Push the Sound Forward with Valentino Khan

with Valentino KHAN

We know it’s a good time when Valentino Khan hits the stage. He shares how he got into the industry as a producer, how he likes to work when collaborating and his shows celebrating the LA Lakers and LA Dodgers wins.

Valentino Khan is a DJ/Producer with a lot of personality and a passion for his favorite teams - LA Dodgers and LA Lakers, where he had an epic concert celebrating their wins last year! In addition, last fall, he released his EP on Diplo's label, Mad Decent. We caught up with him to find out about his passion for the industry, how he works creatively and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with music and when did you realize that you wanted to create music?

VALENTINO KHAN: I think my earliest exposure to who and what a producer was came through listening to stuff that The Neptunes, Dr. Dre and Timbaland were making. It gave me an understanding that there was a lane for people that “make the beat.” I became fascinated with the idea of creating something that gave people a wow factor in some way.

AM: You started in the music industry as a hip hop producer and have worked with artists such as T.I., 2 Chainz and B.o.B, when did you transition into doing music for yourself?

VK: It all happened for me at the same time more or less. I discovered dance music and began taking a shot at creating my own interpretation of it around the same time I started getting placements on rap projects. The artist side has just kept growing in such a great way for me and I’m thankful I still have my hands in different things both as a producer and an artist.

AM: Who were your mentors or sources of inspiration when you began your journey as DJ?

VK: I was inspired by nothing and everything at the same time. I’ve always wanted to be versatile and try whatever I was feeling at the moment. So I gravitated toward having a catalog like someone like Diplo who has been involved with so many different genres. I wanted to be able to showcase a wide spectrum of sounds that

I could create.

AM: What would you say is the Valentino Khan sound?

VK: I think a lot of people associate me with a very bass driven house music sound and that’s fine. But I think people that actually have listened to my discography know I’ve done many things outside of that too. I try to not get too caught up in that and just put out dope music.

AM: When you begin working on a new song or album, what’s your process in terms of how you begin to create it?

VK: It all depends on what the first point of inspiration is. I think I’ve been doing this long enough and I’ve put myself in situations where I can jump off from a number of different points. It could be the vocals, a synth line, the drums, whatever. I think the ability to take that original component and be able to have a vision for what the rest of the track will sound like is so important.

AM: How do you go about deciding to collaborate with others and what do you look for?

VK: I think it’s gotta be organic. I just look for people that try to push the sound forward because that’s huge for me. I want to continue to make music that raises the bar and pushes the envelope for everyone. It’s so important because that’s the same energy that has inspired me to do what I do.

AM: From a creative standpoint, is there a difference between when you’re doing a remix versus collaborating with an artist on a new song?

VK: I think the biggest difference when working with an artist is the focus on building a track around their vocal to let them shine. A huge part of it is giving your beat an identity but leaving space within your track for the artist. Otherwise it can end up sounding too convoluted. I always

try to keep that in mind when I’m doing a session or producing for someone else.

AM: When did you realize that you had made it?

VK: I don’t think I’ve ever had that moment. My career seems to have the most gradual steady climb but I’m fine with that. There’s more value in longevity.

AM: How have you been spending 2020 and how have you stayed inspired?

VK: Mostly making music and cooking at home. Or learning how to be a better cook at least. I think my goal is that I want to come out of this a better artist and a better person. Hopefully I can achieve both of those things.

AM: How have you stayed connected to your fans to continue sharing your music with them?

VK: Streaming has been a huge way that has allowed me to stay connected with fans. Most of us haven’t been doing it as often as we were back when this first started, but I think it’s been cool to provide people with a brief distraction from the craziness that has been going on in this past year. Social media as a whole really helps me connect with my fans in the most organic way.

AM: I know you’re a Laker and Dodger fan and you did sold out shows for the Lakers Championship Victory Stream as well as one for the Dodgers! How did this come about and why did you want to do it?

VK: The new normal for now has been doing drive-in shows that are socially distant. And unfortunately we never got to have proper parades for the Lakers and Dodgers winning it all in 2020. So I thought what better way to do the closest thing to a parade in a safe environment? I did back to back shows at the NOS Center in SoCal and sold out both nights. It was great to have that theme with those shows and celebrate together. It really gave perspective as to how important live music is and I’ve tried to not take for granted that it gives people a bit of joy.

AM: You’ve been doing drive in shows which is a great way to still be on stage and to have a version of fan inclusivity as well, how has that been and do you have more planned.

VK: It’s been an awesome experience. It’s a bit trickier to organize those but it’s become the solution for now until things get back under control. I’m definitely looking forward to doing more of these whenever the opportunity arises.

AM: We look forward to seeing you at E-Zoo later this year, what is your favorite festival to play?

VK: Fingers crossed on the festivals later this year. My favorites include all the Lollapaloozas and EDC of course because it feels like the Super Bowl of all of them.

AM: When you’re about to perform, do you have a routine that gets you ready for the show and do you have things you do after the show?

VK: I just stretch because I move around a lot, that’s it. I don’t really get any preshow jitters so things are pretty simple for me.

AM: What have you learned about yourself this year as we have all had time for self reflection?

VK: I’ve learned that I can’t take for granted that I have a unique career that provides people with fun every night. There’s very few people that can say that, so I’m blessed I’m in that position. It’s also been a gut check in many ways and I’ve learned I can be alright when touring suddenly comes to a halt.

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