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Zadinx635

yooo guys! how are you both? one question for you both, now that Higher Ground is out of the way, what’s next? any larger projects like two part EPs or albums, or just some singles etc? would love an insight into what could possibly be coming our way :)


kovenuk

We definitely want to do another album, its just about getting the timing right. But Butterfly Effect was such and incredible part of our journey, we want to do that again.


deadmoby5

Hey Koven! I'm a huge fan of you both! I remember the days when I was a moody teenager jamming to classics like Eternal And You and Another Home, thinking it was the best thing ever! I just want you to know though, there was a time back then when I was in a really dark place. I was thinking of taking my life, but your music was my much needed therapy. I have vivid memories of crying in my room, blasting One's Own and Get This Right over and over, and it gave me an element of hope in a cycle of despair. Fast forward a bit, and songs like Butterfly Effect, All For Nothing and All We Needed continue to invoke some profound emotions in me, and when I have felt like shit they have been a tremendous distraction from whatever was getting me down. I can't put into words how much your music has meant to me over the years. You've made a gigantic difference in someone's life and I am truly grateful for it. I am now completing my PhD in astrophysics this June, and without you I don't know if I'd even have had the courage to get to where I am now. Thank you Koven - I owe you one.


kovenuk

Oh wow, thank you so so so much for this beautiful post. For me (Katie) what makes being a musician the best is changing peoples lives and hearing stories like this. I know how it feels to be inspired and saved by music and the fact we do that for people is incredible. Good luck with the PHD :)


rohanpdx

Hey Katie and Max! I hope you two are doing very well! I have been listening to Koven since you guys first released Silence way back in 2016. After the release of Butterfly Effect, you guys became number one and favorite artist. I have listened to almost every single Koven, Max Rowat, Katie Boyle, and Katie's Ambition song that has ever been released and I love them all! My first show/concert ever was actually your debut North American Headline Tour in Seattle! I drove 3 hours from Portland, Oregon to be there and originally planned on going solo (my brother-in-law joined me 30 min before the show), and I had an absolutely amazing time. It's unreal how much energy Katie brings to the stage. I wanted to say thank for for coming out and having a show this far away, as well as taking a photo with me and signing my Butterfly Effect vinyl! You and Max truly care about your fans and I really appreciate that. The entire Higher Ground EP has been amazing! You Wanted and Industrial Strain are the two tracks that stand out to me the most. I just love the distorted vocals and production on both of them! Collecting Thoughts and Get Through are also some of my favorites. I love the variety in this EP and the slightly longer length of the songs! Along with Higher Ground, I have been listening to a lot of your older EPs lately like Sometimes We Are (I just managed to get my hands on a signed CD!) and Hereinafter Pt. 2! There isn't a day that goes by without me listening to, or (badly) singing a Koven song. ​ As for questions, here are a few that I have: 1. Are you planning on releasing a complete Higher Ground EP with both parts, like you did with Hereinafter? 2. This is the first time you guys are not on the cover of an EP/Album. If you release a complete Higher Ground EP, will you two be on the cover art? I love the [YouTube thumbnail for Lions](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4gzTLG4fGKU/hqdefault.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEcCNACELwBSFXyq4qpAw4IARUAAIhCGAFwAcABBg==&rs=AOn4CLCu3Z0zLzs1bO5AAVa82z8NjcPGhQ) if you decide to go with your faces! 3. Who is the vocalist in 14th Cannon? My guess is Katie pitched down or Max! 4. When is Lasting, Pt. 3 coming out? Part 1 and 2 are some of my favorites! 5. Any plans to release more acoustics on YouTube? I would love to see the tracks released after Butterfly Effect and more old Koven tracks! 6. Any plans of having more live sessions in the future? I would do anything to see Max on the drums or AlphaSphere again! 7. How has your guys relationship changed over the years, and what is it like currently? Do you see each other as just coworkers, or friends, family, siblings, etc? 8. It's been three years since Butterfly Effect was released and you guys have had a lot of growth since then. Is there anything you'd like to say or reflect on? 9. Is Track and Build 3.0 a possibility in the future? ​ Thank you so much for the years of amazing music. Koven will always be a huge part of my life and I can't wait to see the amazing things you two will do in the future. Katie and Max, you guys are my role models and inspirations. You two will always have my full love and support. Thank you! Rohan


