Name: Edouard Gilbert aka Kuna Maze
Nationality: French
Occupation: Producer, composer, DJ, multi-instrumentalist
Current release: Kuna Maze's Night Shift is out June 9th.
Recommendation: Mind Game (animated movie)
; Pour Vous Combattre - Joseph Andras (Book)

If you enjoyed this Kuna Maze interview and would like to stay up to date with his music, visit him on Instagram, Facebook, and Soundcloud.



When did you start writing/producing/playing music and what or who were your early passions and influences? What was it about music and/or sound that drew you to it?


I started playing the trumpet when I was around 7 years old, if I remember correctly. The year before, I had seen a trumpet demonstration and thought, "Okay, I want to do that."

Around the age of 15, I attempted to create my first beat using Garageband at the time. It didn't go so well; I really didn't know how to do it. However, I made another attempt and began producing music around 2013, I believe.

As a child, I had some tapes of Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Steel Pulse that I used to listen to a lot with my sister. After that, I ventured into reggae and psychedelic music on my own. Around the age of 15, my interests shifted towards jazz and hip-hop.

When I listen to music, I see shapes, objects and colours. What happens in your body when you're listening and how does it influence your approach to creativity?

I believe it varies; I not only perceive colors and shapes, but I also feel them throughout my entire body.

When I come across a painting I admire, I find myself yearning to immerse myself within it. The same goes for music—I have this desire to be "inside" of it, if that makes sense (haha), and it serves as a profound inspiration for me.

Listening to music is always essential for me to stimulate my creativity.

How would you describe your development as an artist in terms of interests and challenges, searching for a personal voice, as well as breakthroughs?

I'm not entirely sure, but discovering one's personal voice seems to be a lengthy process, in my opinion. Balancing artistic consistency with the need for innovation can sometimes be challenging. I have a strong desire to explore various types of music, while also avoiding going in too many divergent directions simultaneously.

I make an effort to stay informed about what's new, including emerging genres of music, and I strive to maintain my interest and curiosity. There are always fresh challenges that arise, and I believe that's what keeps this journey interesting for me.

Tell me a bit about your sense of identity and how it influences both your preferences as a listener and your creativity as an artist, please.

To be honest, I have no clue

What, would you say, are the key ideas behind your approach to music and art?

The main ideas behind my approach to music and art revolve around curiosity, having an open mind, and having fun. Curiosity is what fuels my exploration of different sounds, genres, and artistic techniques. I'm always eager to try new things, push boundaries, and see things from unique perspectives. It's all about continuously learning and growing as an artist.

Having an open mind is essential for me to embrace diverse influences and ideas. I believe in the power of collaboration and drawing inspiration from various cultures, styles, and art forms. By keeping an open mind, I break free from conventions and create truly innovative and authentic works.

But above all, it's about having fun. Music and art should be enjoyable and liberating experiences. When I'm having fun, my creativity flows, and I can connect with my audience on a deeper level. It's about finding joy in the process, fearlessly experimenting, and sharing that excitement with others.

How would you describe your views on topics like originality and innovation versus perfection and timelessness in music? Are you interested in a “music of the future” or “continuing a tradition”?

I think it's a false debate to pit originality and innovation against perfection and timelessness in music. In my view, both approaches are legitimate and can coexist harmoniously in art.

It's not an either-or situation; you can embrace elements of both.

Over the course of your development, what have been your most important instruments and tools - and what are the most promising strategies for working with them?

In my development, my most important tools have been my computer, synth, and bass haha.

As for strategies, constancy has been key. Consistently practicing, creating, and refining my skills has been crucial in evolving as a musician and finding my artistic voice.

Take us through a day in your life, from a possible morning routine through to your work, please.

In my daily routine, I typically wake up around 9 and enjoy a cup of coffee to start the day. After that, I dive into answering emails and handling administrative tasks.

Around 10:30, I make my way to the studio where I spend time practicing bass and working on music production. I like to begin with some bass playing before transitioning into the creative process of producing music.

When the clock strikes 4 pm, I wrap up at the studio and head back home. Once there, I unwind by either catching up with friends over drinks or i just chill at home

Could you describe your creative process on the basis of a piece, live performance or album that's particularly dear to you, please? 
 


I'm not entirely certain if I fully comprehend the question, but if I understand correctly, my response would be "Miles Davis - Bitches Brew.»

Listening can be both a solitary and a communal activity. Likewise, creating music can be private or collaborative. Can you talk about your preferences in this regard and how these constellations influence creative results?

I enjoy both listening to music alone and with others, and I think they each have a unique impact on creative outcomes. When I listen to music by myself, it's a personal and reflective experience. I can really focus on the music, dive deep into its emotions, and connect with it on a personal level. It's a chance for me to explore my own thoughts and feelings without any distractions.

But listening to music with others is a whole different vibe. It brings people together and creates a shared experience. Talking about music and discovering new songs with friends is exciting and can open my ears to different genres and artists. Hearing their perspectives and ideas can broaden my musical horizons and introduce me to new things.

The same goes for making music. When I work on music by myself, I have the freedom to explore my own ideas without any limitations. It's a chance for me to experiment and follow my creative instincts without any interference. It feels empowering to have complete control over the process.

On the flip side, collaborating with other musicians is a whole lot of fun too. It's a chance to bounce ideas off each other and create something that's greater than the sum of its parts. Collaborating brings fresh perspectives, new techniques, and different styles into the mix. It pushes me to try things I wouldn't have thought of on my own, and it often leads to unexpected and exciting results.

Finding the right balance between solitary and collaborative approaches is key. It allows for a diverse range of experiences, influences, and ideas to shape the final outcome. Whether I'm jamming alone or working with others, both ways have their own advantages and contribute to an exciting and fulfilling creative journey.

How do your work and your creativity relate to the world and what is the role of music in society?

My work and creativity are my means of expressing myself and connecting with the world in a way.

Music plays a vital role in society as a universal language that goes beyond differences and unites us. It has the power to convey messages, drive social change, and provide comfort during tough times.

Ultimately, I believe that music has the ability to shape and enhance our shared human experience.

Art can be a way of dealing with the big topics in life: Life, loss, death, love, pain, and many more. In which way and on which occasions has music – both your own or that of others - contributed to your understanding of these questions?

Yes it totally can, but it's too personal for me to share here.

How do you see the connection between music and science and what can these two fields reveal about each other?

Music and science have always been linked; let's not forget that the BBC had a Musical Research Laboratory.

Creativity can reach many different corners of our lives. Do you feel as though writing or performing a piece of music is inherently different from something like making a great cup of coffee? What do you express through music that you couldn't or wouldn't in more 'mundane' tasks?

I don’t know, it depends on the perspective i think, it is and it is not the same thing.

Music is vibration in the air, captured by our ear drums. From your perspective as a creator and listener, do you have an explanation how it able to transmit such diverse and potentially deep messages?

You should ask this one to a neuroscientist haha
. I honestly don’t know and I’m not sure I wanna.