Anglo-Mauritian producer Joseph Deenmamod has been crafting an eclectic blend of afro-beat inspired electronic productions under the alias Mo Kolours since 2011. Currently based out of London, Joseph has managed to create an unique palette of sound that combines aspects of soul, hip-hop, dub, funk and electronic music with the exotic & intricate drum rhythms of his native Island of Mauritius. Mo's self titled debut LP was proclaimed as many as one of the most inventive dance records in recent memory back when it was released in 2014.
As he prepares for the debut of his newest project, the How I (Rhythm Love Affair) EP, I was given the opportunity to have some one-on-one time with the artist so that readers could gain more of an understanding of the man behind the rhythm.
EARMILK: Hello! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
Mo Kolours: Hello Readers! I go by the name of MO KOLOURS and I am delighted to make acquaintance!
EM: How long have you been producing under the alias “Mo Kolours”?
MK: About 5 or 6 years under the guise.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/187652595" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
EM: Where does the name originate from?
MK: It just came to me when I was first putting together a CD of beats with vocals. I needed a name for the singer…..then suddenly like a flash appears the name MO KOLOURS.
EM: What inspired you to start producing music?
MK: Lots of things, people, and kinds of music, inspired me to start making music. Drums. Listening a lot. Realizing the DIY approach. Not necessarily feeling like I needed to study music (academically) to have fun, was an inspiring realization too. And knowing I had ideas to explore or emulate. Feeling excited about the prospect….. But mainly just the raw emotion and expression i feel through listening and creating music. A deep sense of connection to a timeless language.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/129494602" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
EM: You have a very soulful and afro-centric sound that is kind of like a unique mix between Madlib or Jay Dee with Fela Kuti.. Who are some of your actual musical influences?
MK: All of the artists you mentioned have had a powerful effect on me, as well as many other greats like: Nina Simone, Delia Derbeyshire, Jimmy Cliff, James Brown,
Sunny Okusun, Sunny Ade, Sun RA, Son House, to all the Sons, Suns and Sonnys out there (Rollins), Bob Marley, Micheal Jackson, all the guys on the t-shirts,
Marvin Gaye, Prince, Milford Graves, Doug Hammond, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Pete Rock, DJ Premier,Tony Allen, Rob Swift, Paul White, Stomu Yamashta, The Strangers, Roy Ayers, Kankick, Kahil El Zabar, and many many more…..
EM: Is your music more inspired by hip-hop or electronic music?
MK: Hip-Hop out of the two. But all music inspires me in some way.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/129494608" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
EM: What are your views of the current music scene? How important has the internet community been in your musical career?
MK: Music is in a strange hanging place. On the verge of something new always, morphing and changing always. The scene is too. So my view of the scene, is that, its a strange, wonderful, horrible, beautiful, amazing, shape-shifting beast. Or a big ocean wave, shining, ready to ride, or float or get dragged under. I'll admire it while I can. The internet community has been instrumental to what I do. So many ways to get stuff out there, round the other side of the planet! WOW. Sometimes though, it does just feel like, lots different ways to email all dressed up in fancy clothes. I'm by no means internet savvy, or that engaged with the fast moving, current tech trends, and I never really caught up with the online conversations, and things. I type pretty slow too.
EM: Has the UK scene been accepting? Do you hope to break through to the States in future?
MK: Strangely, I feel the UK scene, or just a surprising amount of people, have been real nice about what I'm doing. I've never been to the States, and intend on getting out there for sure. As a lot of the music I love comes from that vast place. As for 'breaking through'……wooooh!!…….
EM: How did you first link up with Paul White, and how much of an influence has he been in your career?
MK: First linked with Paul White through a mutual friend Liam. We all loved the same music, but Paul had a small collection of drum machines. Paul was already making some crazy stuff back then. We used to just hang out, and listen to music. Then Paul's stuff dropped through Alex at One-handed Records. He asked me to warm up, and play a little records at his first single launch. And that's how I met Alex who later went on to put out my stuff too. I was lucky to work with Mr White on his early live shows, before I even put out my own stuff, we did some gigs and I got a lot of priceless experience and confidence. I can't imagine what I would've done without the dude. I'm sure I'm one of Paul's first proper fans! P 'Dubyah's influence has been huge, and still is. Much love to the brother!
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/194328188" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
EM: What are your goals for the future?
MK: Just keep expanding in all directions. Just make stuff better!
Make sure to check out the 'How I (Rhythm Love Affair)' EP when it is released on March 9th through Bandcamp & Itunes!
Mo Kolours
How I (Rhythm Love Affair)' EP [Interview]
- One-Handed Music
- 3/9/2015
