Kuren Oculus Interview

Kuren Switches Lanes With Oculus

Returning to the spotlight from his recent hiatus, Melbourne-based electronica artist, Kuren kicks off the new decade with 'Oculus', his first released single from his new album 'Holy Wave', available now on all streaming platforms!

Kuren is taking a side step from his usual electronic savvy production and refocusing on a more hip-hop approach, a genre that has been close to his heart during his musical journey. 'Oculus' is a self-reflection of Kuren's career, having taken a step back to master his new approach - he now feels confident and ready to show the world. It's a spectral point of view of his success and stress combining together.

"Taking a break from music publically to work on the next album, I've been able to come back to music with a more matured and experienced outlook." - Kuren

Kuren, whose real name is Curtis Kennedy gained national recognition by kick-starting his career on Triple J's 'Live for a Vision'. He's also performed at the popular Australian music festival 'Splendour in the Grass' in 2017 as well as 2018's "Beyond the Valley". The artist also won back to back awards at, NITV - National Indigenous Music Awards and Triple J Unearthed NIMA Winner during the year of 2016.

'Oculus' has already received support from national media outlets such as 'Music Feeds' and is set to make more noise with the upcoming album to follow, boasting collaborations with B Wise, Ruku, Savilian, ILLY, and Phi11a.

Interview with Kuren

Question: How would you describe your music?

Kuren: My music binds the lush and powerful soundscapes of electronic elements hip hop influenced drums topped with a conscious conversation to challenge the listener.


Question: Can you tell us about the track, Oculus?

Kuren: Oculus was originally Inspired by 'New Magic Wand' by Tyler The Creator. I wanted to make a beat like that and it really only took me 20 minutes. The majority of the time was spent on the lyrics and flows.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Kuren: The feeling of creating. It's almost like a drug, I get caught in a trance sometimes and lose track of time. That for me is a beautiful feeling to chase.

Question: What can you tell us about the upcoming album, Holy Wave?

Kuren: Holy Wave is a project I've been working on for a while now. However, most of these songs are new. I started with the idea and wanted to take the time to learn how to execute it properly. It features some local Australian talent but more for me to stand behind my own words.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Kuren: I prefer recording. But both have the same enjoyment in their own merit.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Kuren: Never Enough ft. Sam Phay, it's a great record to do live as the journey of the sound perfectly represents who I am and what I stand for.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Kuren: Kendrick Lamar.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?
Kuren: Huskii.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Kuren: Ta-ku, I always had a love for music or just creating in general but his vision and music was the push that piqued my curiosity.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Kuren: Kendrick Lamar.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Kuren: Being able to sustain not only a musical career but healthy mindstate surrounding success, failure and everything in between.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Kuren: I have a normal routine just like anybody. But a lot of my time is spent on music, thinking and working. Every day is a new challenge.

Question: Can you share your socials?

Kuren: @kurenmusic


Interview by Brooke Hunter