Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Kaveli
When you talk about Kaveli, you’re talking about a true thoroughbred musician who puts every experience, every joy, but also every pain wholeheartedly into his music. Also known as “Kaveli – Beats,” he has been producing beats for many artists for years.
1. What is your earliest memory connected to music?
There’s actually a video of me as a baby in a playpen, already bopping along to whatever was on the radio. I guess music’s always been in my blood, it just came naturally, without me even thinking about it.
2. How did your passion for creating music begin?
As a kid, I was always surrounded by music and wanted to know how songs were made, how I could capture my own ideas. Besides taking piano lessons, I used to hang out in a local music store, trying out new synths and grooveboxes whenever I could. That was the first real step, and from there it just grew into my passion.
3. What’s the story behind your current music project?
I’ve got a few projects running, but my main one, Kaveli, has been active for over 25 years. It’s always been my outlet, a way to turn feelings into words. Whether it’s anger, grief, or just that cool, in-the-moment vibe, my music tells my story as I live it. I’ve had a lot of joy but also a lot of loss, and you can hear that pain, rage, and frustration in some tracks. Kaveli is my personal channel – I’m not big on talking, but rap gives me the voice I need.
4. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Honest, authentic, technically skilled rap. No fake flexing, no over-the-top image. Just real rap for people who think beyond the surface, whether it’s hard-hitting or tackling uncomfortable topics.
5. What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Everything I’ve learned in life has shaped my music. I’ve never really been into making “happy” songs, no matter how I felt. I reflect what’s real, my true experiences, nothing more, nothing less. Of course, in battle rap it’s okay to exaggerate a bit, it’s entertainment after all.
6. What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Mainly FL Studio: I’ve been using it since version 3 or 4, back in like 2003. For recording, mixing, and mastering I use PreSonus Studio One. I like keeping those stages separate, making beats first, then arranging the final track with my vocals. Before FL Studio, I used hardware like the Akai MPC 2000XL and Yamaha RS7000 – I still have both.
7. Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I actually don’t listen to a lot of rap in private. I can enjoy any kind of music as long as it connects with me emotionally. Lately I’ve been listening to classical, neo-classical, soundtrack music, future garage, and even deathcore metal. I don’t really have any favorite artists at the moment.
8. How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve often been disappointed by people and their actions. “Trust Nobody” became kind of a motto in my head, but I’m not a negative person. I’m just more careful now, more reflective. That mindset naturally flows into my music.
9. What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Hope. Simply that. I want people to know they’re not alone, that there’s someone out there who understands, who’s been through similar things, and knows what it’s like to not always stand in the light.
10. What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
It’s both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I’ve learned I can’t rely on anyone else, so I prefer doing everything myself to make sure it turns out exactly how I envision it. But on the other hand, I’ve realized you need to let go sometimes, to focus more on the creative side. If you try to handle everything alone, you lose perspective fast.
11. What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I’m not really deep in the festival scene, but I’d love to play anywhere, big or small, where people truly listen and appreciate the sound, not just show up to party. It’s rare, but I believe there are still plenty of people out there who genuinely value music.
12. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Totally unrealistic: but Eminem or Michael Jackson. They’re just untouchable, you know? Eminem’s still around, but with MJ it would obviously never happen. Still, both are absolute icons.
13. Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
You can find me on all major platforms Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon, YouTube and through my website www.kaveli-music.com, where you’ll find links to Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more.
14. Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Like any artist, I want to keep the muse alive and stay creative, but also reach more people with my music. It’s harder than ever nowadays. There’s just so much music out there that standing out feels almost impossible. I come from the MySpace era, back then, you could still reach people organically. Now the algorithms make it tough unless luck’s on your side.
15. What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
Maybe a favorite song or even just a beat, especially if the language barrier makes the lyrics harder to grasp. Sometimes it’s just about the sound or the feeling behind it. But most of all, I hope they discover an artist they enjoy listening to and feel excited whenever new music drops.
