Kiss Nuka: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

Music

You name it, Kiss Nuka can do it.

The Mumbai-born, Goa-based artist dabbles in many different creative fields. In the world of music you’ll find her producing, composing, singing and writing, and in her other passion – the visual arts – she’s a director and editor for music videos and immersive AV experiences.

Her love of nature is what binds much of her work. This is definitely true of her debut EP, Serpentine, which came out last month on her own eponymous label.

Created during tropical monsoon season, and produced entirely on a pair of headphones without her studio set up, the release channels her different musical influences, including DnB, trance, bass and psy tech, and in its visual aesthetic symbolises her evolution and growth as an artist.

Before finding her voice in music, she’d already gained plenty of recognition for her visual work, picking up accolades at the likes of the London Music Video Awards and Independent Music Awards. She matches both of these passions on Serpentine, sharing a handful of short self-directed videos to coincide with the music release.

Her contribution to the ‘Shine A Light On’ series is a run down of her influences and features her own productions, including tracks from the debut EP including the title track which we premiered last month. It’s got that full throttle Friday pace… hold on to your hats.

Ransom Note · Kiss Nuka: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you

I am Kiss Nuka. I produce and compose music, I sing, I make videos, I care deeply about animal rights and am excited about the rise of the feminine in this world. I’m writing this to you from Goa!

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

My music is electronic, but there are no genre specific boundaries. There’s influences of breaks, drum and bass, bass, psy tech, and trance, and I also enjoy creating emotional, cinematic, audio visual experiences.

Where was the mix recorded?

The mix was recorded in my studio in Mumbai.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

Just after sunset, up on a rooftop.

What should we be wearing?

Something easy… oversized so you can float in it… like a T-shirt that’s four sizes larger and sweat pants. I freakin love sweat pants.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

In the mountains at sunrise. I wouldn’t prep for it, I’d just set up a bunch of gear and go with the flow.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

‘Serpentine’.

If you could go back to back with any Live artist from throughout history, who would it be and why?

Jon Hopkins. The Prodigy.

What is your Live / production set up at home and what is it now?

My set ups are simple. For Live I use Ableton, the Push, the Akai MPK mini, the Arturia Microfreak, an SM 58, and an RME Fireface. For Production I use Logic X, the Roland SH 101, and I’m finally getting into the Analog Rytm. I use selected plugins and have also started working with samples.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

Both! One sets the mood, the other – the memory of the aftertaste.

What were the first and last records you bought?

The first was a mixtape with The Chemical Brothers and Fat Boy Slim on it. The last music I spent money was on music by Metrist.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

Crunchy, with a bit of a bite, and hints of sweetness.

If it was an animal what would it be?

It might be a snake, or maybe a gecko

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

My own track ‘Speaking in Tongues’, since I am playing all my own material live.

Upcoming in the world of …

A remix EP of Serpentine with some of the best producers in India, a follow up EP next year, and a summer Europe tour.