We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevin Kopkowski and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kevin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
“With great risk comes great reward” is a quote that’s definitely a perfect way to describe how I perceive risk. From the way I pick out music for my DJ sets (I never play the same set twice or have a chosen setlist in order to create a unique experience each time you see me play), also where I host events (every 2 or 3 months one of my many collaborators Trevor Thornburg and I host an underground music event in a huge drainage tunnel 100 feet long underneath train tracks in the middle of the desert). Risk plays an essential role in basically everything I do as far as the artistic path I’ve chosen. It was risky taking on my first festival gig I played which put me on this current path because it was at the end of quarantine when not everyone was okay with being in a large group of people and the reward from that was creating something from nothing. This experience also helped form my main outlet for creativity. I don’t just take risks to take risks or seem edgy, I’d like to think of myself as a deep thinker and I evaluate each risk from top to bottom and only take it on obviously if the incentive or reward is greater. Taking risks also means you will fail sometimes and everyone deals with failure differently and that’s what puts many people on the sidelines because it’s not easy and can be soul crushing at times, but it’s how you respond to failures and learn and grow, taking the highs and lows in stride is what keeps me humble. Throughout my life I’ve always accomplished or failed my own way. I tend to lean the way of a non-conformist not just to be unique or different, that’s just how I am by nature.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been an admirer of many art forms from surrealism to music production to dane, and I respect the process it takes to create such cool and amazing works of art, in all forms. Until recently, I never would have categorized myself as an artist per se but due to recent choices to pivot into the direction of being a creator of art; I now wouldn’t shun away from that category. I think what separates myself from others is I’m multi genre. I’m comfortable playing House, Bass, Break Drum & Bass, Trance, Lo Fi Hip Hop. Most importantly I can and have been doing it all as far as Event production from: Site management to booking, making flyers ( Never Templates) to artist management. Promoting and marketing. I have the audio and visuals needed for events, providing power and preforming as DJ . My overall perception and how I respect the past , definitely helps my creativity in the present. For example, in the field of being a DJ very few people mix or transition from track to track the way I do because I taught myself and had no mentor. I had to read books and had to trial and error by myself which has created my style. The crossfader is an essential tool in my skill set, I’d say 95% percent of DJs do not use this tool.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The first thing I would do is scoop up my very good friend, Justin Hoffman. He’s the equivalent of a 100 person welcoming squad because he is a warm, charismatic ball of joy. I tell people I’m the cool one but he’s the fun one and it’s so true. He’s a great human to have in your life and genuinely care about you. The first stop we’d make after Justin’s house is going to my favorite dispensary, Earth’s Healing on River road to center ourselves and get our minds right. 🙂 Cotton mouth you say? Well my favorite remedy for that is Tap N Bottle just north of Downton. It’s got a cool and laid back vibe with a variety of brews to satisfy any pallet but for some unknown reason we always end up at Bison Witches on 4th Ave. It’s our crew’s home base to have a beverage or a late night meal. On a more sobering trip, we would definitely hit up our established secret spot on Mt. Lemmon to beat the heat of hik up to Seven Falls in Sabino Canyon. Finally, we’d finish off the day at my favorite burrito spot, El NeNe for the best carne asada burrito in town, hands down.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Website: https://www.soundcloud.com/specialk_bass
Instagram: www.instagram.com/special_k.bass
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SpecialK.bass
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRHJ3s6zl_Nq5YZd6djKb3g
Image Credits
Melissa Hoffman, Adrian Ramirez, Nicole Pavicich, Andrew Garcia, James-Garrett Amayi-Kelley, David Marshall, Melissa “minxy” Williams, Coral Elise Amayi