KANYKEI and Niconé have recently collaborated on their latest EP ‘Sun Reign’, igniting considerable excitement in the electronic music scene. The release not only showcases their individual talents but also highlights the remarkable synergy between these two artists.
Photo credit: KANYKEI / Niconé – Official
KANYKEI, an emerging force in the New York electronic music scene, brings a fresh perspective to the table. More than just an artist, she’s also the co-founder of AIONIA, an event series making waves in New York City. Her journey from event organizer to releasing on prestigious labels like Katermukke and TalkTalk in 2024 is nothing short of inspiring. KANYKEI’s dynamic performances have captivated audiences at premier venues like House of Yes and various Burning Man camps, establishing her as a rising star in the industry.
Niconé, a seasoned veteran in the electronic music landscape since 2007, brings years of experience and a reputation for crafting emotive, groove-laden tracks. His genre-defying sound, which captures the essence of unified dance floors and sunrise parties, spans deep house, tech-house, and beyond. With releases on labels such as Stil vor Talent and Katermukke, Niconé’s open approach to collaboration and willingness to explore new creative territories make him the perfect counterpart to KANYKEI’s rising talent.
Together, they’ve created an EP that promises to take listeners on an emotional journey, from heart-stirring melodies perfect for sunrise sets to playful, groovy tracks that keep the dance floor moving. In this interview, we’ll explore the creative process behind ‘Sun Reign’, their views on the evolving electronic music scene, and their thoughts on the integration of AI in music production.
Join us as we uncover the story behind this collaboration, from their serendipitous meeting at an AIONIA event to the creation of their latest EP.
EG: Hi, KANYKEI! Hello, Niconé! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
KANYKEI: Hello folks! Greetings from a sunny and unexpectedly warm New York City. We’re thrilled to be here and so grateful for the opportunity to share this interview with you. It’s truly a pleasure, and we can’t wait to dive into this conversation with you.
Niconé: Hello everyone, or Konnichiwa from Tokyo! It’s a pleasure to be part of this conversation, and thank you for having us.
EG: So, first of all, congratulations on the release of your latest EP, ‘Sun Reign’! You must be psyched to have this one doing the rounds. What are some of your initial feelings now that the record is out and about?
KANYKEI: Thank you so much! This release is especially meaningful to me since it’s my first EP. The whole process felt like a beautiful blur—one moment we were deep in the studio in Brooklyn with Niconé, and now, just like that, the EP is out. I’m beyond thrilled to share this with the world!
Niconé: Time really does fly! I remember how we were in NY, going to the Brooklyn studio every day to make music, and now here we are with the EP out in the world. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, too—having the release coincide with the Katermukke showcase in NYC feels like the perfect reason to celebrate even more. We couldn’t be happier!
EG: Now, what can your fans expect to find on ‘Sun Reign’ as a whole? Is there a concept or emotional trigger driving this EP?
KANYKEI: Every track on this EP feels like a unique journey, yet they all flow seamlessly together. ‘Sun Reign’ is an incredibly emotional piece that tugs at your heartstrings, especially when heard at a sunrise rave at 5am—it’s the kind of track that stirs emotion and makes you want to cry in the best way. In contrast, the other two tracks bring a lighter, more playful energy—groovy, fun, and with just the right amount of melodic depth. Altogether, this EP feels like a perfect balance of light, fun, and groovy experience in a way that feels effortless yet deeply compelling.
Niconé: This EP perfectly captures a harmonious balance of joy and beauty, blending emotional depth with a groovy rhythm that moves you. Each track is unique in its own way, allowing listeners to form a personal connection and evoke different feelings with every listen.
EG: So, how did the connection between the two of you come about?
KANYKEI: I met Niconé in 2023 when he played at one of my AIONIA events in NYC (yes, I also run an event brand), and we instantly clicked. There was this instant connection, not just as friends but creatively as well. We stayed in touch, and when Niconé came back to NYC, we knew we had to make something together. We spent time in the studio, and it just felt completely natural. The EP we created is a real reflection of that energy we shared, and I hope this is just the beginning of an ongoing collaboration—both as friends and as artists.