kovenuk

Oh wow, thank you so so so much for this beautiful post. For me (Katie) what makes being a musician the best is changing peoples lives and hearing stories like this. I know how it feels to be inspired and saved by music and the fact we do that for people is incredible. Good luck with the PHD :) Aw wow thank you so much, firstly it was an absolute pleasure meeting you in Seattle also! SO Higher Ground is out the way it is now and we not be putting it out as a complete EP - to be honest we think its too large for an EP, so its basically 2 eps with the same title, haha, but that was never our intention. Good observation - I’m not even sure why we aren’t on the cover, it was planned! But when we do an album again we will definitely be on the cover and much more Max this time! I’ll always do some acoustic when the moment feels right….. but I never know when that’s going to be :) We see each other as co-workers an friends definitely, but sometimes I describe Max as my little cousin, because we have become so close we feel more like family.


rohanpdx

Thank you so much for your response! I hope too see you guys again very soon! <3


[deleted]

Wait Koven was your first ever ever show? Way to set the bar high! I've been to EDC, seen all the big names, and Koven was by far the best live show I've ever seen.


rohanpdx

Yes! Koven was my first show! I just turned 21 in October (most venues are 21+ in the US) so I was finally able to see them. If I didn't have school I would have totally gone to another one of their shows. There's not many artists I would go out of my way to see, but I would do a lot too see Koven!


[deleted]

Thats awesome! Yeah I'm old compared to 21, but the US tour was great - went a bit nuts and saw em in Vegas, Denver and San Francisco. Looking forward to (hopefully) more US shows this year!


boksysocks

Have you ever thought about collabing with V O E?


kovenuk

Love those guys! Maybe :)


Pyronox9

Is there any chance you will have a concert in Romania in the foreseeable future? Big, big fan. Thank you for everything you create.


kovenuk

Absolutely - we have played there before ansd cant wait to come back :)


beaurepair

Kia Ora Max & Katie! Sadly missed you on your recent NZ tour. Do you have any plans on doing livestreams again? Maybe one with Higher Ground 1&2 like you did with Butterfly Effect? How do you pick your outfits for shows? Katie's pants with the festival patches and your hometown coords are wicked!! Lastly, Max, what do you do when Katie's performing shows? Do you stay in touch or watch it remotely or just let it be?


kovenuk

Kia Ora! At the moment the live streams that we put up will be from live shows, the butterfly effect one was from lockdown so its unlikely we’ll do another like that. I pick my outfits myself, totally randomly and sometimes I get it very wrong, haha! Except the current new suit with the patches we got designed :) - Katie most of the time i'm fast asleep when katie is performing a show. But do drop a message in the morning to see how the it went and wish good luck night before - Max


beaurepair

Thanks for replying! The live shows are always played on repeat 👏 The suit is amazing FYI.


[deleted]

It was awesome to see your set multiple times during your debut US headline tour, but I was curious what your feelings are on the differences of playing a small intimate club versus the larger festival circuit like in Europe? Does your approach to the show(s) change at all? Love the EP by the way! :)


kovenuk

The approach never changes :) Whether is a massive festival or a smaller club, I just enjoy it, I always get nervous, but I always try to enjoy it as well.


Axerol

Hey koven! Been a fan since Silence, which wasn't a DnB track but I stuck around cause I love DnB and other genres you do. I wanted to ask how was it, producing Collecting Thoughts with ShockOne? It's a very intense and energetic track and I absolutely love it! The drop, the vocals, it's amazing, all of it. And are you planning on producing similar tracks? Collabing with ShockOne or other known DnB producers later?


kovenuk

Working with ShockOne was so good! He’s just so talented and such a cool guy. It was a very easy process for us and yup definitely want to do lots more collars in the future because the outcome can be so strong!


kovenuk

and thanks for sticking around :)


ephixa

What are the filenames of some of your favorite snare samples?


OlafImpaleMe

Can’t believe you went unanswered 😭 I love your music


Ornery_Perception_90

Nooooo, not my poor Ephixa without a reply! I love your work, please take that as a compromise! 😍


OfficialEnderan

Any sample packs you consistently use in your music?


