Timur Kariev, known by his artistic name Tim Kari, is a versatile DJ, musician, and producer hailing from the vibrant city of Tashkent in Uzbekistan. With a passion for music that ignited at the age of 13, Tim Kari has embarked on a remarkable musical career, collaborating with artists from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia in the past. Today, he focuses on his own path as a DJ and producer of electronic music, infusing his compositions with a fusion of folk instruments to create a captivating and organic sound.
Tim Kari’s style of music can be described as an experimental blend of tones and textures, combining the beauty of folk instruments with the allure of electronic sounds. His compositions are carefully crafted to evoke emotions and enrich the listener’s experience, showcasing his unique taste and originality. Rather than relying on reference tracks or templates, Tim Kari finds inspiration in his own emotions, translating them into captivating melodies and harmonies.
As an artist, Tim Kari believes that music holds immense importance in society. He sees music as a source of emotions and life energy, capable of amplifying positive feelings and relieving negative ones. Throughout history, folk music has served as a means of sharing and communicating emotions, and Tim Kari seeks to breathe new life into this ancient art form through his own music.
When it comes to the creative process, Tim Kari doesn’t believe in a specific “perfect” time to create music. What matters most to him is having a fresh mind and a fresh ear, along with plenty of time to fully explore his musical ideas. This allows him to dive deep into the creative process, unleashing his creativity and giving his compositions the attention they deserve.
Tim Kari draws inspiration from various musical influences, but one of the most significant influences in his life was his father. Growing up, he was exposed to the guitar playing and singing of his father, which ultimately led him to pursue a career in music. Additionally, he holds a deep appreciation for the music of his favorite artist, Dj Piligrim (IY), and had the privilege of collaborating with him on their joint album, “Moon Taxi Ram,” released in 2021.
Despite the joys of being a musician, Tim Kari acknowledges that there are challenges to overcome. One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of stability and the multitude of tasks that musicians have to tackle, including composing, recording, mixing and mastering, music video production, promotion, planning gigs, and collaborating with other artists. Nevertheless, Tim Kari embraces these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Throughout his career, Tim Kari has experienced several career highlights. One notable moment was a gala concert held in the summer of 2022 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he performed a three-hour concert with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Kyrgyzstan and the Liberty Choir. Simultaneously, he released a collaborative track with Pandhora on the Art Vibes label, marking a significant milestone in his musical journey.
As for his latest releases, Tim Kari’s track “Huma” on Cafe De Anatolia stands out. “Huma” showcases an exquisite solo performed on the folk instrument Sato, complemented by enchanting Arabian-flavored strings and captivating electronic beats. The title itself, “Huma,” reflects the sensation of flying and euphoria that the song aims to evoke in listeners. Tim Kari expressed his delight when Cafe De Anatolia showed interest in releasing the track, as the label had introduced him to the world of ethnic deep and organic house music.
Looking to the future, Tim Kari is continuously working on new projects. He has two EPs scheduled for release in the near future and is contemplating the possibility of a full album or a new concert program featuring folk instruments. He aims to travel and perform in neighboring countries while also planning a festival in his hometown, creating opportunities to connect with a broader audience.
When asked about the best piece of advice he ever received, Tim Kari recalls the words of his friend, Payman Molayee, a talented violin player from Iran. Payman emphasized the importance of simplicity in music, stating that after experimenting with complex melodies and arrangements, true genius lies in creating simple yet perfect melodies. This advice resonated with Tim Kari and continues to guide him on his musical journey.
Like many artists, Tim Kari faces performance anxiety, especially when dealing with numerous instruments and equipment during his live shows. However, as soon as his first track starts playing, the anxiety dissipates, replaced by a connection with the crowd that allows him to find comfort and unleash his musical prowess.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to the music industry, impacting artists worldwide. For Tim Kari, it provided an opportunity to explore different types of music as people sought solace and escape through diverse sounds. During this time, he finished his debut album, “Gate of Ishtar,” which he eagerly awaited for release on the German label Monada. Moreover, he utilized the period to develop skills in other areas of his craft.
To aspiring musicians, Tim Kari offers valuable advice: there is no magic formula or shortcut to success. Believing in oneself and putting in the hard work and dedication is paramount. He believes that “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” reminding emerging artists to persevere and stay true to their musical vision.
As Tim Kari continues to captivate audiences with his innovative blend of folk instruments and electronic sounds, he remains a shining example of an artist who fearlessly explores new musical territories. With his forthcoming releases and future projects on the horizon, Tim Kari is set to enchant listeners and leave an indelible mark on the world of electronic music.