Niconé: In 2023, Sascha Cawa and I played together at an AIONIA event in NYC. We immediately clicked, both as friends and collaborators and stayed in touch afterward. Our mutual connection and shared energy led us to decide to create music together, marking the beginning of our creative journey.
“This EP feels like a perfect balance of light, fun, and groovy experience in a way that feels effortless yet deeply compelling”
EG: And what was the experience of collaborating together on this record like? Did you guys have a clear horizon in mind?
KANYKEI: I have an absolute blast with Niconé, whether we’re making music, partying, or just hanging out. What I love most is how open he is to exploring different ideas and experimenting with new things. Working with him was pure fun—it felt like an endless creative journey.
Niconé: It really felt so effortless and fun. We didn’t hit any roadblocks with ideas or outcomes—everything just flowed seamlessly. It was the perfect complement to my trip to NYC, and the whole experience felt incredibly natural.
EG: KANYKEI, you are closing out this year with the release of your first three tracks. Congratulations. How do you feel about the voice you’ve found as an artist? Are you making the music you thought you’d be making when you first started with electronic music production?
KANYKEI: Thank you so much! I honestly feel so blessed to be wrapping up 2024 with three tracks coming out on Katermukke and TalkTalk—labels I’ve dreamed of working with. And truth be told, I feel privileged to have incredible artists like Niconé by my side, always there for advice on production and music. So I can wholeheartedly say that I’m grateful to be where I am today as an artist, and of course super excited to see what the future has in store for me.
EG: Now, onto a hot topic… How do you guys feel about the rise of AI implementation in music? What’s your relationship with that like? Has any form of AI been used on any of your recent productions?
KANYKEI: I feel open about AI and I don’t fear it taking away jobs or replacing human creativity. Instead, I see it as a tool that can enhance and empower us. If there’s a way for AI to refine my music and take it to the next level, why wouldn’t I use it? Ultimately, it’s about using technology to amplify human expression, not replace it.
Niconé: AI is becoming an integral part of daily life and creativity for artists across various fields. While we didn’t use AI for this EP, many artists are now embracing it to enhance their work. It’s no longer experimental but a natural part of the process, helping to streamline tasks and unlock new creative possibilities.
EG: And how do you feel about the current state of the scene? Have we strayed too far from our origins, or is everything just a part of the normal course of evolution? Is the line between DJing and entertainment blurring even further?
KANYKEI: I guess the word ‘normal’ is very subjective. I think being part of the evolution, and seeing the scene change and evolve, IS normal. I feel like going hand in hand with life is normal, and accepting change is normal. DJs have become central figures in entertainment, which is a natural progression as electronic music grows in popularity. While it’s exciting that more people are discovering this music, it’s true that the focus has shifted from the music to the DJ’s brand and story. At the end of the day, I feel like the music should always remain at the heart of it. The challenge is finding balance—where the DJ’s persona enhances the music, not overshadows it. Ultimately, it’s the music that brings us together.
Niconé: The dancefloor has shifted—phones are out more than ever, capturing moments instead of fully immersing in the music. It’s the new reality, but as DJs, we can guide the energy to make people want to connect with the moment. By creating a set that surprises and moves them, we can still engage the crowd, even if they’re sharing it with the world in real-time. The phones are just part of the experience; the key is keeping the energy alive and unforgettable.
“I feel like the music should always remain at the heart of it”
EG: Finally, what can we expect from KANYKEI & Niconé in the next few months? Where can your fans catch you next?
KANYKEI: We will both be playing for a Katermukke showcase in NY and Miami in November, then I will be back for Miami Art Basel in December, back to NY for NYE to close out 2024.
Niconé: You can catch us in NY and Miami where we will be performing together.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, guys! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!
KANYKEI: Thank you so much for the thoughtful questions and interest in our upcoming EP. I truly enjoyed this conversation and appreciate the support.
Niconé: Thank you guys!
KANYKEI and Niconé’s ‘Sun Reign’ is now available on KATERMUKKE. Stream and download here.
Follow KANYKEI: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
Follow Niconé: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
