Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.
Hello Xttrawave and thank you for having me. My name is KEOKI FRANCONI and I am a DJ / producer and recording artist with let’s beat milo records. In addition to this, I am also from New York City , USA.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path to be a DJ?
The first time I went to Paradise Garage and I saw Larry Levan Dj. From that point on, I was a changed man. I set my objective on being a DJ.
Tell us about your new release, I AM on let’s beat milo records, and what’s the story behind it?
It is an idea Edgar from Decoding Jesus and I have had for a while and it seem kind of relevant because of the LGBTQ movement going on at the moment. We are all spiritually powerful and a product of GOD. So if we all are from GOD, then that makes me GOD. I AM ,,,, the universe.
The art cover for the single, contains sacred geometry, the cosmos, circuitry and the very well known SAINT TERESA. Tell us your thoughts as to why and who brought that idea together? My opinion, it is a master piece well put together that speaks a million stories!
Thank you. The idea was conceived right from the start when we were in music production. We have a triangle, representing GOD, the Holy Trinity. Saint Teresa of Avila experiencing a Devine Orgasm or religious ecstasy via modern technology. Depicted here as a conduit of many circuits reaching out into the cosmos. Becoming as ONE with GOD.
Why only include one remix for your single, and why did you choose to work with Decoding Jesus?
At the moment we only have one remix , the Decoding Jesus remix . We simply wanted to keep it , to the point, and not over saturate the market with so many remixes. The idea originally was to keep my single of I AM, to the point and simple… No remix drama. LOL. I chose to work with Decoding Jesus because he understands where my head is coming from and also he is a brilliant electronica producer. We have history with each other since our early days with Moonshine records.
Since you reside in New York and Decoding Jesus in California, how did you both accomplish to get in the studio together for the creative process? In addition, what recording gear did you use to create such an aggressive techno beauty?
The track took us both about three months to record. I did visit Edgar’s recording facility about 3 times when I was booked to DJ in Los Angeles, California. In other words, I wanted to kill 2 birds with one stone since I was already in LA. DJ at my events and put studio time with Edgar. But when I was in NY, we would swap Ableton files back and forth ,via internet, until we both felt confident that we achieved the sound of my latest single, I AM.
The recording gear we used is a digital audio work station , also know as a DAW , by the name of Ableton live. We implemented Arturias VST classics like the Jup-8, SEM V, and the Mini moog. As for drums, well techno is done by using an 808 or a 909 by Roland, in our case, we used Ableton’s 909 VST.
What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?
I try to be creative with all my projects and come up with ideas no one else has done. I am very relevant staying true to all the music that is in the techno platform of today.
Well for the most part, it’s techno , or tech-house. I would describe it as minimal computerized Avant-garde music. When it is techno, we all as music producers know that staying minimal is better.
Who are your biggest music influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
As a band, I was highly influenced by the electronic sounds of Depeche Mode. Luckily in 2009 I got the opportunity in remixing a Depeche Mode song titled: Get the balance right , and calling my remix , Little house in the country side. I ended up using it in my album: KEOKI vs. Decoding Jesus – TALKING TO YOURSELF.
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
I can’t say it’s one moment in my life. LIFE is always exciting growing more exciting!
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
Doing it for so many years now, and traveling to every dance club around the world since I was very young has not been difficult for me. My family and close friends understand my job as a world dj . When there is an understanding and support, it all flows perfectly fine.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
I would have to say to follow your heart and never stray away from that. Know that whatever you are doing, and it comes from your loving core, it will be good and successful.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
Open your heart and listen to music as it speaks to you. It only tells you the truth, it helps you emote much easily! Think about it.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
I am very excited to announce that on April 27, 2022, I will be launching the opening of DISCO 3000 in New York City at a dance club called NEBULA. All this should be very exciting!
Any last words you want to say?
Follow me on Facebook or Instagram to get the latest on what I am doing and don’t forget to download or stream my new single I AM , on let’s beat milo records! Love.
Stream on YouTube
KEOKI: I AM / Decoding Jesus mix
Follow Keoki