Gaiko is carving out a distinct space for himself. His debut self-titled album on Nous’Klaer Audio showcases a wide-ranging approach, delivering moments of euphoria and skittering beats alongside more melancholic and introspective sounds.
Born Kaito Defoort, Gaiko grew up in a musical family surrounded mainly by classical and jazz musicians. He took up the piano, stating that »I did go to an academy, but I left to focus on sport«. After moving away from following a conventional musical education in his early teens, his passion was re-ignited by dance music and club culture. »It was electronica that sparked my interest again in producing music and as a result I decided to start studying piano by myself.«
Gaiko
With an intense focus on practice and following his own distinct ideas, he’s brought together his personal study of the piano with his development as an electronic producer, to create his versatile sound that has been captivating audiences at home in Belgium. It is also now helping him to reach further afield and grow his appeal. When describing his musical taste, Gaiko jumps around – referencing the music that has shaped him from »IDM and jazz on the ECM label to flamenco, alternative pop and ambient music«. His diverse taste makes absolute sense when listening to his record, where all of the influences are filtered through the lens of heady and cerebral electronica, creating an ever-intriguing whole.
»The self-titled album had a lot of euphoric moments on it, but for now I want to make something more melancholic. Sort of dark and unsure«.
Gaiko
Carving out a singular path in music is a clear driver for Gaiko. He talks with abundant enthusiasm about musicians who have developed singular sonic fingerprints with their work: »I’ve always been attracted to artists who create a unique language that is instantly recognisable by the listeners. You immediately know if it’s a record from DjRum, Oklou, Björk or Marina Herlop«. Diving headlong into electronica and dance music culture created the Gaiko that we hear on his record. Initially drawn to DJing and the immersive potential of club music – he over time started exploring the stripped back after-hours-sounds of artists like Burial. He talks of wanting to create what he defines as »introspective club music«.
In the Mood for Uncertainty
While influenced by the club and the transcendent potential of dance music, Gaiko makes tracks that fit into an altogether different place. Sometimes funky and driving, it is detailed, intriguing and ideal for headphones on listening.
Right now, he has been working on his AV show, but he has one eye on the future, thinking of the next batch of material and where his expansive and versatile approach to electronica might take him. »The self-titled album had a lot of euphoric moments on it, but for now I want to make something more melancholic. Sort of dark and unsure«.
While clearly wanting to lean into the introspective potential of his music with future excursions, it’s also evident that he has an open mind and wants to see where his experiments take him. When pushed further on what the future might hold for Gaiko, he adds »we’ll have to wait and see«.
