KSTKO On Career Risks, New Tracks, And Building A Label

KSTKO took a bold step away from the usual, and it’s paid off, bringing him awesome opportunities and solid connections in LA. In this interview, he talks about his creative vision, the deep feelings in his new tracks, and what’s happening with his label, MID EVIL.

1. Leaving behind a stable job to pursue music in LA is a bold move. What pushed you to make that decision?

During my visit to Los Angeles, California, in June 2024, I realized that it was the right decision for me. I was amazed by the amount of opportunities available for creatives in the city. The energy I felt from fellow creatives made me feel truly alive.

I had numerous first-time experiences, from the different foods I enjoyed to the collaborative sessions with fellow producers. Upon returning home, I felt a sense of emptiness and loneliness, which made it clear to me that my time in Washington was coming to an end.

2. You came up with your own genre, ‘MID EVIL.’ Can you break down what it sounds like?

‘MID EVIL’ represents the duality in the world I’m creating—balancing both Yin and Yang. My tracks will feature bright moments alongside darker ones, which is reflected in the name ‘MID EVIL.’ The term ‘MID’ is at the center of ‘EVIL,’ symbolizing the choice to go left or right.

I believe every artist has emotions, and I’m not afraid to express mine. Sharing this through music feels authentic to me and truly reflects who I am. ‘MID EVIL’ serves as an umbrella term for both good and bad, light and dark, highlighting the idea of being at the center of it all.

My music mixes electronic, Trap, House, Pop, Rock, and Indie influences because I listen to a wide variety of genres beyond just EDM. By not limiting myself to one style, I can focus on expressing my emotions in the moment. This approach helps me create a cohesive sound that showcases my diverse influences while staying true to my artistic vision.

3. “scared2loveme” landed on Valentine’s Day. What’s the inspiration, and how did teaming up with Linney amplify the emotional punch?

During my first few weeks in LA in the summer of 2024, I had the chance to collaborate with Linney. Hearing her topline inspired me to think about cherishing relationships and expressing feelings openly, which shaped the track’s message: encouraging everyone to overcome their fears of vulnerability and show love and appreciation to those around us before it’s too late. I hope I conveyed that message in the music.

Working with Linney and her team felt incredibly natural, and even the music video came together seamlessly. The collaboration felt genuine from the beginning, which is what makes the track so emotional—it’s as real as it gets. Once we finished the track, we noticed that Valentine’s Day in 2025 falls on a Friday, so we thought it would be perfect to release it then, as it’s a day dedicated to celebrating love.

4. Switching to new gear while working on “scared2loveme” must’ve been a challenge. How did that uncertainty end up influencing the final sound?

Switching to new gear while working on “scared2loveme” did present some challenges, but I was prepared for it. Even when I was using my Samsung Galaxy Tablet, I knew that the final version of a song would always sound different.

Every DAW has its own workflow, and I realized that my music knowledge expanded because I had many more options available to me. To me, it felt like I was elevating my production instead of starting fresh, which made finishing the song easier since I understood what was needed and what was missing.

5. Your newest single “my melody” features Nevve and 1MO. What was the collaborative process like?

We had an earlier version. What’s funny about this is that I took my first dose of mushrooms in December, which led to a 10-hour trip that was intense. I haven’t taken them since, but I really found myself during that experience.

I had never felt so confident before. That’s when I started reworking old tracks and upcoming ones. I reworked “my melody” in January. Interestingly, without that trip, my production level and mix/master wouldn’t be where they are now.

As crazy as it sounds, the mushrooms worked their magic.

6. The music video for “my melody” draws inspiration from “Black Swan.” What connections do you see between this psychological thriller and the themes in your song?

The introduction to the music video for “my melody” was inspired by Black Swan, particularly through its ballet scenes. Both works share a sinister feeling, emphasizing emotional depth and internal struggles.

The dark setting and minimal lighting in each create an eerie vibe overall that enhances psychological tension. The connection between the two works is the themes of obsession and identity.

At the beginning of the music video, the dancer grapples with their struggles, but as the track progresses, they gradually immerse themselves in the rhythm of life, experiencing a profound sense of freedom by letting go.

7. Both “my melody” and “scared2loveme” explore different aspects of vulnerability. Was this thematic contrast intentional?

Absolutely, the thematic contrast between “my melody” and “scared2loveme” was intentional. I view each track as a unique “world,” each with its distinct vibe and atmosphere.

My goal is for listeners to genuinely feel my energy and connect with the emotions I convey. Ultimately, it’s not the specific type of emotion that matters, but rather that the listener feels something.

8. How do you balance creating music that works both for emotional connection and for energizing a dancefloor?

I do not cater to any specific formula; what I create is a reflection of the moment. For me, it’s all about the direction of a song—it can be both emotional and energizing for the dancefloor, or it can lean one way or the other.

Music has no rules, so when I fully immerse myself in the process, I follow my instincts. The end result often leads to a blend of genres, which comes from my confidence in trusting my gut and allowing the music to unfold naturally.

9. You’re now running your own “MID EVIL” record label. How are you hoping to reshape industry norms?

My vision for ‘MID EVIL’ is to sign genuine artists who have a deep passion for their craft, creating a relatable and family-oriented atmosphere instead of following the typical corporate structure. I believe the world needs to recognize the immense talent in the underground scene, where many underrated artists are waiting to be discovered.

Having been an underground artist myself, I hope to be an example of the hidden gems that exist in this space. By emphasizing authenticity and fostering a supportive community I hope to have ‘MID EVIL’ transform the music industry for the better.

10. Building a label is a massive undertaking. Do you think independent artists today have more freedom, or is the industry still rigged against them?

Independent artists today have more freedom, but the industry can still seem unfair. Many parts of the music world focus on numbers, but I believe artists often care more about being creative and authentic.

From my perspective, the goal is to make something cool that connects with people, hoping it makes a lasting impact. When artists focus on their craft, the numbers usually come later.

This focus on creativity allows independent artists to find their own way, even with the challenges they face in the industry.

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