Who is Khaji? New Age Electronic Beats & House Vibes
A collaboration with LUCID MEDIA BLOG
Finding an artist who stands out can be a rare treat in the evolving world of electronic music. Khaji, a producer and DJ from the vibrant music scenes of New Jersey and Philadelphia, is one of those artists. Known for blending elements of electronic, house, freestyle, with even a dash of hip-hop influence, Khaji is making waves with a sound that's uniquely his own. In this interview, we get a deeper look at the artist behind the beats, his journey, and the challenges of navigating the world of music production.
Khaji's musical journey began long before he picked up a laptop and a controller. Born in Jersey City and raised in the suburbs of Burlington, he was immersed in music from a young age. "I grew up playing the drums and did band in school," Khaji shares. It was only a short time before his musical path expanded beyond traditional instruments. "Then that became bands with friends, and eventually producing in high school/college."
This early foundation in drumming and band culture led him to explore electronic music production. As he transitioned from playing in bands to creating his tracks, Khaji discovered his passion for the freedom and creativity that production allowed for. What started as a hobby soon turned into a full-fledged pursuit.
When asked about the most significant challenges he faces as an artist, Khaji pointed out that he doesn't necessarily see himself as an "artist." He identifies more with the role of a producer and DJ, roles that often require all aspects of creation, from crafting beats to promoting his work. "I enjoy producing and DJing more," Khaji explains. "But everyone who creates faces the challenges of doing everything themselves, including self-doubt and creative blocks."
LISTEN TO KM007 MIX by Khaji
For many artists, the pressure to balance the technical side of music with the emotional aspects of creativity can be overwhelming. Khaji is no stranger to this struggle, but remains dedicated to pushing through. Self-doubt and creative blocks are real," he says, "but they're part of the process. You have to learn to trust the journey."
As someone who thrives on blending genres and experimenting with sound, Khaji has strong opinions about current trends in music. "I like and dislike the nostalgia factor that people tend to execute," he explains. "It depends on how it's executed. Some do it tastefully with their unique style, and some follow the trend and clone the sounds and images."
In an era where TikTok and Instagram heavily influence musical trends, Khaji notes that the results are often hit or miss. While some artists take inspiration from the past and put a fresh spin on it, others recycle what's already been done, resulting in a lack of originality.
Khaji may only collaborate sometimes, but when he does, he appreciates working with like-minded creatives who share his passion for experimentation. "I want to shout out my guy Reuben in Philly and Chech and J in Jersey," he says. These artists are part of a growing local scene that supports collaboration and creative exchange, even if Khaji himself tends to focus on his own work.
While Khaji's collaborations may be sparse for now, he values the connections he's made with other musicians. With a genuine desire to work with others in the future, more exciting collaborations will likely emerge as his career evolves.
Khaji's journey has been one of evolution and self-discovery, and his recent work reflects that. His December 2023 EP, Alt-Forms, is my favorite piece from his discography. He describes it as a project that started to define his sound, and is well worth a listen. With four songs and a runtime of 13 minutes, it's a quick and easy listen that keeps your body moving from front to back. The chill, groovy club vibes on top of tastefully sampled female vocals of classic R&B songs make this EP worth every rewind, reload and replay. "Check out 'Take Ur Time,'" Khaji recommends. “It's a track that captures where I am musically right now."
"Take Ur Time" is a standout example of Khaji's ability to blend genres seamlessly. The track reflects his unique style with its catchy house rhythms, smooth electronic elements, and just the right amount of hip-hop influence. If you haven't yet checked out Khaji's work, this song is the perfect introduction to the world of sound he's creating.
As for the future, Khaji is focused on growing as a producer and DJ, pushing his creative boundaries and exploring new sounds. While he remains dedicated to his craft, he's also open to collaboration and the potential for new projects. As he continues to evolve, there's no doubt that his distinctive blend of genres and commitment to authenticity will keep listeners hooked.
Khaji is an artist to watch closely for fans of electronic, house, and freestyle music in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates from Khaji, and remember to check out his social media and his latest release, “Khaji's Mood 0008”, a mix of jazz, soul, R&B, and rock influences in the unique sound of this rising talent.
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