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Zak Davis: At what point did you know that this was the career for you?
Krafty Kuts: It was when I owned a record shop and I started producing music around that time. My first record came out on Fatboy Slim's record label Southern Fried. I started to play out my tunes and surprisingly, people were going off to it. Ministry of Sound caught wind of what I was doing and signed three 12" releases. Getting a buzz from playing at clubs around the world made me realise that there was no better thing than DJing and making music.
Zak Davis: I saw you perform in Miami at WMC in 2004 with Kurtis Blow. How was it to work with a hip-hop legend? Have you worked with him since then?
Krafty Kuts: It was an amazing experience to work with Kurtis Blow. Back in the early days, people like Kurtis and Run DMC were massive idols for me. 'The Breaks' was one of my all time favourite records and I've always wanted to rework it into a modern version. A friend of mine, Dr. Luke, knew Kurtis and got him to come into the studio. I showed him what I was about, what my ideas were and he loved it. He came in reworked the vocals, Dr. Luke replayed the guitars and A.Skillz and I produced the track.
Zak Davis: Is there someone out there you would like to meet (that you haven't already)?
Krafty Kuts: If I could sit and chat with someone it would have to be someone like James Brown or Kool and The Gang or Earth, Wind and Fire. Those are the people that influence my music and I would like to ask them what inspired them to make the music they did.
Also, what the drum breaks were all about and why they played them. People still make drums from 60's, 70's drummers etc. That's who I would meet if I had the chance.
Zak Davis: What is in your record box/CD case at the moment?
Krafty Kuts: New bits from Rennie Pilgrem, Plump DJs, Stanton Warriors, Freq Nasty, myself. Always keeping on top of my game and making sure I have the newest in tune selection. I keep stuff from Finger Lickin', my label Against the Grain, TCR, Marine Parade, also digging deep to find those classic gems and being a bit creative with loops and accapellas. Anyone from Eric B. to Michael Jackson may pop up during my sets. For me, it's all about having a variety in my music and delivering all sorts of genres and sounds.
Zak Davis: Does this new album with Yousef reflect what we might see in a Krafty Kuts live show?
Krafty Kuts: The mix CD I did for Chibuku Shake Shake is basically what I'm all about. Playing everything from hip-hop to breaks to drum 'n' bass. I play more breakbeat because that's what I make and it's what I'm really into at the moment. I've always loved hip-hop and d'n'b and it gives my sets just that something extra. Most of the time my sets consist of all those elements to deliver a diverse couple of hours of music.
Zak Davis: What has your favourite gig/city been to date?
Krafty Kuts: Sydney, Australia 2004 New Years day with Kurtis Blow playing in front of Twenty-three thousand people was quite memorable. Also that same day in Melbourne A.Skillz and I played a four deck set which was an incredible confidence booster because we played flawless. 2001 in Los Angeles, E3 Convention was great seeing as I only had a small bag of records to play a four-hour set. It's hard to say what gig has been the best but if I had to pick one it would be Sydney, 2004.
Zak Davis: While most people go to Ibiza or New York for holiday, what do you consider a holiday?
Krafty Kuts: I went to Ibiza about two years ago and really enjoyed it, it was more of a working holiday. I also went to Miami, which was another beautiful place to visit. To get away and not work I would have to say some where like the Canary Islands. Ideally I would like to go to Australia; it's got everything I love.
Zak Davis: Where do you currently reside?
Krafty Kuts: My residence is in Brighton near the seafront in the Marina. It's a beautiful place to live, very inspiring.
Zak Davis: Can we expect to see you here in the US supporting the album?
Krafty Kuts: After I'm finished my breakbeat album, which will probably be later on in the year, you can expect to see my face in America. I've just come back from an amazing gig in San Francisco and I would definitely like to come back. Check out Krafty Kuts at a venue near you!