DIVA caught up with Kam Caniniage, perhaps better known
by her alias as DJ EVO-K. Kam is from Lake Garda in Italy and is
keen to break into the UK music market. Could she be on the path to
success as the biggest Italian lesbian mover and shaker? We'll
leave the decision up to you…
DIVA: All this talk of aliases sounds confusing! What
exactly is EVO-K?
EVO-K: EVO-K is my alias: I'm Kam, better known
as DJ EVO-K, which is my current music project.
Ok! And how did you get into DJing?
Since I was little I've loved music. My father was a DJ so I
grew up as a singer and musician. I then studied singing and music
production. I have always been madly in love with electronic music
and with the DJ world. Over the years I chose to become a DJ
and producer and now I can say that EVO-K is my world.
How would you describe your sound to DIVA
readers?
My prevailing genre is house music and also a pinch
of techno music. I try to mix music genres and it can
sometimes sound strange. But when everything is dosed in moderation
it becomes a very smooth and solid.
My music is inspired by the experiences of my whole
life: travels, passion, sex, pain, tears, joys, desires,
loves, the world around me and my need for freedom.
What makes your music different?
My sound is neither too extreme nor too niche and
actually rather commercial, I would say. So what makes it unique?
All my emotions, moods and vibes that I dress every single
note with when I write.
How has being a lesbian affected your music
career?
Being a lesbian gave me the strength and will to never
give up. To strive to get a small, hard-earned
place within a totally male art world, still not fully
prepared to really believe in women's artistic and music
skills. This is especially so if you want to be a female
producer.
Tell us more about the She+She fashion project you're
involved in.
SHe+SHe | He+He is a new Italian clothing brand from
Perugia. Their project stems from the desire and right of belonging
to a gay friendly world. It's about the pride to
live every day without prejudice. I am working with them
for a year and love to perform my shows wearing some of their
clothing or accessories, even when it's not an LGTBQ
event.
In this way I hope to give a little help to break down a
bit of prejudice and believe me, unfortunately Italy is still full
of it.
Do you think the music industry is accepting of LGBTQ
artists?
Regardless, it's very important to be openly lesbian or gay. I
believe that still today the disclosure of your sexual
orientation and gender identity, for public figures and
artists could be a little dangerous if done in the wrong way
or time. Or even worse if done just for promotional
purposes.
If musicians, who may be a kind of reference point for many
people or simply an idol to follow, are openly lesbian it can
certainly help to give a little more strength to all those
people for whom 'be yourself' is still wrong or taboo.
Is there any music you would recommend for DIVA
readers?
Within the gay world I really admire Uh Huh Her. Otherwise
Deadmau5 or Wolfgang Gartner.
Will you be performing in the UK?
So far I have only played in Liverpool and London. I hope that
thanks to the new album, I will have the chance to explore the
UK.