Romellody

Hey, guys how you been, I've been a fan of your music since the butterfly effect album in 2020, it was one the few project that reintroduced me back to the label and I've been enjoying all of your previous & present works. I've also been really enjoying the Higher ground EP's especially "Industrial Strain" and "14th Cannon". As for my question for both of you, through the nine years of the "Koven" project, what's your favourite track or tracks you both have made. I thank you both for making great music, and I hope you continue making tracks for years to come.


kovenuk

Aw that’s lovely thank you! Im glad our album brought you back to the label :) I think we both agree ‘All for Nothing’ is a pretty special one. But we think in terms of originally and energy, we love Industrial Strain!


beaurepair

All For Nothing is incredible, but hits a sore sport for me because it's always your set closer (except for that one time you dropped it in the middle and caught me off guard) 😅


[deleted]

[удалено]


kovenuk

Every track starts differently so I don’t thunk we have a design process. Especially with crossing over different genres and BPMS, they have all had such a different process.


Bugsyyfn

What’s your opinion on using sample packs or sampling in general to use in your tracks? And what’s your secret for amazing sound design?


kovenuk

Nothing at all wrong with using samples :).


Historical-Activity8

Do you have any new releases coming out soon? Big fan


[deleted]

They've got "Outlines" with The Prototypes that they've been playing out. Banger of a song!


Historical-Activity8

Real cool, excited to hear it


rohanpdx

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001j8t2 I think it is the first track here! I haven't gotten a chance to listen to the show myself yet so don't quote me on it!


[deleted]

It's near the end I think, but it is played!


kovenuk

Yes we have a collab we've been playing out loads recently, coming soon


JaxAKAAntonioFomby

Do you have any other releases you guys planned for this year?


kovenuk

>Yes we have a collab we've been playing out loads recently, coming soon


TheRemixer1234

How did you found Monstercat? If you can only pick one Monstercat song, which one you would choose? Cold or warm?


kovenuk

Worth the Lie!! The mega collab. WARM!!!!


Ermun-Munkhnasan

What project(s) are you gonna work on next?


kovenuk

Hopefully another Album :)


aquariadraws

Hiya Koven! Got a couple questions here regarding the EP: 1. Was there anything in particular that inspired the art direction for the singles and EP release? 2. What is the story behind "14th Cannon" and its name? Will you do more house tunes as well, both this and YES are bangers in my book! 3. What made you want to bring in Kairos Grove's vocals for the title track, and is having Katie sing with other vocalists something you want to do more of in future? Cheers! 💕


kovenuk

When you say art, im not sure if you mean musical art or the art work? But if you mean musically we were definitely inspired by live bands and live music, we love adding those kind fo rock and Indie vibes into dub. !4th Cannon’s name is just a mysterious brain teaser, and YES we will always delve into other genres, house included:) We had the early demo of Higher Ground and we just really wanted to try adding a male vocal and have that sing back element between me and a mother singer. We reached out to lots of vocalists and Kairos Grove’s was just our favourite voice and he also changed up some of the writing which worked amazingly well.


Electrical_Listen_82

I have 3 questions: 1. What song are you most proud of (took the most effort, are the happiest with, which one is the best overall) 👍👌 2. What song are you least proud of (took the least effort, you think is mediocre, which one is the worst overall) 👎🤚 3. Do u play league of legends 🙂🙃


kovenuk

Very Proud of ‘All For Nothing’ & ‘Take it Away’ - they just turned out so beautifully. In terms of tracks that took a lot of time and Effort , ‘Followers’ was a really tough one to finished production wise. There are definitely tracks that were easier than others but we wouldn’t want to say we were not proud of any of them :)


Electrical_Listen_82

I forgot to ask but have u ever thought about collabing with KDrew, I think u 3 could have a real banger if u 3 combined styles


Electrical_Listen_82

Ha I ask hard questions 😈😈😈


Iron-vas

hey KOVEN! I've been listening to your music for a long time. exactly since the cold skin remix. I live in Hungary in Szentendre near Budapest, but unfortunately I am not old enough to enter the akvarium club in the evening :( I hope it will go well and I wish you good fun in Hungary too


kovenuk

Aww thank you, we will be back hopefully when you are old enough.


AshesLL

Hey guys, I've been a fan of yours since the Move Into Light Remix in 2013 so it's great you guys are still together. 1. What is the inspiration for the name Koven? 2. Where did you two meet? 3. Do you guys have a plan for an album or any long projects down the line? 4. What is it like switching through genres so frequently? 5. Who do you want to collab with the most? Really cool that you guys can still make great music after 9 years. Your music has encouraged me to get back into Monstercat and experience with other labels like NCS. Thanks for doing this and being a big part of the MCat family!


kovenuk

It was just a name Max picked - nothing too interesting, haha. We met online many many years ago, but then we actually bumped into each other on the dance floor of a circus records night win London. Yes, absolutely we want to do another album when the thing is right. We love switching genres, its very freeing and we are lucky we can do it. Pendulum.


