In the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music, few artists embody the journey of growth and self-discovery quite like Evan Kotton. His musical voyage, marked by passion and innovation, has seen him transition from a teenage enthusiast to a seasoned DJ and producer, making waves in the electronic music scene.
Early Echoes: A Love for Loops and Samples
Evan’s journey began with a childhood fascination for music, sparked by the album “Zebra” by Yello. The long road trips with his dad, filled with the sounds of clever sampling and creative loops, laid the foundation for his love for electronic music. At 15, with no equipment but a burning passion, Evan turned to Virtual DJ and his computer keyboard to teach himself the art of DJing.
The Birth of KottonKandy
By 21, a birthday gift from his gran allowed Evan to upgrade to his first controller, turning his hobby into a burgeoning passion. It wasn’t long before he landed his first gig in Rosebank, Johannesburg. The momentum continued as he formed the duo #KottonKandy with his brother Wesley, captivating audiences across South Africa and even featuring on the renowned 5FM Ultimix at 6.
New Beginnings: Shaolin Funk and Mixroom Studios
Life took a turn when Wesley moved, leading to #KottonKandy being put on hold. However, Evan’s musical journey was far from over. He teamed up with Travis Campbell to create Shaolin Funk, a collaboration born out of shared love for music and a multitude of other interests.
In 2021, Evan’s path took another exciting turn as he partnered with Mark Valsecchi at Mixroom Studios. This collaboration marked the beginning of Evan’s foray into music production, leading to remarkable achievements, including a track that soared to #8 on the Beatport Melodic House and Techno charts and another that hit #1 on the Raw/Hypnotic charts.
Looking Ahead: A Future Filled with Beats and Collaborations
Now, 17 years into DJing and a decade into music production, Evan stands at the threshold of a new chapter. With a refined style characterized by sexy basslines and dark, brooding synths, he’s gearing up for a series of releases and collaborations in 2024 that promise to showcase his unique sound to the world.
Evan Kotton’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in the electronic music industry. As he continues to evolve and innovate, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning for this talented artist.
Stay tuned for more updates on Evan Kotton’s musical journey and upcoming projects. Follow Gigevate for more artist spotlights and insights into the electronic music scene.