First tuning his fingers to the ivory keys as a child, DJ KB has transitioned into an amazing DJ with a unique sound. Support from family, friends and fans inspired him throughout his career. Getting into the DJ scene at the age of fifteen by teaching himself and watching others, DJ KB now plays all over Austin including a monthly show at Republic Live.

Come to WhET Wednesday at Republic Liveon November 3rd to see DJ KB!

What has been your favorite show so far?

Anytime that I got to share a venue with an artist I really looked up to, those are the highlights of anything that I have done in my career.

I got to share a venue with DJ AM at Speakeasy’s Twelfth Year Anniversary Party right before he passed, he was a big influence on me that year. His style was so unique because he would find climaxes of different songs and basically break apart music to put new stuff together. It was an honor to be able to share a venue with him.

During South by Southwest, I was doing a show at Speakeasy, and The Cool Kids were there. Right around the last hour of my set they asked if they could jump on and we did a switch up and all threw down for about an hour…that was awesome!

What is your secret to get people to dance?

Basically what you have to do when you are working a crowd, you can’t get too lost in yourself and the music that only you want to play. Every crowd is different, every crowd has a different energy and you have to be able to look at them and read them, in a way almost stereotype them. You have to play a song and see how they react to that song and then know about three other songs that they would like to hear based on that initial reaction. I am constantly reevaluating the crowd, that is why when I do a set I don’t plan out the music but instead it’s improvisation from the start. The reason I do that is so I don’t get stuck on a set and I can switch gears according to their energy. You want to guide them, build the energy.

The best part about being a DJ is that during a set there are moments when everyone is on the same beat, it is like everyone is sharing a heartbeat. This is what connects us and brings us together.

Come to Seamless at Republic Live, an afterhours party starting at 2am on October 29th to hear DJ KB!

After finishing school at UT, what inspired you to stay in Austin?

I love this city. I think this is the coolest city in Texas by far. I love that it is a small city, but there is a lot going on. The nightlife over here is fantastic, and I like how close together everything is. Live music capital of the world, and I love music…there isn’t anywhere else I would rather be. I have had a lot of great opportunities here as far as being a DJ goes.

What do you call your music…mixing, spinning, playing?

Um, I juggle those words a lot. I will say “I’m doing a set, I’m doing a gig, dropping a mix…” it’s kind of evaluating the venue you are going to be at. If you are doing a club, then you are more vibing the crowd and setting the atmosphere. You have to know what the venue is looking for and what the crowd is looking for and you can adjust based on that.

How would you describe your sound?

My sound has changed a lot over the years. When I got started, I learned how to mix with hip-hop. That is what I wanted to start out with because I wanted to learn how to scratch. My taste in music changed as I went to different shows and was exposed to different things, then my style of mixing changed with it. Kind of like going with the times. I’m at the point now where I consider myself to be an open format DJ.

Who are your influences?

My style has changed with the different musical influences that have gone on through the years around me. I grew up in Dallas, so I got really into the rave scene over there that’s when the electronic music started really picking up. DJ AM was a really big influence on me in my career.

What motivates you to DJ?

I feel motivated through knowing that I am blessed to have the opportunity to do something that I love as my career. I have worked jobs that I hated and I would go home and DJ after my work day just for pleasure. To know that now I can do that for a living…that is what motivates me the most.
What is behind your stage name DJ KB (Kaivan Bazleh)? KindBud Productions?

They are my initials, and my family has called me KB since I was little. As I grew up and learned about some slang terms, I decided to go with Kind Bud Productions. More than anything else though, I can relate to the name KB since it is what everyone called me growing up … I feel at home with it, I feel connected to it.

You do a monthly event at Republic Live. What made you decide to do this?

I really like Republic Live as a venue, I think it’s one of the dopest venues in Austin. Basically, they are doing something that a lot of the other venues have not done, they are bringing the electronic scene to Austin and doing it properly. They have the lights, sound, and a quality venue that caters to that, the balance is important to set the overall vibe.

What would you like to say to your fans and followers out there?

Thank you so much for everything, I wouldn’t do this if y’all weren’t out there. The euphoria that we get is from the fans, sharing that moment with them during a set is a great experience. You have my heartfelt thanks!