Artist Feature 003: Mokoa

For this weeks interview we are proud to present yet another French producer to go with the theme this month of ‘Tropical House’; perfect vibes for the summer. Mokoa, a young producer at only 17 years old, has gained quite a significant following in the past few months, with over 1000 facebook and soundcloud followers. His tracks clearly have an impact on his following, with over 70,000 plays on his remix of the well known track by Bob Marley – ‘Redemption Song’. With his unique twist of a remix on his latest release ‘Fatboy Slim’s – Praise You’, Mokoa’s collaboration has left us hungry for more! Without further ado, here’s the interview – enjoy:

How old are you & How did you get into producing music / how long for?

I’m 17 years old! I discovered the whole world of music after I attended a DJ camp in London about a year and a half ago. From there I had no other choice than jumping into this universe and starting to produce my own music. In my early months I started producing Electro House and slowly moved towards Chillstep. I finally came up producing Tropical House about two months ago with my remix of GoldSkies from which I decided to start fresh!

Who are your musical influences?

I would definitely say that my main influences are Kygo, Thomas Jack, Matoma, my good friend Soco, Flic Flac, and basically every Tropical artist out there!

If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why?

Oh hard question here haha! I mean, compare myself to an already established artist would be a very delicate answer, especially as I’m nothing compared to other artists in the scene. I hope later in the future I’ll be able to compare myself to big names!

Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process / software?

Everywhere – Literally everywhere! It can be at home in my bedroom, or outside in the garden, even in the shower. But what inspires me the most are landscapes and nature. I love taking inspiration for example from a sunset. I’m very sensitive to the beauty of nature and I think that’s what motivates my music.

I’m currently using Logic Pro 9. When I’m making music I don’t usually go through a certain process. For example I can start with the drums, then add a bassline and then chords and finally the melody, or I can go the exact opposite way. Usually for remixes I go on the web looking for acapellas or good covers and then build the remix around the vocals!

What would you say is your signature sound or style?

I think my style is definitely tropical, summer, beach type of sounds. My goal is to make my listeners happy, and allow them to escape their daily lives and go on a journey, so I hope that’s what I do. In my production I like and try to add small elements to surprise the listener, I also love to add instruments that feel like summer, like flutes, saxs, plucks, marimbas and all that!

What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

It’s fantastic! I mean as you probably know the world of music is full of extremely talented producers so it’s difficult for your music to be heard. Moreover when you are beginning it’s hard to create a fan base out of almost nothing except a single track. Social networks like Soundcloud or Facebook have helped me from the beginning.

My music is free and has always been free. I feel like I need to give my music to those awesome people that support me so much through this journey and who show so much love. I’m really grateful about that, that’s why my music is free and will always be. Except if I make official remixes or releases on labels, which I hope to do one Day.

What do you think your listeners will get out of your music?

I think and hope what listeners will get out of my music is happiness, being able to relax, enjoying summer with my tunes and if its not summer then at least feel like it’s it haha!

We love your latest tropical vocal house release titled ‘Fatboy Slim – Praise You (Mokoa & Mitchell Southam Remix)’ – what were you thinking about / Inpsired you when this song was developed?

Thanks a lot I really appreciate it. Well my friend Mitchell Southam and I decided to make this remix together so we looked up for acapellas and he had that one so we decided to go for it. From then we decided to go for something tropical. When I personally was working on the track it was all about creating a certain atmosphere. A chill and up lifting atmosphère, perfect for summer!

What are your future plans / goals / aspirations?

My future plans … Well haha I have a lot of things going on and planned! I’m on a collab with my good friend Soco, I’m planning on making a mixtape as well, I have a few tracks I’m working on and many more things are coming. What I’d like to do the most is playing in clubs, or just playing sets, whether big or not, but playing sets. This is one of my biggest dreams. Hopefully I’ll be able to one day!

Listen & download their latest track ‘Fatboy Slim – Praise You (Mokoa & Mitchell Southam Remix)’ – DOWNLOAD

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