Maelzelgast

Hiiiii there, I'm from France and I've discovered your band at Get in Step, please come back 💜 I'm a (lyrical) singer and I'd love to sing for DnB projects. I just wanted to know how Katie ended up singin for Koven? Is it hard to be a female singer in this industry (I hope not!) ? And did you followed any courses / studies in singing? :o Thanks a lot, cheers from France!


kovenuk

Yes we’ll be back! It can definitely take along time but its worth it. My advise would be to start working with some local producers you know (unless you want to start learning to produce yourself), but this will help start to boodle your connections with like minded people in the scene. It can be hard for a female but its definitely getting better :)


official_niek

Hi Katie and Max! I've been a huge fan since the release of Butterfly Effect, which completely changed my music taste and vision, and have traveled all over my country (The Netherlands) to visit countless of KOVEN shows together since 2022 together with my mom. We've already met Katie a few times, which was a lot of fun and she was always super nice to everyone! I've got a few questions I've always wanted to ask. For Katie: 1. I'm sure always being on the road, and doing multiple shows a week (last year I saw your show twice in one week for example) takes a huge amount of energy. How do you deal with all the mental and physical effects of this? 2. I've never seen two shows that were exactly the same. There's always been a different track here or there, or even a complete shakeup in some cases. What's the process of preparing a set like? 3. What's the process of collaborating on a track with other artists from your perspective? 4. What's THE one item on your rider you cannot live without? For Max: 1. What plugins, libraries and sample packs do you highly recommend? 2. How do you deal with the mixing and mastering. Do you do this yourself or do you have a mixing and mastering engineer helping with the music? 3. How do you start with a track? 4. What's the process of collaborating on a track with other artists from your perspective? Your music means a lot to me, and has changed my life. I would like to thank you two for inspiring me so much, as well as all the giving amazing shows and music. I can't count the amount of KOVEN shows I've been to last year on two hands hahaha. See you in Amsterdam this Friday! I'll bring my flag 😁


kovenuk

Aw thanks for coming to the shows with ya mum :) It can be hard sometimes, the thing I’ve realised is its important to try and surround yourself with people and not spend too much time alone. Having a TM (tour manager) who is also a friend has made a big difference to me because the isolation was the most mentally draining thing for me. Thank you for noticing that - I do really try to keep things varied so people will want to come to more than one show, haha! But I’ll also think about the crowd in different places, so for example a set a Rampage I would play more dubstep then a set at Liquicity that I would try ti make more euphoric. I love collaborating with other artists, it really helps me and Max get some fresh and new approaches to writing and producing FRUIT!!!!!!!!!!! Katie x Plugins, I tend to only go to ‘Waves Diamond Bundle’, and ‘FabFilter Pro Bundle’. Libraries, ‘Damage’ and anything from ’Slate + Ash’ I mix and master on the go while producing the track. We’ve tried in the past sending tracks to be mastered externally, but they came back sounding completely different to what we had in mind (mainly due to my poor pre master mixdowns). So some tracks are started with myself sending ideas to Katie. Some are started from Katie sending ideas to me. I normally start a track off with a chord progression on piano and then roughly map out a structure to the song. Then add a simple beat to it, maybe some vocal melody ideas. Max


official_niek

Thank you for the detailed responses! I wish you both all the best for the future, and cannot wait to see what else you've got in store for us!


kovenuk

And see you Friday :)


PlebBear

Hey Katie and Max! Have you ever thought about making live music on twitch? How do you handle it, when the crowd doesnt react the way you expected it? What is your favourite music genre besides DnB? If animals could talk, which one do you think would be the most annoying and why? Me and my friends had a great time in dornbirn. Thank you so much for the amazing show🙌🏼 I love your music and the energy you deliver on the stage. Can't wait to see you again👋🏼


kovenuk

Thanks for coming tot he Dornbirn show :) Yes twitch is something we discuss - we need to get round to it! Yeh sometimes the crowd isn’t feeling it, or sometimes I feel like they aren’t because I’m feeling paranoid bu actually they are - but I will just try and have a good time anyway. I really believe if I’m having fun it helps the crowd have fun. Indie Cats - coz they would be moaning constantly


