Karol Colomb, a talented musician hailing from Paris, France, has been making waves in the electronic music scene with his unique blend of deep, groovy, and hypnotic sounds. With a background surrounded by art and a passion for music that has spanned over a decade, Karol has established himself as a prominent DJ and producer.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into Karol’s musical journey, his influences, and his latest releases. From his residency at renowned Parisian establishments to his successful EPs on various labels, Karol’s music career is a testament to his dedication and creative prowess. Join us as we explore the mind and artistry of Karol Colomb, a true visionary in the world of electronic music.
Tell us more about yourself and your music career?
I grew up surrounded by art, with a father who was a guitarist/accordionist and a mother who was a painter/illustrator. After many years in the sports industry, I retrained into music, and I have been making a living from it for over 10 years.
I have been a resident DJ in many Parisian establishments, currently at Coya, Mun, and Bambou. I started producing music 4 years ago and released my first EPs on the following labels: Leisure, Rynth, Parallel Label, Shango Records, and Suprematic.
How would you describe your style of music?
Over the years, I have been able to enrich my style by combining different genres of electronic music such as Deep House, Organic House, and Melodic House. I seek out the deep, groovy, and hypnotic side of these genres, and you can also find this hypnotic and melodic aspect in my productions.
Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is spontaneous, and it’s hard to define where it comes from. It is triggered by my feelings.
Describe how music is important to society.
Music is essential; it allows us to escape from a chaotic world and keeps us dreaming. We share incredible moments, make great encounters, and music binds us together in a deep way. It is a form of therapy that shouldn’t be denied.
What is your best time of the day to create?
I am most creative when it’s dark, but when it comes to arranging, it’s more likely to be during the day.
Who are your musical influences?
My musical influences are very broad. My parents listened to a lot of world music, Latin, Indian, and I’ve had headphones screwed on my skull since I was 12. I listened to a lot of rap before discovering electronic music. Then, my travels led me to discover my favorite artists, which gave me a deep appreciation for the clubbing scene. There are so many artists to mention, but I am a big fan of Frankey & Sandrino.
What is the most difficult thing about being a musician?
The most difficult thing about being a musician is to be persistent, trust yourself, and be able to let go without losing yourself.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Playing for Sharamania Festival in the Tunisian desert (March 2023) was an incredible experience. I loved every second of those 2 days of the party. The set is available on Soundcloud.
What are your latest releases?
My latest release is an EP on Parallel Label called “Inno Notturno” featuring Alessia Cremona. It reached the Top 2 on Beatport’s ‘Melodic House Release’ chart.
What is your connection with Cafe De Anatolia?
Cafe De Anatolia is a label that I have been following for numerous years. I like their deep, melodic, and ethno identity. It always gets it right. It’s a great benchmark, and I am very happy to be releasing an EP with them.
Are you working on something new?
I have the habit of finishing an EP before starting another, so I am currently working on a new project.
Where and when is your next performance?
At the time of this interview, my next performance will be on 03.06 in Paris at the Mr Bleu Terrace.
What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
Take the time to let a project rest before coming back to it with new ideas instead of pulling your hair out when you stumble upon something. Also, push your limits without being afraid of making a mistake.
What’s your process for dealing with performance anxiety?
I shift the focus off of myself and my fear to enjoy the moment. Family and friends’ support is also a plus.
How did Covid-19 change the terms of the music industry? How did it affect you?
With Covid-19, we have seen a lot of online sets develop, and DJs have adapted to keep offering content. As far as I’m concerned, it was a period of reconsideration. I stopped perceiving income, which created stress, but I think I managed to make the most of it by taking advantage of this time to work on the production side and learn new skills.
What is the name of your upcoming release?
Sharamania EP consisting of 2 tracks:
- “Sharamania” featuring Luc Didot (Acoustic Guitar) and Jye (Electric Guitar), Tania Romanov (Blowing Effects);
- “Ajraas” featuring Luc Didot (Acoustic Guitar) and Jye (Electric Guitar);
The EP is due for release on 20.07.23 via Cafe De Anatolia.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
Trust yourself, don’t be afraid to go off the beaten track, and find a form of singularity in your music.