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In the vibrant world of improvised dance music, Khavita emerges as a distinctive and innovative force. Her unique approach, combining spontaneous vocal loops with dance rhythms, sets her apart in the music industry. In this exclusive Q&A, we delve into Khavita’s creative journey, her influences, and what drives her as an artist.
Can you share a bit about your musical background and what led you to improvised dance music?
Khavita’s musical journey took a serendipitous turn at a sober ecstatic dance festival. “I was outside the tent making improvised sounds with friends over the DJ set,” she recalls. This spontaneous experience reignited her love for singing, a passion she had since childhood but lost touch with. “The music created this foundation for the voice to run wild and a voice emerged that I hadn’t realized was there.” This pivotal moment led her to purchase a loop station and explore dance music through beatboxing and improvisation.
This newfound direction marked the beginning of a thrilling adventure that would mold her into the artist she is today. Her evolution from spontaneous sounds to structured dance music is a testament to her creative adaptability.
How would you describe your musical style/genre, and what influences have contributed to shaping it?
Khavita’s music is a fusion of improvised vocals and dance rhythms. She describes her style as evolving from a foundation of spontaneous vocal loops and beatboxing. Her influences are as diverse as her music. “I experienced the ethereal sounds of Mei Lan, and was fascinated by how she was looping her voice. I then discovered Clara Sophia who would later become my vocal coach. There was freedom in her voice, she wasn’t trying to sing perfectly she was just becoming a vessel for sounds to flow through.”
She continues, “Kaya Project also creates amazing dance music with a South Asian influence that really inspired me when combining genres. Ganavya is a Tamil singer who’s music has inspired me and connected me to my roots.” These influences converge to shape a sound that is both deeply personal and universally engaging.
Could you take us through your typical creative process when developing a new piece of music?
Khavita’s creative process is rooted in trust and spontaneity. “My creative process is based on trust. It begins with a seed, a random sound or beat and from that seed it grows into a piece of music.” She elaborates, “When there is trust there, the next loop appears to me in that moment and I can just follow how the sound wants to evolve.” This method involves layering melodies, baselines, and beats, allowing the music to develop organically.
Her approach ensures a dynamic and evolving soundscape, reflecting her improvisational style. The process of allowing sounds to naturally evolve creates a captivating and fluid musical experience.
Many artists face creative blocks. How do you overcome these challenges and maintain your creative momentum?
Khavita’s approach to overcoming creative blocks is to embrace spontaneity and patience. “The basis of all my loops is using improvisation. This is what play feels like to me. The most magical part of making these loops is the fact that it is a surprise to me as well as those listening, I have no idea what sound will emerge, I just plant a seed and see where it takes me.”
By allowing herself the freedom to explore without rigid expectations, Khavita keeps her creativity vibrant and engaging. Her method of embracing surprise and spontaneity helps her navigate through creative challenges.
What do you enjoy most about performing live, and how do you connect with your audience?
Khavita finds immense joy in the interaction between her music and her audience during live performances. “I run an event with my friend called Moving Soma, where all the music is created using my voice and the loop station. During the set I would be influenced by the dancers as I created the music.” She shares a memorable moment: “At one point I was following one girl’s movement and it felt like this magical co-creation. Afterwards I told her about that and she said she felt that moment, almost like the sound was carrying her.” These live performances offer a dynamic and immersive experience, allowing Khavita to engage deeply with her audience through real-time creation and interaction.
Are there any artists or collaborators you dream of working with, and why?
"I am working on tracks with new producer and my good friend Marlon Who Henry, who remixed one of the first dance loops I made 1 year ago. I am also working on releasing some dance tracks with my friend Matt, who has also been an inspiration to me with looping."
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians interested in exploring improvisational music?
Khavita’s advice to aspiring musicians is grounded in embracing creativity and playfulness. “Get weird, any sound is welcome, just play and don’t take yourself seriously. Remember what it was like to be a kid just making random sounds. Let go of expectations and needing to sound nice.” She believes that through improvisation, artists can discover their true voice and foster a genuine connection with their music.
How do you measure or define your growth as an artist, and what goals do you aspire to achieve in the coming years?
Khavita measures her growth through personal and artistic milestones. “I am hoping to make an album of songs of my favourite loops from my 90-day loop challenge, keeping them as raw as possible. I am also a songwriter who is hoping to release two songs, the songs are quite meditative and consist of the voice and the classical guitar.”
Her goals include further exploring the intersection of dance and sound, continuing to evolve her artistic expression, and engaging in new creative projects.
How do you continue to find new sources of inspiration for your music and keep your creativity flowing?
Khavita’s approach to finding inspiration is comprehensive and diverse. “The most magical part of making these loops is the fact that it is a surprise to me as well as those listening, I have no idea what sound will emerge.” By staying open to new ideas and embracing a broad range of influences, Khavita ensures that her creativity remains dynamic and ever-evolving.
Building a community around your music can have a significant impact. How do you engage with your fanbase and encourage a sense of connection?
Khavita engages with her audience through interactive events and live performances, fostering a sense of community and connection. By creating music in response to audience interactions and embracing the improvisational nature of her work, she encourages a meaningful connection with her listeners.
As we conclude our Q&A with Khavita, it’s clear that her journey in improvised dance music is marked by creativity, passion, and a relentless exploration of sound. From her transformative festival experience to her innovative live performances, Khavita continues to push the boundaries of music, offering a fresh and immersive experience for her audience. Stay tuned for her upcoming projects and experience the evolution of Khavita’s unique sound.
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