Smooth like Butter - Momo Khani

The up-and-coming deep house producer/songwriter Momo Khani was introduced to music at a young age whilst singing in a church choir. Since then, he knew that music would always be a big part of his life. His passion continued to develop as he begun taking an interest in various instruments, mainly piano and guitar, and in 1990 he joined a punk rock band in Vienna, as lead drummer for two years.

In 2008 Momo moved his roots to Marbella, in southern Spain, where he created Dirty House Studio, composing and remixing different sounds in collaboration with other artists. His use of a wide range of instruments and production techniques help him to create a fresh and innovative style. He has an army of fans on SoundCloud and Facebook and his single Drop Your Love, released in 2013, put him on the deep house music map.

Interview by Sarah Gatward

In 2008 you created your own company ‘Dirty House Studio’, what made you to get back into music after such a long break?
I have always been ready to make music, it has always been there and when the circumstances were correct, the idea to make a production studio actually came to me in my sleep.

‘Dirty House Studio’ is a great name, how did it come about?
It actually happened by coincidence, whilst construction of the studio was in process my house was full of plaster and dirt, and it was just a dirty house studio.

Who are your main musical influences?
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Daft Punk, Moby, Quincy Jones, etc… too many to name, the world is full of influences.

Your first big single ‘Drop Your Love’ was released in 2013 and has been widely praised for its lyrical dexterity, did you write it yourself?
90% of the lyrics I wrote myself, the other 10% I finalized with the help of the singer of the track, Adam Graham.

Momo Khani – Drop Your Love ft. Adam Graham (Tap on video title to open in Creation 5)

Likewise with your newest single ‘Again’, the instrumental side is delicious. Do you play/compose it yourself?
Absolutely. Originally it only existed as an instrumental, that I composed myself. When I started to collaborate with Blackmouth, he came up with the lyrics to the song, and of course then sang them.

Momo Khani – Again ft. Blackmouth

All your singles seem very different from each other, is there a reason for that?
I wouldn’t say they are that different from each other, deep house has a lot different styles whilst keeping within it’s category. It also has a lot to do with my mood and the artist I’m working with at the time.

Could you give us a summary of what the process of creating a single is like?
It constantly differs. Belle Epoque took me 2 weeks to write, whereas Again took me 2 years. I get a melody in my head, I play it. Another idea comes, I write it down. I’m in a certain mood, I get inspired by songs I hear and things around me. Normally 90% of production happens in the first few days! The last 10%, the perfecting of a song is what takes the longest. I also don’t finalize the song, I use the help of professional studios for the mix down and polishing of the tracks, as my studio is only equipped for production.

In 3 words, how would you describe your sound?
Smooth like butter.

You’ve collaborated with a wide range of artists, local and international, it must be a fantastic experience.
Yes – a great experience. Each one of them has inspired me with their style. However, I don’t marry artists, I’m always on the lookout for new artists and I know there’s so many out there, so I try not to work with the same artist twice.

Momo Khani – Belle Epoque

Being a songwriter/producer is clearly your passion, is it your livelihood as well?
No it isn’t and that’s where I get lucky. I’m financially unattached from music production, which makes it a real passion and in a way I think that’s what makes the music so special.

What’s the reaction to your music been like so far? Have you received a lot of positive feedback from fans?
Yes, 99% positive feedback! Since I’m not completely mainstream people only listen to the songs and comment if they are into this kind of music, they give the music a chance and most of the time they end up loving it.

Momo Khani & Jay Saccone – Infinity ft. Phill Kullnig

You’re a producer and songwriter, do you also like to Dj?
No. Although in this digital age, it’s sometimes the only way to break even with all the outgoing costs you have in production. I have had some great offers recently but my record label won’t allow me – for at least the next two years anyway.

Changing topic, something we always like to know, what’s playing on your iTunes right now?
My music! Most of my inspiration comes straight from my head, I’m not listening to a lot of other music right now.

Both your latest singles have been chart toppers on the iTunes Electronic charts, what does the future hold for Dirty House Studio?
I’m actually in the process of moving to a new studio and by January 2015 I will start production again. For now, I have a few summer songs on my mind and maybe even an EP….

Follow Momo Khani on:
Soundcloud
Facebook
Dirty House Studio’s Facebook

Momo Khani chose our Sunday Sessions this week. Click here for the playlist.