Who are you and what is your artist name?
My name is Kris Cirkuit and I am an artist and producer
based in Edinburgh.
What’s your background?
I did quite a bit of DJing in the ’90s. I was not famous, but I had a blast playing at some wild free parties and festivals. I have a degree in Sonic Arts, which gave me great exposure to a wide range of experimental artists. The combination of rave and art has helped me produce some interesting works.
How has your practice change over time
I am much more experimental now. Initially, I tried hard to make my music sound “right” and fit into narrow boxes. I don’t do that anymore- the music is what it is, and that is really a freeing feeling!
What music genre do you most identify with?
Acid Techno! Although I produce a wide range of works, Acid Techno will always be close to my heart.
What themes do you pursue?
I start with a feeling. The song’s theme will go from there and vary depending on what emotion I wish to express. I also make soundscapes for art installations around themes of sanctuary and space.
What’s your scariest experience?
I decided to move back to London after living for a year in the USA. I had the address of a friend and a backpack. I still wake up in the morning and am amazed at how well this has all worked out!
Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
In the 1990’s I had the opportunity to help in a fully analogue electronic music studio. I learned about sound design and how to keep working on getting the sound right!
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
Discovering that the punch I was drinking at a party was “electric” just before I was due to play a set! I somehow kept it together enough to DJ!
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
Lots of things- sandblaster in a foundry, supermarket checkout, gym manager, coding instructor, sound engineer, paint specialist in a DIY shop…
Why music?
It allows me to express my creativity; I love working with sound.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
I wrote a soundscape for a friend’s project. It incorporated the voices of refugees reading a poem in their native language. They loved it, and that meant a lot to me.
What food, drink, song inspires you?
When I need inspiration, I play things randomly from a range of playlists- I have quite an eclectic musical taste, so there is always something to spark my imagination.
What do you like about your work?
I love it when I get into the “flow”, and everything else fades away.
What makes you angry?
Rudeness- it costs nothing to be polite.
What superpower would you have and why?
I would love to be able to fly! I could travel everywhere, and the view would be amazing.
Name something you love, and why.
My friends- they have my back and believe in me.
Name something you hate, and why.
I don’t really hate anything- it takes a lot of energy to hate things, and I focus on the positive.
What is your dream project?
I would love to write a great album and then code some super cool videos to go with it- I am currently working on that.
Name three artists that inspires you
Ryoji Ikeda, Saytek, Stirling Moss
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Keep it in the day
Professionally, what’s your goal?
To be the best version of myself in my creative work possible
What wouldn’t you do without?
My dog.
BIO: Kris is a computational and sonic artist, electronic composer and sound designer whose work often reflects upon a place, whether real or imaginary. Drawing on a wide range of input, Kris produces a diverse range of output, including (but not limited to) electronic music, film, live performance, computer applications and artist prints
