal—lots of vocals and big-room sounds are always needed. For summer events, it’s all about pianos and chords for me—along with plenty of sunblock!

“RU” became a standout release for you. Looking back, why do you think that track resonated so strongly with listeners and charted so well?

I wrote about six tracks, all inspired by old-school records with garage basslines from the early ’90s. I started playing records back in 1994 on Pioneer decks—this was my roots. Drum & Bass and Happy Hardcore got me into underground music. Everybody loves a classic sound, so I guess this track brought back some memories—it certainly did for me.

When collaborating with a remixer like Doc Brown, what elements of the original track do you hope they highlight or reinterpret?

I knew Doc would give it a raw edge and use some current sounds that fit what the label’s fans love. I’ve done many remixes for him, so I thought he could repay the favor—and boy, did he ever! This one will smash the dance floors and close out 2024’s NYE parties.

Having released on Repopulate Mars and Hottrax, how does the vibe of Unlearn Records compare? Do you tailor your sound depending on the label, or is it always purely your vision?

I’d say Unlearn has a broader range of styles, which is a great thing. It gives many different producers the chance to release. RPM and HT have very specific styles you come to expect—they’ve been established for years. If you want to sign with these labels, you have to write music exclusively for them. It can take years and many attempts, but once you succeed, it’s worth it.

Tech house has seen a surge in popularity over the last few years. How do you ensure your tracks bring something fresh to a scene that’s evolving so quickly?

Keep it fresh with new sounds and new vocals. If you don’t move with the times, you’ll get left behind. Check out what’s doing well and see if you can add your own stardust to it—you never know, it could be a hit.

What’s your process for finding that perfect balance between underground grit and club-ready polish in your tracks?

Trial and error. I test a lot of my music production on radio shows and in small venues. If it works, I’ll try to make it label-ready. The reactions I get give me an idea of which label I’d like to pitch it to.

Performing alongside big names like Mihalis Safras and David Penn, how do you carve out your own identity in a lineup and leave your mark?

I’ve been so lucky to play with many big names over the years, and I’m grateful to everyone who has given me those opportunities. My advice to anyone wanting to break into the industry: Stay humble and work hard. Networking and making connections are the number one keys to success. Avoid being a partygoer—remember, you’re working, so be professional. You never know who might be there. And most importantly, always take a backup USB!

Bang is out now on Unlearn Records