IN CONVERSATION WITH KAAZE
Interview by Samo Šajn
Swedish DJ and producer KAAZE is known for his high-energy sound and global stage presence. With his latest single ‘Invincible’, he reveals a more personal side. Written as a tribute to his daughter, the track steps away from the club and into something more emotional and reflective. We spoke with KAAZE about fatherhood, life on the road, and what’s next.
Your new single ‘Invincible’ is dedicated to your daughter. How did becoming a father change the way you approach music and creativity?
I wanted to dedicate a song to my daughter Seven, and the only vision I had was her. That’s why it’s a little bit different compared to my classic sound. I was just being guided by Seven’s personality. I wanted it to have its own sound and not be too clubby, not too tied to KAAZE, but more dedicated to Mick as a father.
You’ve said the track came together in under 48 hours. What did that process look like, and why do you think it flowed so naturally?
The vocal already had such a strong character, so that made it easy for me to combine my vision of my daughter into the track. It was a very natural process — the ideas flowed, and the overall direction took shape super quickly.
You directed the music video yourself. What story did you want to tell visually, and how personal was that experience for you?
The video was purely based on Seven. I even found children with similar features to her to really make it feel like she was in the video. It was a combination of capturing my daughter, the summer, and the happiness she radiates in one story.
Touring globally whilst being a present father is not easy. How do you balance life on the road with home life?
Extra, extra flights! I add trips home in between shows. When I’m away, I call my daughter every day. It’s also important for me to prioritise being the best version of myself during crazy schedules and time zone changes. That means a healthy diet and staying sober, because when I’m in father mode, I want to be fully present and give my daughter 100%.
You’re known for your Hot Tekno sound. How does ‘Invincible’ fit into the evolution of your sonic identity?
It’s kind of what I said before — ‘Invincible’ is living a bit on its own. It definitely doesn’t sit in the Hot Tekno space. It’s much more melodic, uplifting, and house-leaning, which is exactly how I wanted it. ‘Invincible’ is more Mick, and Hot Tekno is more KAAZE.
Beyond music, you've built a strong personal brand, from business ventures to your signature tailored style. How important is image and identity in your career today?
For me personally, it’s almost equally important. I’ve always had a big passion for fashion, clothes, and personal branding in general. I think it’s very important to maintain that as a musician — it’s almost as important as the music.
Fitness and mental health are something you are open about. What routines or habits help you stay grounded?
Minimal alcohol, for sure. I try to work out every day, even when I’m on tour, and I stick to a healthy, balanced diet that fuels the energy I need to tour, create, and show up on my A-game in all aspects of life. Above all, the key is consistency and building good daily habits.
What do you press play on when you’re working out to keep you hyped?
When I work out, I listen to very, very heavy metal — everything from Slipknot to Linkin Park.
You’ve played some of the world’s biggest stages and are heading to Tomorrowland this year for the first time. What still excites you about performing at that level?
I’m really looking forward to making my Tomorrowland debut and playing across both weekends. What keeps me excited is connecting with new audiences — people who maybe don’t know me yet — and meeting new fans I haven’t seen before.
With ‘Invincible’ marking a more personal chapter, what’s next for you musically and creatively over the coming year?
I’m very excited for my next release, ‘WTF’, coming out soon on Smash The House. The original topline is from Roland Clark, so it’s pretty amazing to have an MC legend backing it. It’s had a lot of hype on social media over the past year since I’ve been playing it in my sets. I almost think it could become my new ‘Papi’, one of my most popular tracks to date. We’ll see on release day!
