Music
Kumail opens up about growing up, his songwriting process, future collaborations, and influences
22-year-old Mumbai-based producer Kumail Hamid is one producer whose music can be heard at any point of the day, in any mood, and be guaranteed to experience a sense of joy and calm. He somehow manages to do that in ways one couldn’t even comprehend, which is ridiculously impressive for his age.
What is also amazing is that in his six years’ worth of exploring electronica, hip hop and other genres, he has beautifully donned the DJ hat with equal ease as that of a producer, making every live set a unique, crazy experience while each release (he’s already put out two EPs and a great album) reflects his growth as a person and musician.
Needless to say, we’re eager to catch many more live sets in the (hopefully) near future. We decided to do some brain-picking and feed off the beauty that Kumail sees:
Who is Kumail Hamid? How did you come to this point in his life and get into music production?
Kumail Hamid is a socially awkward 22-year-old trying to make his mark in the musical world. It’s pretty rad. Three years ago, I never imagined I’d be here. I got into it through a friend and instantly knew that it was going to be a big part of my life. The past six years have been crazy! It started off with convincing my parents to send me overseas to study the art, which did happen. However, my college at the time had some legal issues that forced me to come back here in just three months. I believe it happened for a reason because even since I returned, it’s been crazy. There’s so much happening in this country, it just drives you to better yourself.
At 22, your music comes from a really mature place. Has music been your yardstick of growth? Is it a passion or an obsession?
Predominantly passion with a little bit of obsession. And yes, it has been my yardstick of growth, without a doubt.
I'd like to visualize where you work from and make music. Take me through your studio/room, please.
It’s my sacred space. I keep a crystal around because my dad made me believe in that kind of stuff. I also have a very large shell, a flower of life and a pet dragon. I sleep on a mattress in the corner. My bed has been recently replaced by a drum kit, which I’ve been practicing for a little while now. Other than that, it’s your standard studio gear carefully arranged for aesthetic pleasure.
Sounds lovely! Is there a process to naming your tracks or does it just strike you on repeated listening of a song?
There’s no real process. If it’s not a result of repeated listening of the song, it’s related to a person or something I had in mind while composing it.
I'm intrigued by your music and where it comes from. In terms of influences, which artists have helped shape your sound?
That’s such a tough question to answer. It comes from so many places, so many influences. To name a few, Shigeto, High Water, Shlohmo, Mndsgn, Devendra Banhart, Jameszoo, Flying Lotus, Lapalux, Soosh, Timber Timbre, Earl Sweatshirt. A lot of times I’ll come across something new, try to create something just like it and end up with an entirely different result. I think all these artists have helped shape my sound that way, some very obviously and some not so much.
Where did such pretty aesthetics come from? Apart from music, do you equally enjoy/explore any other creative fields like art and design, books, or films?
I’m trying to get into books. I have trouble finding ones that interest me. The last one I tried to read was The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukav, which was recommended by Eskmo but very difficult to understand. I love films. I watch a lot of them. I get inspired by film scores. I love art too and have a lot of artist friends. I’ve been doodling a bit myself and plan to dip my toes into other creative fields.
In songs like 'She Sand Sea' and 'Painter' where you sample the sitar and in your music in general, there's a lovely undercurrent of your identity as an Indian. How do you manage this balance and stay rooted yet contemporary?
I don’t really think about balance and staying rooted, if I like something, I’ll use it. I was listening to a couple of raagas at the time which I downloaded off the internet and I really started to appreciate Indian instruments. I love what Sarathy Korwar has done for his album. I too, really want to travel around the country and gather sounds. I haven’t explored much of India and it’s such a musically diverse country. It’s on my bucket list.
You have a beautiful, nuanced, minimal sound going for you. Most of the songs are more atmospheric and less heavy on the vocals. Why is that? How do you know which sample is suitable and where it fits? Do you do a lot of vocals yourself?
I add vocals when I think they’re necessary or when I write lyrics I like (which is rare). I like playing with sounds more. I think if you work with found sound in a certain way, it can have more of an impact on a track than vocals. I do, however, do a lot of the vocals on my own. I’m trying to make it a part of my live set and am in the process of building up my confidence for that. (Grins)
Any upcoming collaborations that you're working on? Are you comfortable with collaborations or do you prefer going solo?
Yes! I’ve been focusing on a couple of collaborations this year. I had a conversation with someone recently who told me that you can really test your musical abilities when you jam or collaborate. I find that to be very true, so I’ve been trying to indulge in more of it. I don’t want to reveal any of these collaborations, but you will find out soon enough! Live, I prefer going solo.
How do you view DJ sets compared to sets with more of original material? What's the definition of a good gig for you?
I feel like a different person when I play a DJ set. They can get pretty wild. It’s a way of blowing off some steam. Once in a while, I like to venture out of this ambient space that I’m always in. A good gig is when people show up and vibe with me and understand me, and when they pass me drinks on stage, of course.
I usually don’t ask this but out of curiosity, what's the best compliment you've received till date?
Someone I didn’t know had relationship troubles at some point during his life and told me my music got him through it. A lot of my music comes from my relationships, so it’s nice to know that people understand where I’m coming from. I love showering people with feelings.
Your sensibilities would do really well for sound design in films, I think. Have you ever considered branching out beyond gigs and taking your career a notch higher?
Film and Video Games. It’s going to happen. One step at a time.
Last one. You're 2 EPs and an album in and you mentioned that you're working on your next album! What stage is at? Where's your new stuff heading?
It’s done! It’s sitting here waiting to be released but I’m taking my time with it. I want to make the big leagues with this EP so I'm going to be sending it out to a couple of labels. It has entered a wonky hip-hop beat space. It doesn't have much of the sound all my listeners are used to.
Listen to his music here:
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