Since opening its doors to the public for the first time in 2007, WOEI has left its mark on the international sneaker and streetwear community with several collaborations including Asics, Patta, and Stüssy along the way.
But the interests and passions of the WOEI crew reach far beyond just shoes and apparel; Besides providing the streets with the latest from Nike, Adidas, and Co., music has always been at the heart of the store. Considering the highly curated playlists and mixes that can be heard in the store and hosting some of Rotterdam's most notorious parties, the belief that music unites is deeply ingrained in the WOEI DNA.
Based on this deep connection, we want to shine a spotlight on some of our favorite local musicians to talk about what sparked their passion for music and hear their take on common dilemmas in the music industry.
For episode #43 of WOEI FM, we met with KOBORO, our friend from the UK;).
Scroll down for the interview and live set he did for us over at Operator Radio!
Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Leeven, aka KOBORO. I’m a UK based DJ & curator/co-founder of Elicit Records.
Can you explain the origin of your DJ name and the story behind it?
Koboro is the traditional drum from my country, Eritrea. Almost all the music made in my country uses this drum as the base, so it holds a lot of cultural significance.
When did you first come in contact with producing and DJing in general?
I started DJing 8 years ago, but I started messing around with production way before, fiddling around a lot with FL Studio, making Grime music. I’ve always been into all kinds of music; a lot of trance (the good kind), and of course I grew up listening to a lot of Dubstep, etc., and later on this evolved more into techno and house stuff.
When I started DJing 8 years ago, I did a lot of promotion work for uni. At one point I left music a bit for a while, I was overwhelmed by other stuff, just life in general. In recent years I returned with the new alias, KOBORO, and it has a more defined part now because I know what I want to do now and what I stand for.
When did you realize that music would have such a big impact on your life?
Well, music has always been a huge part of my life, but I feel like it’s only really been a year since I’ve gained a clear vision and realization of exactly what it is I wanted to gain from it.
Besides DJing, what’s your day-to-day life like?
I work within the renewable energy sector and come from a chemical engineering background. Food is also another huge part of my life and I started a vlog called “The Flavour Vault” (@the_flavour_vault) last year, which is growing steadily and has served as another creative outlet for me.
Obviously, you're not from Rotterdam. Can you tell us a bit about where you're from, and what the city’s like?
So I’m from London but grew up partially in my ethnic/home country - Eritrea. My childhood was a bit back ’n forth, but most of my academic studies were in the UK. People in the UK still take a lot of stuff for granted because the scenes did so much for the kids. A lot of pioneers come from the UK when you think about the Dubstep, Drum ’n Bass, and House scene. In Bristol, there’s this huge Bass and Jungle scene, and also Sheffield got a big Bass scene. It’s all connected, and that’s the beauty of it.
When did the label start for you and Kessler?
2022 was when we first started working on it, but we didn’t release anything until the end of October. We’ve been working on it for such a while, creating and perfecting the visual identity.
When it comes to style– Naturally, you wouldn’t want to put yourself and the Elicit Records label in a certain box. But producing style-wise, what are your influences, or where do you draw your ideas from?
Very much multi-genre, lots of UK sounds and IDM sounds all round. Very forward-thinking and we love experimentation, I think that’s what the future of club music is supposed to sound like, I think? It should always be innovative and thinking ahead. Inspiration wise, I’m a huge fan of labels like Ilian Tape label, YUKU, RE:LAX, and Amity Club.
Can you tell me something about your first live gig and how did you prepare for it?
2015 I think, I didn’t even prepare for it. I just had some old CDJs (CDJ 350) and just hopped on those decks. I played tunes without even knowing what the hell I was doing.
What is one of your most highlighted moments from the past years?
I think recently with ADE. I’ve always wanted to visit ADE, but to be able to play and see what is happening in the city is insane. I’m not usually a fan of Amsterdam, but it’s cool.
I finally went to Houghton festival, I didn’t play there but I went and it was a sick experience! Of course Dutch festivals are great; Draaimolen etc. But it’s too organized. In the UK, things are more nasty and a mess. That’s why UK festivals are still the best.
Vinyl or Digital?
Digital bro, because I can just carry everything in my pocket. But undeniably there’s something about having the physical part of vinyl. You need to know what you have in your bag.
Club nights or Festivals?
Festivals! The vibe is different because with festivals it’s so much easier to get immersed in.
Is there a certain club/venue you’d still like to perform at?
I still want to perform at Fabric London, and FOLD. They’re the only big clubs in London. And a new one in Germany called Open Ground. Insane soundsystem over there!
Is there something on the agenda you’re willing to share with us?
There’s a new V/A coming. But we have a lot of releases coming up in the next few months. We haven’t done a release in this quarter, but we’re ready to give more in the new year.
What can we expect from your Operator set?
Big UK vibes for the most part but as usual a bit of this and a bit of that, with a bit of forthcoming Elicit Records material in the mix. Not a lot of talking but the music can do the talking!
Can't get enough of WOEI FM? Check out WOEI FM #42 with Off Beat Records!
