Based in California, multi-instrumentalist and producer KR3TURE, pronounced ‘Creature’, is changing the game when it comes to electronic music. He is well-known for his captivating live performances that feature improvisations on a plethora of instruments, including tenor sax, flutes, harmonica, guitars and many more
With a sound that’s both laid-back and uplifting, it’s easy to see why KR3TURE is going from strength to strength in his music career. We caught up with Krikor, the mastermind behind KR3TURE, and found out what makes this multi-talented musician tick.
Listen to KR3TURE’s latest track, ‘Take It Slow (feat. Bee Born’, below.
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
My sound is an eccentric blend of genres but generally involves mixing electronic music with live instruments and vocalists. I am a multi-instrumentalist by nature, though I use electronic production to flesh out my musical ideas. Some of my music carries gritty bluesy influences from my teenage years, though some songs have hints of pop melodies, while some other tunes are chill and downtempo. The common denominator I try to string along all of my music is the focus on pretty melodies, and sweet energy, and fun.
How did it all start for you?
I started playing guitar when I was 13 because I listened to rock and wanted to be like AC/DC, and was mostly self taught. In college I started a small funk band picked up a sax and learned piano, and in grad school I started my first ‘real ‘ gigging band called audiafauna. Once I had a taste of writing and performing music, I couldn’t really stop so after audiafauna disbanded I started a duo called feral fauna, and that ultimately led my current solo project, KR3TURE.
What three albums would you say influenced your sound the most?
It’s really hard for me to pick favorites as my favorites tend to change every year or so, but some of my recent favorite albums are by Chet Faker, Zhu, and Two Feet. Other artists that have been really influential are Sylvan Esso and Marian Hill.
Are there any key pieces of equipment that KR3TURE can’t live without?
I am a gear junkie and love all my weird instruments and synthesizers, however in the past couple years I have been spending about half of my time away from my home studio, so I depend more and more on software instruments that I can use on the road. When I perform live, my signature instrument is my custom electric resonator guitar made by my friend Christopher F. Holcomb about a year ago, I can’t play a show without that puppy!
What are some of your key influences in your music? Whether it be the sound created by others, imagery, films or any kind of art form.
For my day job, I teach ecology to college students in the wilderness so I spend a lot of time outdoors. I also spend a lot of time thinking about humanity, our future, and how to create a positive world with our lives. A lot of those themes make their way into my music, as well as love, heartbreak, and longing for connection. A lot of the themes I address are sad but also beautiful at the same time.
What is one sub-genre you think doesn’t get the attention it deserves? Why do you think it should get more?
I’m not into any particular sub-genre as I like all kinds of music, as long they pull me in and have some kind of melodic hook that I can groove along to. I’ve been really into soul/blues-electronic which has gotten a lot of attention lately with the likes of Chet Faker and others.