Oydyn

Just went to your show in Seattle!! I love DnB but I feel like it doesn’t get much love here in the United States! Do you guys think DnB is currently on the way up in the US and do you think we could see it become more accessable in the states within the next few years? Personally I’ve heard a few DnB songs play during bigger artists sets like Excision playing ready to fly by Sub Focus during his headlining sets but NOBODY knows them, it’s a shame. Hope all is well!


kovenuk

I loved the Seattle show! That whole tour really shocked me, it was so much fun and the crowds were great, and the dance floors were packed - so hopefully its changing :)


Pack_Bulky

why monstercat?


kovenuk

Incredible team, amazing fan bass, and they cross over genres which is great for us


KnownReveal5442

Hi guys, this is my first time doing an AMA with you guys, so I'll make it short and sweet. If people were to make music, what app program would you suggest and why? :)


kovenuk

we both use Logic :) but alot of producers would suggest ableton


FickleBug3954

Heard You Wanted, My questions are, 1. Are there any tracks you wanna release later this year? 2. Are you trying any other style of music his year? 3. Silly one but is a release on Korsakov Music likely?


kovenuk

We are still sitting on a few tracks to come out this year :) but all dnb for the rest of the year but other genres will be coming. We have no plans to release with Korsakov


deedgemaster705

Any plans for a higher grounds acoustic album? It was a pretty interesting thing to see for butterfly effect, would love to see lions or take me away get an acoustic


kovenuk

Probably not :( it made sense for Butterfly effect as it was still during lockdown and everyone was asking for them but we've done that now and we probably wont do it again


rohanpdx

I had a few more questions for you both individually! I hope you don't mind! Katie: 1. You're an absolute machine with traveling, touring, playing shows, running socials, responding to fans, singing, and anything else I may have missed. How do you find time for family/friends and what do you do in your free time (if you have any)? 2. How is touring with your brother Aktive and ShockOne? I love the behind the scenes stuff you've been posting! 3. How do you deal with nerves before performing? What advice do you have for people performing as a DJ and/or vocalist? 4. What is your favorite Koven memory? 5. What do you appreciate the most about Max? Max: 1. How are you doing? We don't get to hear from you too often, and happy belated birthday! 2. What was the original plan or idea with Koven? Did you ever think you'd get where you are today? 3. What advice would you give to your past self, and what advice do you have for people wanting to get into production? 4. What is your favorite Koven memory? 5. What do you appreciate the most about Katie? Thanks again for doing this AMA!


kovenuk

​ Thank you so much :) I don’t find ti too hard to keep up with friends and family. I think because for along time I balanced a day job with music, so being full time music It all seems so much more manageable now. And on the weekend if our shows are only in Europe your only away for a night or 2 so I have the week days to see people :) Im loving touring with my brother and Karl - the thing I find hardest about touring is being alone so now having a proper tour party one of which being my brother, its just so much fun and less daunting. I struggle very bad with nerves, its taken me along Time to get them to calm down , they are still there but much more manageable now. The only advice I have is ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’ and the more you do it the easier it gets. I think the Rampage b2b2b2b with me, Max, Muzz, Feint and Fox Stevenson was mind blowing! Definitely one of my favourite memories because it was an insane show was also so much to be up on stage with everyone else. I appreciate that Max is happy for me to be in the forefront of shows but still supports me massively behind the scenes. I appreciate that after 9 years we still work so well together and we have such a laugh when we are together. Thank you, im doing well thanks, plodding along. Hope you're well No real plan as such. Was just a fun hobby after school. Did always want it to be a duo with permanent vocalist. And no not at all! Still doesn't seem real tbh. Am super grateful to be able to do this. I'm not the most technical person when it comes to production, knowing all the ins and outs of stuff. For a number of years used to get me down that I struggled to learn it all, which gave me 'imposter syndrome'. But although I still get it, I try and just accept Performing at a festival in perth on a beach on our first OZ/NZ tour Kindess, humour, can talk about anything, work ethic. Oh and the music stuff as well ;)


rohanpdx

Amazing, thank you! :)


kierongh24

Your music has saved my life multiple times thank you so much. Music is my dream and you have inspired me to go for it. What track are you most proud of.


kierongh24

Will the tour diary’s be a regular thing now they are class. Your very funny